Head to any authentic north Indian restaurants and you are sure to spot Lobia dal on the menu! Lobia or Cowpeas are a type of legumes used for making Dal, salads and even soups. They are one of the widely cultivated annual crops in India. Cowpea in Hindi is called “Lobia”. It is also called “Bobbarlu” in Telugu, “Karamani” in Tamil, “Chavli” in Marathi and “Alasande” in Kannada. Lobia seeds are amazing sources of Protein, vitamins and minerals, making them one of the most economical superfoods. From aiding in weight loss to boosting your immune system, Cowpeas are known for their delicious goodness. Let’s get to know some of the Best Benefits Of Cowpeas (Lobia Benefits) to our body.
What Is Cowpea?
Cowpea is a type of bean, which is lengthy and green in colour. The pods of these beans are called Lobia or Cowpeas. Cowpea scientific name is “Vigna Unguiculata”. They were initially used for feeding cattle, which earns them the typical name. Cowpeas are also called Black-eyed peas, for their black spot on the oval-shaped, cream coloured bean. They are a staple in North Indian diet and are used for making a variety of dishes.
Types Of Cowpeas:
Cowpeas, which are cultivated for human consumption is known by many names, depending on the slight change in variety. Let’s look at some of the popular types of Cowpeas:
- Black-Eyed Peas
- Southern Pea
- Yardlong Bean
- Catjang
- Crowder Pea
Are Cowpeas Healthy?
Cowpeas are one of the healthiest foods to include in your diet. They are enriched with good amounts of Protein to help a vegetarian overcome their deficiencies. Lobia is also known for boosting energy and plays a key role in building muscles. It is also good in dietary fibre to prevent digestive disorders and ward off constipation.
Cowpea Nutrition Facts:
Listed below is the Lobia nutrition value per 100gms of serving:
- Total Calories: 100
- Total Carbohydrates: 21 gm
- Proteins: 8 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 7 gm
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Potassium: 278 gm
- Iron: 13 %
- Vitamin B6: 5 %
- Magnesium: 13 %
How To Cook Cowpeas?
Knowing the right way to cook cowpeas is the first step to good health. Consuming them raw or semi-cooked can lead to severe indigestion. Follow the steps to get perfectly cooked Lobia:
- Wash Lobia seeds thoroughly with water.
- Soak them overnight by covering well with water.
- Next day, drain the water and transfer them to a pressure cooker.
- Add water and a little salt.
- Cook for 2-3 whistles.
- Once pressure is down, you can notice a firm, but well cooked Lobia.
Top Benefits Of Cowpeas For Skin, Hair & Health:
Here we enlisted 16 excellent health benefits of Cowpeas. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels:
The soluble fibre and the levels of proteins in cowpea make it a perfect way to lower the bad cholesterol or the LDL from the body. Phytosterols in them only help to maintain the right standard when it comes to cholesterol. This keeps the heart healthy and fit. This is one of the best uses of Cowpea for your body.
2. Aids In Weight Loss:
The dietary fibre helps in flushing out the toxins, accumulated fat and cellulite from the body when it comes to cowpea. Apart from that, the beans are completely low in calories. They are even free from bad cholesterol that adds extra pounds to the body. Using Lobia for weight loss is the best way to reduce weight naturally.
3. Fights Free Radicals:
There are huge amounts of antioxidants in cowpeas in the form of vitamin C and A. The consumption of these beans in the daily diet only means that these will help in flushing out the free radicals from the body that otherwise causes damage to the skin cells. This helps in keeping away cancerous cells as well.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels:
The soluble fibre in cowpea makes it perfect for absorbing the extra sugar content in the blood and is a perfect choice to make when it comes to diabetic patients. Lobia is known for its low Glycaemic index, which can regulate your blood sugar levels. Make sure you have a small portion every day for maximum results.
5. Prevents Stomach Disorders:
Cowpeas can deal with all the stomach problems as well as that of the pancreas and spleen. The idea is to tone the organs well and stimulate their functions in a way that all problems are treated as well as prevented in later stages. It also calms the aggravated bowel movements as an extra benefit here.
