Why should we eat pulses?
Pulses are an important part of all diets, especially a vegetarian or vegan one.
They are high in protein and fibre and low in fat, as well cheap to buy and fill you up.
Pulses are also good for the environment as they don’t need as much water or fertiliser and also improve soil quality!
By using pulses for intercropping and cover crops, farmers can also promote farm biodiversity and soil biodiversity, while keeping harmful pests and diseases at bay.
Did you know that “One portion of pulses provides up to 9g of protein”
(one portion = three heaped tablespoons)?
Being a high fibre food means that one portion of pulses provides about a third of your daily needs for that day. Due to the mix of fibre and protein they are digested slowly and will keep hunger at bay for longer.
Classed as both a vegetable and protein they are very good at giving you potassium, B-vitamins, Zinc and antioxidants to keep you healthy. But remember to eat alongside other fruits and vegetables as they only count as one of your five a day.
For further information : https://www.fao.org/fao-stories/article/en/c/1176990/
Origin of World pulses day
Recognizing their value, on 20 December 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/231) proclaiming 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). The celebration of the year, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), increased the public awareness of the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.
Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses and recognizing their potential to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with particular relevance to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 13 and 15, Burkina Faso proposed the observance of World Pulses Day.
In 2019, the General Assembly proclaimed 10 February as the World Pulses Day (resolution A/RES/73/251).