Pulses are great for the healthy eating pattern, as they are high in complex carbohydrates, protein and fibre, and low in fat and sodium. Besides they have a low glycaemic index making it great for weight control.
Pulses by themselves however do not contain complete proteins. All proteins, whether from animal or plant sources, are made up of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Nine of these amino acids are considered essential because the body cannot synthesise them and they have to be supplied in the diet. Animal foods are more likely to contain all of these essential amino acids, while plant proteins like pulses could be lacking in one or more of them. This deficiency is, however, covered up by the clever combination of foods like a mixture of cereals and pulses (dals, or the whole pulses). Rice and sambhar, rotis and rajma, idlis and dosas, dhoklas and khichdi. When cereals and pulses are combined the essential amino acid deficiencies of each individual group are compensated for and this way you can ensure that your body is getting adequate intake of protein. So don't be afraid to combine cereals and pulses.
Another great way to eat pulses is to sprout them. Sprouts have more vitamin C and are quite suitable for weight control.