See More: Onion Health Benefits
6. Prevents Signs Of Ageing:
Along with the levels of antioxidants and the fibre that helps in flushing out the free radicals causing skin damage, cowpea makes a perfect food for those who want to delay ageing signs. These antioxidants also repair the already damaged skin cells and ensure a firm, elastic and youthful skin. The skin is smooth and free form ugly signs like wrinkles and fine lines.
7. Nourishes Skin:
The protein levels in cowpea are perfect for the good health of the skin. It is also rich in Anti-oxidants which can repair your skin within and keeps it free from any sort of damage. By cleansing the stomach with its dietary fibre, Lobia can help in bringing a natural glow to your skin.
8. Fights Hair Loss:
Intake of cowpeas on a regular basis provides you with good levels of proteins which are what the hair strands are made up of. This only means that you can have problem free hair strands and thus ensure proper control over hair loss. It will also make the strands healthy and enhance hair growth.
9. Improves Heart Health:
There are some secondary metabolites flavonoids in this type of beans we know as cowpeas. This helps in treatment as well as prevention of all cardiovascular problems. With lowered cholesterol levels and regulated blood pressure, you can stay away from the risks of heart diseases.
10. Promotes Better Digestion:
One of the best health benefits of Cowpeas is its digestive properties. With 28% of Dietary fibre in 100 gm of Cowpeas, you can be assured of being free from constipation. Including them in recommended portions in your diet can help in adding bulk to your stools and speeding up your digestion rate.
See More: Epsom Salt Benefits
11. Induces Sleep:
Cowpeas are rich in Magnesium and a compound called Tryptophan, which is known for their nerve relaxing properties. Taking a good portion of Lobia as early dinner can calm down your stressed nerves and promote better sleep. This is one of the best Lobia health benefits for those who suffer from chronic Insomnia.
12. Acts As A Detoxifier:
Another important benefit of eating cowpeas is its natural detoxifying properties. Cowpeas have high amounts of dietary fibre, which can cleanse your stomach and free it from the unnecessary bulk. It can even flush out toxins from your body and help you maintain a clean system.
13. Helps In Cancer Prevention:
Cowpeas are a good source of Vitamin C, which is a natural anti-oxidant. Vitamin C is known to fight free radicals which damage your body with oxidative stress. By lowering the rate of these free radicals, you can be assured of lowering your risks of being prone to many deadly Cancers.
14. Boosts Your Immune System:
Lobia is loaded with good amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and other important nutrients which can strengthen your immune system. Regular consumption of cowpeas can ward off several infection-causing microbes. Eating Lobia is one of the effective ways to shield your body from many potential diseases.
15. Offers Health and Shine To Hair:
Lobia is protein-rich lentil which can strengthen the roots of your hair and add volume. Being an important source of key vitamins and minerals, Lobia helps in repairing your hair and reducing breakages due to damage. It is also good in Iron levels which can prevent hair loss and hair thinning.
16. Treats Anemia:
Cowpeas are loaded with Iron to help chronic Anemia patients deal with iron deficiencies. Lack of iron can disturb the blood supply in the body, depriving oxygen to the body organs. It is important to consume a portion of Lobia every day to deal with this loss and improve your haemoglobin levels in the body.
See More: Uses Of Papaya Fruit
Cowpeas Side Effects:
While cowpeas are generally regarded as safe for consumption, overindulgence can certainly lead to many problems. Here are some of the Lobia disadvantages:
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Belching
- Flatulence
- Foul smelling stools
- Constipation
- Stomach cramps
- Sleepiness
- Heaviness in Body
Now that you have learnt about the many benefits of Cowpeas, it’s time for you to cook up a storm in your kitchen. Lobia beans are quite versatile in cooking and can be used to create many dishes. You can try making Lobia dal or add some cooked lobia to salads for extra taste and health. Try mashing them in your Kebabs or simply have the roasted ones for snacking. With tons of recipes available online, your excuses for not eating Lobia will simply not work!
