Increase Your Pulse(s) Rate

Health benefits of beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils

Pulses—beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils are all in the pulse family—can prevent weight gain or even help you lose a little weight, according to a Canadian study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. After reviewing 21 clinical trials with 940 men and women, researchers found that eating three-fourths cup of pulses daily led to a loss of 0.75 pounds over 6 months. While this may not sound like much, it can help ward off weight regain after a successful diet and prevent slow, creeping weight gain that’s common as we get older. Additionally, pulses are:

• Good sources of plant protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
• Filling, which helps stave off cravings and hunger.
• Naturally gluten-free, which makes them ideal ingredients in alternative flours for pastas and baked goods.
• For salad, soup, veggie burger, casserole, pancake, dessert, and other pulse-packed recipes, visit pulses.org.