Health Benefits of Pulses

The United Nations had declared the year 2016 as the International Year of Pulses in order to raise awareness in the power of nutritional content of pulses along with the benefits of green peas and dried beans.

The decision was taken in a positive manner and was believed to bring a huge change in the lifestyle of people. Many may not know that including protein in diet can bring a lot of difference in the health and can improve stamina and physical energy level.

Pulses and dried beans are highly nutritious source of protein and micro nutrients that can help in mental growth of a child also.

What are Pulses?

Pulses are actually beans or peas which are harvested dried. Few examples of pulses are: Kidney beans, pinto beans, chickpeas and lentils etc. The word ‘Pulse’ originates from a Latin word puls which means “thick gruel, mush.”

Pulses are also like legumes but unlike legumes, they are only dried seeds.

Pulses have been the part of human diet since ages and can be stored for months without getting spoiled and losing their high nutritional value.

Why are Pulses Important?

1. Good source of fiber
   Pulses are rich in high fiber and fight against obesity. For instance, one cup serving of cooked lentils is supposed to contain more than 15 grams of fiber which is the daily requirement of around 60% of our body.
2. Pulses are rich in Protein
   Pulses provide a good amount of protein and amino acids which important part of a balanced diet. Though most of the pulses are not rich source of amino acids but for that we can add grains and vegetables to make our diet a complete balanced one. For example, soy beans is one of the richest source of protein that is a good source of amino acids also. So if you take one cup serving of soy beans then you get around 26 grams of protein.
3. Good for heart
   Pulses fight with chronic diseases like cancer and sometimes prevent causing them in the first place. So pulses are good for health and your longer life.
4. Good in Iron or folate
   Pulses are also rich in Vitamin-B which is needed in growth of cells especially during pregnancy and infancy. A good amount of folate is important so that the child should not born with neural disorder.
5. Good source of Nitrogen
   Pulses are important for nature as they provide nitrogen to air and help in increasing soil fertility. Because of this, Pulses are used in crop rotation process which help in maintaining fertility value of soil. Moreover, Pulses consume less water when grown as compared to other grains and protein crops.

Nutritional values of Proteins      

Cholestrol: Zero
Protein: High
Iron and Zinc: High
Fat: Low
Fibre: Good
B-Vitamins: Good