The importance of nutrition throughout the life cycle is undeniable. After all, people must eat to live. However, the significance of nutrition during specific times of growth, development, and aging is becoming increasingly appreciated. Different agencies have strive hard to ensure the safety of the food supply and for making adequate nutrients available to high risk segments of the population. Among different nutrient related deficiencies, PEM is widespread among the poor of developing countries. Since animal protein is beyond the reach of this group, their primary protein supply comes from plant based products. Among these, horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) commonly known as kulthi in India, is an important legume grown by small-scale farmer in arid areas of this country. It has been identified as a potential food resource of the tropics by the National Academy of Science Of USA. Horse gram is cheap and under explored legume crop rich in protein, calcium, iron and vitamins. Antinutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors, chymotrypsin, lectins, phytic acid, polyphenols, hemagglutins and oligosaccharides are present which can be reduced below their mischief potential through processing treatment. Besides this horse gram is capable to prevent Kidney stone, urinary discharges, obesity and irregular menstruation. Nourishing and therapeutic potential of horse gram if harnessed adequately, can act as a catalyst in improving the health of have-not masses.
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