The United Nations (UN) declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses (IYP). Pulses are comprised of dry peas, beans, lentils, and legumes and are protein-packed and sustainable vegetables. I am a huge fan of pulses and regularly include them in my diet.
Below are some of the many benefits of eating pulses.
- Pulses are super-nutritious.
Pulses are packed with good nutrition. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including the B vitamin folate and the minerals potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
- Pulses are a vegetarian source of protein.
Pulses are a terrific protein choice if you are a vegetarian or just interested in cutting back on meat and other animal proteins. A ½ cup serving contains 9 grams of protein. Unlike meat, pulses are low in fats, and as discussed above, are also packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Pulses may prevent disease.
Pulses are beneficial for disease prevention. They may reduce risk factors for heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. They have also been shown to improve blood sugar thereby reducing the risk for diabetes.
- Pulses may help you lose weight.
Pulses contain a blend of protein and fiber which make them very filling and, therefore, a great choice if you are watching your weight. People who eat diets high in fiber tend to be less hungry than those who eat low-fiber foods and also eat fewer calories over the course of the day.
- Pulses are sustainable plants and good for the environment.
Pulses have a positive impact on the environment. They use just one-tenth of the water of other proteins. Pulses also support a healthy farm system and enrich the soil by leaving behind nutrients such as nitrogen and beneficial microbes for the next crop.
- Pulses are versatile, affordable, and taste great.
Adding pulses to your diet is simple. You can enjoy a hearty lentil soup on a cold day, add chickpeas or hummus to your salad, or make a delicious three bean stew.
Ready to incorporate more pulses into your diet? I invite you to visit pulsepledge.com to take a 10-week challenge and get access to recipes, meal plans and other resources.
This post was sponsored by USA Pulses and Pulses of Canada.
Photo courtesy of James Pan, ARS.
