Pulses include dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. Some common meals with pulses include baked beans, split pea soup, hummus and chili. There are dozens of ways to include pulses in your diet. Click here for recipes and cooking tips.
What are some of the reasons for eating pulses?
|
* Very high source of fibre
* Free of fat and saturated fat
* Free of sodium
* Excellent source of folate.
* Good sources of iron, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin
* Gluten free
|
* High fibre, low fat foods such as pulses are part of a healthy diet which may control blood cholesterol and blood sugars. Pulses may also help people feel full longer and help with managing weight
* Pulses are the perfect meat alternative for vegetarian diets
|
Learn more about the nutrients found in pulses.
See the results of clinical trials conducted under the Pulse Innovation Project that document the health benefits of including pulses in your diet.
Canada’s Food Guide recommends adults and teens eat 2 to 3 servings of Meat Alternatives. With all the health benefits, the Food Guide also recommends eating beans, lentils and tofu often.
Are you a Community or Collective Kitchen leader? Learn about our Community Cooking Program.
Fact Sheets
Pulses: Eating Your Way to Better Health
Photos of pulses, the health advantages of pulses, nutrient benefits, managing flatulence, tips for adding gradually and a split pea zucchini saute recipe.
Peas, Beans, Lentils and Weight Management
Why pulses are helpful for managing weight.
Peas, Beans, Lentils and Cardiovascular Disease
Many reasons why pulses help lower blood lipids.
Peas, Beans, Lentils and Diabetes
How pulses help control blood sugars and lower glycemic index.
Peas, Beans, Lentils and Cancer
Role of fibre, folate and other nutrients and components of pulses which help lower risks of some cancers.
To order copies of the above brochures or factsheets, click here.
Health Professionals
Sign up for our email newsletter.
Last updated: September 2, 2009