Pulses are vegan superfoods that come in many shapes, sizes, and colours such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans and kidney beans to name a few. They are a very healthy addition to a vegan meal. There are 11 recipes linked at the bottom of this article.
Pulses are part of the legume family; they are the dried seed of the legume plants.
They are full of so many health benefits and are environmentally friendly too.
6 Health Benefits of Pulses
1. Filled with Good Protein
Wondering how to replace meat in your menu, add beans or lentils. They are a good source of protein, and when combined with a whole grain such as brown rice or millet they provide a complete source of protein without saturated fat. Beans have the highest protein content of all plant foods.
- Pulses provide about 10% of the total food protein consumed in the world and have about twice the protein content of most grains. Learn more about: Protein Quality of Cooked Pulses.
2. Improves Glycemic Index for diabetics
It was found in a study that by adding beans and whole grains in the diet of diabetics there was an improvement in their glycemic index.
Also, in another study, it was found that whole grain and legume powder reduced the need for insulin in patients with coronary artery disease. Many Canadian dietitians recommend eating beans to individuals with diabetes.
3. Helps with Weight Loss
Consumers of beans had healthier nutrient consumption levels, were less overweight and had a 22% reduced risk of being obese compared to non-consumers in a survey between 1999 – 2002.
Also, it was found that one serving of beans per day helped with weight loss in clinical trials with 940 participants at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto.
“in diets containing dietary pulses (median intake of 132 g/d or ∼1 serving/d) compared with diets without a dietary pulse intervention over a median duration of 6 wk. Significant weight loss was observed.” ~ American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
4. Lowers Risk of Heart Attack
Pulses are a heart-healthy food according to Pulse Canada. Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Follow-up study indicate that men and women who consumed legumes 4 or more times per week had a 22% reduction in heart disease risk, compared with those who consumed legumes less than once a week.
In a 25 year study with 16,000 middle-aged men in a number of countries, it was found that those who ate more legumes had an 82% reduced risk of a heart attack.
5. Helps Reduce Risk of Cancer Especially of Colon Cancer
Several cancers including the upper digestive tract, stomach, colon, rectum, and kidneys were found to decrease with higher consumption of beans and lentils according to a Study in Uruguay between 1996 and 2004.
In three other studies with 101,856 participants, it was found that higher consumption of legumes reduced the risk of colorectal adenoma.
6. Full of Healthy Fiber
Pulses are a food high in soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber binds with bile (which contains cholesterol) in the digestive tract carrying it out of the body. A diet with fiber helps with lowering body weight according to research. Blood sugar levels can be stabilized with a high fiber diet according to research.
“pulse crops such as lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas are a critical source of plant-based proteins and amino acids for people around the globe, as well as a source of plant-based protein for animals”~ United Nations International Year of Pulses.
Summary: Why It Is Good to Include Pulses in Our Diet
- They are high in protein – 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of cooked beans is equivalent to eating two ounces of lean protein. The guidelines recommend that most adults eat about 5 1/2 ounces of lean meat a day.
- Lots of fibre – ½ cup serving of cooked dry beans has 4 to 10 grams of fibre.
- Rich in complex carbohydrates.
- Contain iron, zinc, calcium, selenium, and folate.
- Rich in antioxidants.
- Low in fat.
- Provide a low glycemic index.
They are good in so many ways: your body, your blood, your pocketbook, your taste buds, and even the environment. Beans are generally considered a low cost, healthy alternative to most other protein sources like meat, dairy, and most grains.
Learn How To Avoid Gas from Beans before you add the pulses to your meals.
Getting gas from beans is a major reason why so many people don’t eat beans. Pulses are very healthy but when we have digestive problems with them like getting gas then what is happening is that they are not being digested properly. Thus we will not be getting all the nutrients from them.
