In This Article
Horse Gram (Hurali / Kulthi Dal)
Karnataka's ancient weight-loss dal. Used in Ayurveda for 3000 years for kidney stones, obesity, and diabetes. Modern research is validating the tradition.
TLDR — Horse Gram at a Glance
- Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is one of the oldest cultivated legumes in South Asia — consumed for 3000+ years
- 22g protein and 7mg iron per 100g raw — significant nutritional value despite being historically a 'poor man's food'
- Ayurveda prescribes horse gram (kulthi) specifically for urinary calculi (kidney stones) — modern research supports dissolution of certain stone types
- Among the highest antioxidant activity of any Indian legume — polyphenol content rivals green tea
- Requires thorough soaking (12+ hours) and long cooking — significant antinutrients if undercooked
- Not recommended during pregnancy — emmenagogue (uterine stimulant) properties in Ayurvedic classification
What Is Horse Gram?
Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) — called hurali in Kannada, kulthi in Hindi, kollu in Tamil — is a small, brownish-reddish legume indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Africa. For centuries it was called a “poor man’s crop” because it grows in dry, infertile soils with minimal water and input — making it drought-resistant and cheap to produce. This stigma caused it to be neglected nutritionally for decades.
Modern nutritional research is reversing this narrative. Horse gram has among the highest antioxidant activity of any Indian pulse, remarkable pharmacological properties including anti-urolithiatic (kidney-stone-dissolving) activity, and a nutritional profile that rivals more celebrated dals.
It is consumed primarily in Karnataka (as hurali saaru — a spiced soup), Tamil Nadu (as kollu rasam), Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan. It is less commonly eaten in North and East India.
The Kidney Stone Connection
Horse gram has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for urinary calculi (kidney stones) for over 3,000 years. Modern studies — primarily from Indian research institutions — have validated aspects of this:
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found horse gram extract significantly reduced calcium oxalate crystal formation in rat models. The proposed mechanism involves polyphenols inhibiting crystal nucleation and growth. Clinical human evidence remains limited — but the traditional use aligns with preliminary mechanistic research.
Important caveat: Horse gram is recommended for calcium-oxalate stones specifically. Those with uric acid stones or cystine stones should not self-medicate and must consult a urologist.
Nutritional Profile
Horse Gram — Nutrition Facts (per 100g raw)
Per 100g raw horse gram
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 321 kcal | — |
| Protein | 22.0 g | 44% |
| Total Fat | 0.5 g | — |
| Carbohydrates | 57.2 g | — |
| Dietary Fibre | 5.0 g | 18% |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 287 mg | 29% |
| Phosphorus | 311 mg | 25% |
| Polyphenols (total) | ~1200 mg GAE/100g (very high) | — |
| Glycemic Index (cooked) | 51 (moderate) | — |
Health Benefits — What the Evidence Shows
1. Kidney stone management (traditional + emerging evidence)
Horse gram’s anti-urolithiatic activity is its most distinctive traditional use. In vitro and animal studies show that polyphenols in horse gram inhibit calcium oxalate crystal formation — the most common type of kidney stone. Horse gram soup (hurali saaru) consumed regularly is a traditional South Indian home remedy for kidney stones.
Clinical evidence is preliminary — do not use horse gram as a replacement for medical treatment of kidney stones. It may be a useful adjunct alongside medical management when approved by a urologist.
2. Weight management
Horse gram has among the lowest fat content of any Indian legume (0.5g/100g) and high protein (22g) and moderate fibre content. The combination of high protein, low fat, and moderate GI supports satiety, lean muscle preservation, and reduced caloric intake. Traditional Karnataka use as a weight-management food is consistent with modern nutrition principles.
3. Antioxidant activity
With approximately 1200mg gallic acid equivalents per 100g, horse gram’s polyphenol content is extraordinarily high for a legume — comparable to some superfoods and significantly higher than commonly consumed dals. These antioxidants (including condensed tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids) contribute to anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects.
4. Diabetes management
A 2012 study from the National Institute of Nutrition found horse gram extract significantly inhibited enzymes involved in glucose metabolism (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), potentially slowing post-meal glucose absorption. The moderate GI of 51 and high polyphenol content support its traditional use in diabetes management.
Side Effects & Who Should Avoid
- Pregnancy: Ayurveda classifies horse gram as an emmenagogue (stimulates uterine contraction). Avoid during pregnancy.
- Uric acid kidney stones: Moderate purine content — not appropriate for uric acid stone formers.
