Can Black Gram Help Fight Off Infection?

Infections are a fact of life. From viruses like the flu or COVID-19, to bacterial and fungal infections, it is nearly impossible to avoid contact with various pathogens and microorganisms in the world around us that may cause infection. Even so, getting an infection and/or contracting an illness or a disease from a viral, bacterial, fungal, or other infection is something we would like to avoid if at all possible. And, though living with microorganisms is a fact of life, by keeping our bodies healthy we may be able to prevent many infections and their most debilitating effects. In striving to keep our bodies healthy, one of the key components is to make sure we are eating high-quality nutritious food.

Black gram can support your efforts to build and maintain a strong immune system to fight off infection, as it contains some of the most important nutrients and minerals that our bodies need. 

What is an Infection?

Microorganisms are constantly trying to attack us. They can enter through any opening in the body, and if enough hostile microorganisms overwhelm the immune system, an infection may result. People all over the world experience infections that can range from minor discomforts such as the common cold, to deadly diseases like tuberculosis.

Preventing Infection 

Thankfully, our bodies were designed with a powerful defender known as the immune system. By taking proper care of our bodies, we can help strengthen the immune system and help it fight off many infections before they have a chance to cause trouble. Black gram, added to other elements of a nutritious diet, can make sure your immune system is in the best shape it can be.

Did you know that 70% of the immune system is located in the intestines? That’s right! A host of beneficial microbiome in the gut play a critical part in assisting our immune system, allowing it to protect us against many diseases. Accordingly, it’s important to keep a good amount of fiber in our diets, because fiber is what allows the microbiome to thrive. Without enough fiber, the microbiome lacks a scaffold to grow on.

Unfortunately, the average American is far from reaching the recommended amount of dietary fiber each day, which is between 25-38 g. Black gram is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, providing 18.3 g for every 100 g of raw seeds! Eating this legume regularly can help to promote the culture of healthy bacteria in the intestines, which, in turn, plays an important role in a strong immune system.

Fighting Infection

Regardless of how many preventative measures we take, sometimes an infection is unavoidable. But once an infection occurs, it’s not too late to fight back.

In addition to the benefits of fiber, black gram has been shown to contain a significant amount of antioxidants in its skin. Studies confirm that antioxidants may help fight off a wide range of infections.

Recovering from Infection

If you’ve recently experienced illness from an infection, during the days and weeks after, it is important to replenish your body with the nutrients it needs to rebuild and repair itself. Muscle loss is common during extended illness, as well as a depletion of many minerals used by the immune system like zinc and iron. The body also needs plenty of calories so it has the energy to regain strength. Protein is what our bodies are built out of, and so it makes sense that when our bodies need repaired, we should increase our intake of protein-rich foods.

Black gram is one of the best choices for your recovery menu, as it contains 341 calories per 100 g serving, and 25.21 g of protein. It also has more iron than almost any other legume, providing 95% of the recommended daily value per 100 g, and 30% RDV of zinc!

Give Black Gram a Try!

This ancient legume is a wonderful food for any occasion, but especially when your body is needing an extra boost. Why not try adding it to your regular meal plan? And if you have any other questions about black gram, feel free to contact us today!

Disclaimer: While we believe in black gram, and the power of black gram as a part of your healthy diet, neither black gram nor the statements made herein have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our black gram products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.