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Difference between Cereals and Pulses

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In this blog we are going to tell you about Difference between Cereals and Pulses, so read this blog carefully to get the complete information.

Introduction

Humans need various minerals and nutrients to remain healthy. The two important sources are cereals and pulses which are among the types of grains that are cultivated in large quantities globally for human and animal consumption. Being a type of edible component, both cereals and pulses possess immense health benefits but contain few key differences.

What are Cereals?

Belonging to the Graminaceae or Poaceae family, cereals are whole grains that are produced in large quantities because of their high nutrient value of carbohydrates. All cereals possess a high value of minerals, proteins, oils and vitamins. Different parts of the world use different varieties of cereals and the most common of them are maize, rice and wheat which constitute about 87% of grain production all over the world, followed by the oats, sorghum, barley and millet contributing to the remaining 13% of grain production. The majority of cereals are derived from white flour, possessing the endosperm and the carbohydrate content.

Health benefits of Cereals: Containing a large quantity of carbohydrates, cereals are also known for their ability to provide immense energy content. They can prevent certain illnesses including cancer, colon disorders and blood sugar levels. Barley, oats and wheat have ample fiber content. The cereals containing the bran part benefits the human body with reduced blood cholesterol levels and mitigation of heart diseases. The breakfast cereals can be combined with other additives such as honey and sugar as sweeteners to add taste.

What are Pulses?

Pulses are parts of dry grains which are produced for human and animal consumption. They are grown in pots and known as the annual legumes that are rich in proteins and amino acids and come in several sizes, shapes and colors.

There are at least 11 types of pulses including cowpeas, chickpeas, dry peas, vetches, Bambara beans, pulses nes, lupins, lentils, dry broad beans, dry beans and pigeon peas. Pulses are not only known for their nutritional value but also for their contribution to a sustainable agriculture. In addition, they also enhance soil health and reduce greenhouse gases. There are hundreds of varieties of pulses cultivated globally and almost all of them require less water than other crops during cultivation.

Difference between Pulses and Cereals

  • Origin – Cereals come from the Poaceae family whereas the pulses come from the legume or the Fabaceae family. Both cereals and pulses are part of grains which are produced for human and animal consumption.
  • Production – Cereals cannot grow in the desert and other unfavorable climatic conditions where areas are covered by ice. Pulses grow in pots and are annual plants which are grown in small quantities as compared to cereals.
  • Nutrient Value – Cereals mostly contain carbohydrates whereas pulses contain proteins and oils.
  • Examples – Pulses include chickpeas, dry beans, cowpeas, and lentils while on the other hand, cereals include wheat, rice, sorghum, barley, corn and maize.

Final words

Both cereals and pulses are part of grains that are produced for human and animal consumption all over the world. These grains are well-known to provide nutrients to the human being for ages and play an important role in making humans healthier.

Conclusion

We Hope this blog is sufficient enough to provide the information about Difference between Cereals and Pulses. Thanks for reading this blog.

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