Which primary nutrients is Urad dal recognized as being high in during pregnancy?
Protein, iron, and folate
Urad dal, or split black gram, is highly recommended in prenatal diets specifically because of its concentration in three critical nutrients: protein, iron, and folate. Protein is essential because it acts as the fundamental building block required for virtually every cell and tissue in the developing fetus, supporting necessary growth throughout gestation. Iron is vital as pregnancy significantly increases the mother's blood volume, placing a higher demand on iron stores; adequate intake helps prevent the common complication of iron-deficiency anemia. Folate, also known as folic acid, plays a crucial role in the earliest stages of pregnancy by being indispensable for the proper development of the neural tube in the embryo.