- Heavy for digestion: Horse gram is difficult to digest compared to moong or masoor. Always soak 12+ hours, cook thoroughly, and start with small quantities.
- Anaemia: The high tannin content can reduce iron bioavailability — combine with Vitamin C and avoid tea with meals.
Horse Gram vs Other Dals
Horse Gram vs Moong Dal vs Masoor Dal
| Parameter | Horse Gram | Moong Dal | Masoor Dal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 22.0g | 24.0g | 25.4g |
| Iron | 7.0mg | 4.5mg | 7.6mg |
| Calcium | 287mg (very high) | 73mg | 68mg |
| Fat | 0.5g (lowest) | 1.2g | 1.1g |
| Polyphenols | Very High (~1200mg) | Moderate | Moderate |
| GI (cooked) | 51 (moderate) | 25 (very low) | 26 (very low) |
| Digestibility | Low (soak 12h) | Very High | High |
| Best For | Weight loss, kidney stones | Daily use, babies | Iron deficiency, quick |
Source: IFCT 2017. Horse gram requires proper preparation (12h soak, thorough cooking) to reduce antinutrients.
How to Use
Karnataka's traditional detoxifying soup. Dense, earthy, warming. Made from the water in which horse gram is cooked — the most nutrient-rich broth from any dal.
Key Ingredients
1 cup horse gram, soaked 12 hours · 1 tsp tamarind paste · 1 tsp rasam powder or sambar powder · 1/2 tsp turmeric · Pinch of jaggery · Salt to taste · Tadka: 2 tsp ghee, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 10 curry leaves, 2 dry red chillies, pinch of hing
How to Spot Poor Quality Horse Gram
Home Test: Freshness and Soaking Test
Steps
- 1 Soak horse gram overnight (12 hours) in fresh water
- 2 After 12 hours, observe how many grains have swelled and softened
- 3 Gently press a few grains between fingers
Pure / Pass
80%+ of grains are visibly swelled. Most grains give when pressed gently. Fresh horse gram absorbs water and softens uniformly.
Adulterated / Fail
Fewer than 50% of grains swell. Hard, unchanged grains after 12 hours — dal is too old, stored poorly, or fumigated. Very old horse gram has reduced nutritional value and will not cook evenly even with extended cooking.
Organic Mandya products are
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Is horse gram good for weight loss?
Is horse gram good for weight loss?
Horse gram is an excellent weight-loss food: 0.5g fat per 100g (lowest of any Indian dal), 22g protein for satiety, and moderate GI. The high protein prevents muscle loss during caloric restriction. Traditional Karnataka wisdom of eating hurali saaru regularly for weight management is nutritionally sound.
Q Does horse gram dissolve kidney stones?
Does horse gram dissolve kidney stones?
Horse gram does not dissolve formed kidney stones. However, in vitro and animal studies show it inhibits new calcium-oxalate crystal formation. Traditional use as hurali saaru for kidney stone prevention has some scientific basis. For formed stones, medical management (ureteroscopy, lithotripsy) is required. Horse gram may be useful as adjunct dietary support — consult your urologist.
Q Can I eat horse gram during pregnancy?
Can I eat horse gram during pregnancy?
No — avoid horse gram during pregnancy. Ayurveda classifies it as an emmenagogue (stimulates uterine contractions). While systematic clinical evidence in humans is limited, the traditional contraindication is widely accepted. Choose moong dal, toor dal, or masoor dal instead during pregnancy.
Q Why does horse gram need such long soaking?
Why does horse gram need such long soaking?
Horse gram has a particularly hard seed coat and high antinutrient content — phytic acid, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors significantly higher than other common dals. 12+ hours of soaking reduces these by 40–60%. Discarding the soaking water removes additional antinutrients. Cooking after inadequate soaking results in a digestively challenging meal and significantly lower nutrient bioavailability.
Q What is the difference between horse gram and other dals?
What is the difference between horse gram and other dals?
Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a distinct species from chickpeas, moong, or lentils. It is smaller, rounder, and darker than most dals with a reddish-brown colour. Its defining nutritional features are extremely high polyphenol content, very low fat, and specific anti-urolithiatic properties not found in other dals. It is also harder to cook and digest than most common dals.
Available at Organic Mandya
Horse Gram (Hurali)
Organic horse gram from Karnataka farms. Traditional weight-loss dal. Pesticide-free and lab tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before making dietary changes, especially if you have a medical condition.