Here's why you need to add these pulses to your diet

Darielle Britto | May 27, 2019, 13:15 IST
Pulses are a great source of minerals B-vitamins and fibre. Adding it to your diet can help you manage cholesterol levels, as well as reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Another bonus is that they are a low glycaemic index, which helps people to control blood glucose levels just after a meal.

"Pulses are a seriously under the radar superfood," Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, a New York Times bestselling author who penned Slim Down Now: Shed Pounds and Inches With Pulses—The New Superfood, told a news portal. Adding, "In addition to being convenient, affordable, and incredibly versatile, pulses are chock full of fibre, vitamins, key minerals, and plant protein, plus their antioxidant levels rival berries."

Sass further noted:"Pulses are also eco-friendly because they require less water than other protein sources, and they enrich the soil in which they’re grown."

If you are a vegan or have a gluten intolerance, then incorporating pulses in your diet is a must. Here are a few types of pulses you can add to your diet.

1. Kidney beans: This bean is a rich source of fibre and a low glycaemic index. It is especially beneficial if you need to load up on a lot of energy. It goes well in a salad or soup. You can swap ground meat for kidney beans.

2. Chickpeas: This pulse is a high in protein potassium, vitamin C and folate. Regularly consuming this pulse will help improve your bone health and keep your teeth strong. It is also great for the digestive system as it is also a rich source of fibre. You could consume it as a snack or make hummus out of it. You could even add it to curries.

3. Black beans: This bean contains iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, calcium,copper and zinc. This pulse could even reduce your risk of heart disease.

4. Red, yellow and brown lentils: Lentils are highly nutritious and can do wonders for your health. Consuming lentils regularly can help the body build muscle and make it stronger. It also maintains homocysteine levels, which can protect against hypertension. You could make a dhal out of it, add it to your curry, or even add it to your salad.

5. Mung beans: This bean is high in protein, fibre, antioxidants and phytonutrients. It also contains a type of carb that can prevent bloating. Just one serving of this bean will help you get the recommended daily dose of folate, a vitamin for DNA synthesis. You can add sprouted mung beans with tomatoes in a salad.

6. Broad beans: It is also known as fava beans.It is high in dietary fibre, which helps to manage cholesterol levels. You can mix it with brown rice or serve it with grilled vegetables.
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