In basic nutrition, pulses such as lentils, gram, and beans are considered especially good sources of which major nutrient?

Introduction / Context:
Pulses, which include lentils, peas, beans, and gram, are a staple component of diets in many countries, especially for people who consume limited animal products. Nutrition questions commonly ask which macronutrient pulses are most famous for, because this knowledge is essential for planning balanced vegetarian and non vegetarian diets.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The food group mentioned is pulses, such as dal, beans, and gram.
• We must choose which nutrient they are particularly rich in.
• Options include proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals.
• We assume standard nutrient composition as described in school level nutrition charts.

Concept / Approach:
Pulses are known as body building foods because they are rich in plant based protein. Although they also contain carbohydrates and a small amount of fat, their most noteworthy contribution to the diet is high quality protein. This is why pulses are often recommended for vegetarians to help meet daily protein requirements, especially when combined with cereals to improve amino acid balance.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that proteins are needed for growth, tissue repair, enzyme formation, and many other functions.Step 2: Look at pulses in common food guides; they are usually grouped under protein rich foods.Step 3: Compare the options. Option A explicitly states proteins that build and repair body tissues, matching the known role of pulses.Step 4: Vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats are also present in diets, but cereals and oils are more typical sources of carbohydrates and fats, while fruits and vegetables are highlighted for vitamins.Step 5: Therefore, the key nutrient that pulses are famous for is protein.

Verification / Alternative check:
Nutrition tables show that 100 grams of many pulses contain significantly more protein than the same amount of cereals such as rice and wheat. Health and diet guidelines in textbooks and government posters often describe pulses as a major protein source, especially for vegetarian populations. These independent references confirm pulses as a good source of proteins.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, vitamins, are present in small amounts in pulses but are not their most distinctive feature. Option C, carbohydrates, are more strongly associated with staples like rice, wheat, and potatoes. Option D, fats, are present at low levels in pulses; oils, nuts, and seeds are richer in dietary fats. Option E, mineral salts, is too vague and not the primary reason pulses are recommended. Only option A accurately reflects the main nutritional strength of pulses.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes think of pulses as energy foods because they contain calories, or they confuse them with cereals. Remember that cereals plus pulses together provide a balanced plant protein profile. Exam questions often use familiar examples like dal to reinforce that pulses belong to the protein rich group. Keeping this association in mind makes the right answer easier to select.

Final Answer:
Pulses are especially good sources of Proteins that build and repair body tissues.