Tag: Pulse safety

While excessive consumption of khesari dal was linked to a paralytic disease in the past, modern research and dietary practices have changed its perception. But the question remains: can khesari dal be eaten everyday without risk, or does its history still necessitate caution for daily consumption?

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, outbreaks of neurolathyrism have historically occurred in regions where khesari dal (*Lathyrus sativus*) became a dietary staple during times of drought or famine. The cause of this debilitating disease lies in a powerful, naturally occurring neurotoxin within the legume.

Lathyrism has been a documented neurological disorder for centuries, with outbreaks often following periods of famine. NCERT-related material indicates that the consumption of a specific pulse on a regular basis causes lathyrism, a devastating condition affecting the central nervous system.