We all know that eating pulses is good for our better health, but how do we get that message? It is the role of health organizations to advise the best nutritional path in order to prevent and alleviate chronic disease. Vegetarianism is one such path where organizations such as the Vegetarian Society UK and the Vegetarian Resource Group “promote vegetarianism as a good option for remaining healthy and avoiding metabolic diseases.” They usually refer to the American Dietetic Association in learning how to approach a meat-free diet that relies on pulse foods, grains, fruits and vegetables and nuts and seeds. Other organizations involved with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity also promote plant based diets that utilize pulses in order to provide protein and other nutrients as well as fiber for good nutrition and a feeling of satiety.

In the past, most groups would point to the dangers of eating diets high in saturated fat and added sugars. Now, the tack is to promote the healthiest foods, including a diet rich in pulses, instead of emphasizing what to avoid. Usually when we strive to include the whole plant foods we need for total nutrition we end up avoiding those that are detrimental to our health. “Pulses are seen as a staple food because they are nutritious and provide most of the ingredients that help to improve health…this could encourage more consumers who are concerned about their health to consider eating pulses more frequently.”

Leterme P. Recommendations by health organizations for pulse consumption. Br J Nutr 2002;88(S3):S239-S242.

Summarized by the NDSU Extension Service.