A few very good pulses to add to your meals are:
Chickpeas are Full of Amazing Health Benefits – Delicious chickpeas also are known as garbanzo beans are a superfood full of health benefits and are a culinary healthy treat! Hummus made from them is delicious. Have you ever eaten falafel? Did you know that their main ingredient is chickpeas? Add chickpeas to your salads, soups, and stews adding high nutritional value to your meals and a very good protein too.
Black Beans are Beautiful and So Good – Rich, earthy black beans are delicious and are filled with health benefits. This superfood has an abundance of nutrients (protein, vitamins, minerals, disease-fighting antioxidants and lots of healthy fiber). They are one of the most commonly consumed beans in the United States and are popular in Latin American countries.
The Mighty Lentil – Tiny Powerfood. The lentil was selected by Health Magazine as one of the top 5 healthiest foods on the planet! Lentils are good in so many ways: your body, your blood, your pocketbook, your taste buds, and even the environment. Beans are generally considered a low cost, healthy alternative to most other protein sources like meat, dairy and most grains.
A Few Recipes to Help You Eat Pulses Every Week:
First, it is best to know how to cook beans and lentils and not get gas. Learn How To Cook Beans and Lentils To Prevent Gas – Beans and lentils can be challenging to the digestive system due to their high fiber and starch. I am quite fastidious about how to cook beans and lentils as I do not like experiencing the common thing we all associate beans with…GAS! So do check this out before making your lentil stew.
Now For Some Recipes With Pulses (beans and lentils)
Lentil Stew is Nutritious, Full of Superfoods and Is Tasty – Lentil stew has all the benefits of the mighty superfood lentils which are full of protein plus many more nutritious vegetables. And it is a tasty meal.
Creamy Butter Bean Dip – This butter bean dip is a very tasty, healthy and vegan. The creamy texture makes it good for as a dip. Also, very easy to make.
Black Bean Soup is Really Good For You On a Cold Day – This black bean soup is so tasty and nutritious. It is warming on a cold fall or winter day. It is easy to make and filled with nutritious superfood ingredients. Black beans are my favourite bean. Let’s not forget that this stew is full of protein which is from the beans.
Red Lentil Soup Recipe Is Healthy and Delicious – This red lentil soup is so easy to make and is filled with healthy superfoods. You will be amazed by the great taste and how easy it is to make. It’s truly unique!
Authentic Middle Eastern Hummus – Try this creamy traditional Middle Eastern Hummus dip; it is a blend of garbanzo beans, garlic, olive oil, and tahini. A great dip for a party or picnic. Who doesn’t enjoy delicious hummus? The other great thing about this dip is that it is dairy-free and gluten-free too.
White Bean and Asparagus Stew – I created this White Bean and Asparagus Stew recipe out for the first time on two dinner guests. The good news is that they loved it and wanted the recipe. It is very tasty with pulses.
Creamy Chickpea and Rice Pie – This chickpea pie is a very tasty meal which does take a little extra time to prepare but it is worth it. The great news is that it is dairy-free meaning it is vegan and gluten-free too!
Adzuki Vegetable Bean Stew – This is a simple recipe with one of the easiest to digest beans; adzuki beans. I love Adzuki beans and this tasty stew is filling and delicious.
Delicious Black Bean Stew – This black bean stew is so good for a cold fall or winter day. It is delicious and easy to make and filled with nutritious superfood ingredients. Black beans are a favourite bean of mine.
White Bean Vegetable Stew – How about a very yummy, healthy protein meal filled with vegetables. This stew is high in potassium for those of you who need a boost in that area. Also, half a cup of white beans is loaded with close to 100 mg of calcium.
Lentil Stew – Lentil soup has all the benefits of the mighty superfood lentils plus much more. And it tastes great.
100+ Superfoods
Learn more about some of the healthiest vegetarian foods you will always want to have in your pantry or growing on your deck.
READ: Superfoods – Over 100 of the Healthiest Foods You Should Have in Your Diet and learn more about the variety of Superfoods we think you should have in your diet.
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