7 reasons why we love pulses

A pulse is an edible seed from a legume plant. Pulses include beans, lentils, and peas. That means that a pea pod is a legume, but the pea inside the pod is the pulse.

 

Beans, lentils, chickpeas and split peas are the most common types of pulses, well known in many cuisines worldwide. 

In this blog we present some very good reasons to cherish pulses:

 

1. Great source of plant protein

Pulses are an important source of protein. 100 grams of dry lentils contain a remarkable 25 grams of plant protein! However, during cooking, pulses absorb a great deal of water thus reducing their protein content to around 8%. If you combine pulses with cereals in your meal, for example, “dal bhat” (lentils with rice), which is a staple food in the Indian subcontinent, you increase the protein content of your meal.

2. Easy to store for a long time

Because pulses can be dried, they can be stored for a long time without further ado. This is especially useful in the global south where they can play an important part in improving diets.

3. Gluten-free

Pulses are naturally gluten-free which makes them an ideal food source for coeliacs and people suffering from gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity.

4. Packed with iron, potassium & folate

Iron deficiency is considered one of the most prevalent forms of malnutrition and is one of the most common types of anaemia. Pulses are a good source of iron. To help optimise the absorption of iron in our bodies from pulses, we can combine them with foods containing vitamin C – for example by adding lemon juice to our lentil curry.

Pulses are also high in potassium, which is good for our heart health as well as for better digestive and muscular functions.

Folate is a B-vitamin that occurs naturally in many foods, including pulses. Folate is essential to the nervous system function and is especially important during pregnancy to prevent foetal defects.

​5. High on fibres

Pulses are ranked among the top ”high fibre foods”. Fibres are important for our digestive system, and they help reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. That’s why your bowels love those baked beans!

6. Low fat & no cholesterol

Pulses are naturally low in fat and contain no cholesterol, which can contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Also, pulses help stabilise blood sugar and hypertension because pulses are low on sodium AND are a low glycaemic index food.

7. Good for planet Earth

In addition to being good for you, pulses are also good for the Earth! Pulses are nitrogen-fixing crops, which means they can convert nitrogen in the air into a plant available nutrient. Pulses can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilisers, ultimately improving the environmental sustainability of annual cropping systems.