The Pulsating Benefits of Lentils & Beans

05 Nov 2019

What are Pulses?

Seems like a silly question but there is a minor gap between its popular usage and technically right definition. A good source of plant-based protein, dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, pulses are a part of legumes family growing in different sizes, colors and shapes. Harvested as dried grains – beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils, they are important for food as well as feed.

With deep-rooted history, pulses have been around for more than 11,000 years found among earliest civilizations in the Middle East. And today, they are a staple of many diets. Synonymous to being nutritional, affordable and sustainable, they provide a multitude of benefits to humans, livestock and climate.

Celebrating the Humble Beans

Tacos, fajitas, lentil soup, hummus, dals, bean skillet, chickpea curry, crispy falafel, etc. Do you find something common in all these foods? Yes, you guessed it right – pulses. With the burgeoning trend of consuming these modest recipes in innovative ways for better taste and health, pulses have come to the fore. This is coupled with consumers’ earnest endeavors to minimize their environmental impact either by way of adopting flexitarian diet (an occasional inclusion of meat to plant-based diet), veganism or a complete plant-based diet.

Therefore, with sustainability becoming a major food trend, United Nation declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses to raise awareness about these nutrient-dense, humble beans. Resultantly, the general perception about pulses has changed and they have transitioned to become a go-to gourmet ingredient for nutritionists and environmental vanguards alike.

Happy You, Happier Planet!
These mystery super foods, the backbone of nutritious cooking get you close to the farm. For societal challenges such as food security, water scarcity, nitrogen depletion, global warming, combating diseases such as diabetes, coronary conditions, pulses are a befitting reply.

Health Benefits – Naturally gluten-free. An affordable source of plant-based protein, dietary fibre and complex carbohydrates supporting nutrient deficiency, gut and heart.

Food Security – Address hunger and malnutrition as they economical, drought-resistant, have a long shelf life and keep you satiated for longer.

Promotes Biodiversity – Enriches soil biodiversity with nitrogen fixation, valuable for livestock fodder.

Sustainability – Ideal for crop rotation, reduces fertilizers needs, low carbon and water footprint.

Many ways to enjoy pulses!
Expand your recipe repertoire with the foods that are dip-able, drinkable and eaten with your hands or spoons.

Purée lentils to your curries, soups or sauces. Blend chickpeas into homemade hummus. Wrap your favourite beans into a meatless burger. Roast split peas into a savoury snack. Stir black beans into salads, or casseroles or burittos. Cherish them the way it suits your fantasy!

Need idea on recipes, don’t forget to visit our recipe section.

The verdict
It is widely accepted that including pulses as a part of diet is the answer to your good health, better wealth and the best environment. Increasing acceptance, supporting research and centuries of cultural practices augment this argument. What do you think?

What do you think? Pulses anyone!