Year of the Pulses

Yet another year is passing quickly? I can’t believe we are already into February. Did you know that 2016 is the International year of the Pulses?(1)
 
What are pulses? Pulses are part of the legume family. They include things like dried beans, dried peas, lentils and chickpeas. Pulses do not include fresh peas or beans. (2)
 
What’s good about pulses?

• The price –

Who doesn’t want to save money on their grocery bill? With the price of many foods increasing (5) pulses are a great way to get a nutritional bang for your buck. Buying them in bulk can be a great way to save money without sacrificing you and your family’s nutrition.

• Nutrition –

Pulses contain fibre. They have both forms of fibre (soluble and insoluble). As most people are not getting the fibre they need in a day, this is a great way for everyone to add more fibre to their diets.(4)
In addition, pulses are a source of protein, and they also contain minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Even Vitamin B1 (thiamine), folate, and Vitamin B3 (niacin).

• Easy to cook –

Cooking pulses is not hard, although for those who have never done it before it can feel a bit intimidating. For dried lentils or split peas, it is not necessary to soak them before cooking. Just rinse and cook (you can find more information here). For dried beans and chickpeas, soak them first, (you can find more information here), then rinse and cook (you can find more information here).

• Supporting a sustainable product, that is also Canadian –

Did you know that Canada is now the world’s largest exporter of lentils? (3) Canada is also the world’s largest producer and exporter of peas (3). Over twelve different types of beans are produced in Canada (3). Canada also produces chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans). As for the sustainability of pules, they use half the non-renewable energy inputs of other crops (6). They also leave nitrogen behind for following crops (6). They are highly water efficient and they indirectly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as they produce a smaller carbon footprint (7).  One of the purposes of having 2016 the international year of the pulses is to bring awareness of pulses as a key part of sustainable food production that will help increase food security and nutrition (1).
 
Stay tuned as every month this year Nurture The Future Nutrition will share a recipe that includes pulses.
 
Wanting to eat more pulses and wondering how? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future’s Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com
 
References:
1 http://www.fao.org/pulses-2016/en/
2 http://www.pulsecanada.com/food-health/what-is-a-pulse
3 http://www.pulsecanada.com/food-health/what-is-a-pulse/lentil
4 http://www.pulsecanada.com/food-health/nutritional-benefits
5 http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/food-prices-2016-1.3358980
6 http://www.pulsecanada.com/environment/sustainability/low-carbon-footprint
7 http://www.fao.org/resources/infographics/infographics-details/en/c/382088/

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