2. Pulses are the chief source of proteins in a vegetarian
diet apart from milk.
Proteins are required for
Growth and synthesis of tissues of body.
Formation of digestive juices, hormones, plasma proteins,
enzymes and haemoglobin.
Proteins also serve as alternative source of energy for
the body.
8-12% of total energy requirement should be
provided from proteins.
Proteins provide 4 kCal energy per gram.
3. Pulses are rich in essential amino acids such as
lysine, threonine, tryptophan which the cereals and
grains lack.
Protein quality differs from food to food and is based
on net protein utilization.
Net protein utilization: Egg protein is taken as
reference protein and the value of others are
expressed as relative to egg (100).
The net protein utilization of pulses is assumed to be
65.
5. Besides the previously mentioned nutrients pulses
are a good source of Vitamin B and folic acid.
6. References
Essential Paediatrics by O.P.Ghai.
Nutritive value of Indian Foods, National Institute
of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research,
Hyderabad. Pg47-48,59-60.