In this day and age, most of us are more than aware of some of the negative effects of carbs. While refined carbs like cakes and chips are the worst, even some unrefined options such as white potatoes and wheat bread aren’t always the best for us. One solution is to swap them out for pulses.
A pulse is a member of the legume family and it refers specifically to dried seeds, with some of the most common pulses being chickpeas, beans, lentils, and dried peas. They can be consumed whole, split, or ground, and they contain protein, starches, and fiber.
Benefits of Pulses
Pulses offer a lot of nutritional benefits, such as:
- Their high fiber content makes them great at reducing cholesterol levels and stabilizing blood sugar. The fiber also promotes better digestive function, which means an easier time in the bathroom.
- Pulses protein content is roughly double that of other carbs, which means that they can help you build more muscle, increase your energy, and satisfy your hunger for longer periods of time.
- The starches in pulses take a while to digest, which also is great for keeping your blood sugar more stable. This means fewer cravings and a better mood since you aren’t fighting with the highs and lows that often occur with other carbohydrates.
- Pulses are low in calories which makes them great additions to your menu plan, even if you’re trying to lose a few pounds.
- Pulses high nutrient content means they are loaded with vitamins and minerals (like the B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc) that can enhance your overall health.
With all of these benefits, swapping pulses for carbs may just be the way to go in order to obtain higher levels of health.
What are your favorite pulses? How do you enjoy eating them?
