Top Reasons You Should Be Eating Pulses More

Pulses are one of the main staples that are consumed in the Indian subcontinent. Despite having rich nutritional value, pulses are one of the ignored food items. Since advantages of eating pulses are well-known, The United Nations have declared the year of 2016 as The Year of Pulses. There are 11 types of pulses recognised by The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) which include chickpeas, lentils, dry peas, cowpeas, pigeon peas, dry beans, vetches, lupins, Bambara beans, dry broad beans, and pulses res (these are minor pulses).

Let us check out the reasons that make eating pulses all the more compulsory.

Great source of fibre

Pulses are a great source of dietary fibres that include soluble, insoluble, and resistant starch. These dietary fibres improve digestive health and bowel movements. If you consume pulses, you feel fuller for longer. Besides this, dietary fibres help in improving cholesterol and diabetes. So, if you were not aware of this fact, start adding some pulses to your diet now.

Good source of iron

Pulses are a good source of dietary iron, especially for vegans. Non-vegetarian people can easily fulfil their iron requirements as the iron that is available in animal flesh is haem iron, which is highly available. However, the bioavailability of non-haem iron that is found in pulses is quite low which given more emphasis on the fact that vegans need to consume more of it to meet their iron requirements. The good thing is if we add foods that are rich in vitamin C, they increase the bioavailability of the non-haem iron. For instance, lemon juice can be added to the pulses for the same.

Rich in protein

Being an excellent source of plant-based protein, pulses give great benefits to people who do not want to compromise on their macros. Since protein is an essential macronutrient that is also known as the building blocks of body tissues, it stresses on the fact that pulses are certainly not a thing to overlook on the menu.

Promotes general health

Since pulses are rich in dietary fibres, protein, iron, vitamins, and other essential nutrients, it promotes general health. Pulses reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, chronic inflammation, heart disease, high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and several others.

So, these are some reasons to consume more pulses. Whether you buy loose pulses or Tata  Sampann dal online or from the local Kirana store, make sure you eat a variety of pulses to get the aforementioned benefits.