Food is necessary for the survival of any living organism. Be it flora or fauna, everyone needs some form of energy to live and thrive. Humans must also consume food to survive. Everyone wants to have a complete balanced diet to do all their work, without fatigue or tiredness. Both legumes and cereals are part of a complete balanced diet. Both are necessary as one complements the other. They are the same in many ways, but they do have some differences.
LEGUMES – Legumes are basically dried edible seeds obtained from various plants. These can be eaten in their natural form, but are most preferred when dried. They are in their most nutritious form when they sprout. Legumes are a good source of protein (21 grams per 100 grams). It is the staple food around the world and almost 80% of the world’s population consumes it. Although it is rich in protein, it also contains a considerable amount of calories and carbohydrates (43 grams per 100 grams) so anyone trying to lose weight or control their diet is recommended to consume them in moderate amounts. Almost 25% of legumes are protein by weight. 100 grams of legumes contain around 350 Kcal of energy, legumes are very useful to control and reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which is why they are recommended by many health doctors. These are also inexpensive as they are grown in large quantities. Black Gram, Green Gram, Soy Bean and many more are some of the basic legumes that we consume in our day to day.
GRAINS – Grains are the most basic diet in the world, since almost 100% of the world’s population consumes them as a basic part of their daily diet. Cereals are the source of various nutrients and minerals. The basics are dietary fibers and B vitamins. Dietary fibers lower people’s blood sugar levels and also help prevent heart disease, while B vitamins play a key role in various metabolic processes. These grains help the body release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These foods are the main source of important minerals like magnesium and selenium. Magnesium is the most valuable component in the building of bones and also in the release of energy that forms the muscles, while selenium protects the cells of the body from oxidation and therefore protects the body from rapid aging. It is used to monitor and control your weight and is recommended by doctors to women during pregnancy. Staple grains such as rice and wheat are part of our daily food consumption.
So even in their differences, grains and legumes are necessary for a healthy diet for any human being.