PULSES – A NUTRITIONAL POWER HOUSE

PULSES ARE PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS, YET SO INEXPENSIVE!
Pulses come in many shapes, sizes, colors and as well with a great variety of nutrients & benefits.

Even though the early settlers to our countries may not have known what nutrients were in the pulses, they did know from experiences that these seeds kept them strong and healthy.
Today we have access to research which has proven the benefits of pulses because of many nutrients:

HIGH IN FIBRE
– reduces cholesterol levels in blood
– stabilizes blood sugar levels
– speeds up food passage though the intestine & helps prevent colon diseases

RICH IN FOLIC ACID – helps keep arteries clean

POTASSIUM – helps bring down blood pressure

PROTEIN – a high quality protein – a great alternative to meat

B VIAMINS – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 – heart healthy & over-all body heath

MINERALS – CALCIUM, IRON, ZINC, MAGNESIUM

PULSES PLUSES – are low glycemic, low in fat, low in calories, no cholesterol, yet they are a vegetarian source of high quality protein.

SOYBEANS – have many more nutrients not found in other dried beans

Soaking the pulses makes them easier to digest, less gas forming and even more nutritious!

A quote on research done by Colorado State University, “Current research shows that red beans have the highest levels of antioxidants, followed by black beans and then beans with a lighter colored coat.”

Other quotes:
“What food is high in protein, virtually fat free and has more fibre that many whole grain foods?” It’s beans . . . and now a new dietary guidance message says “diets including beans can reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers.”

“Countries with the greatest consumption of beans had the lowest death rate due to breast, prostate and colon cancer, according to data from 41 countries.”

“Beans were found to help individuals curb caloric intake and maintain a healthy weight because their high fibre content and their low glycemic index promotes satiety and provides sustained energy.”

“Comprehensive Scientific reviews find beans reduce the risk of common chronic diseases.”

“Eating just 2 – 4 cups of cooked dry beans every week can help reduce one’s risk of developing many of the nation’s most deadly diseases” Michigan State University.

“Research also found that consumption of dry beans helped subjects lose weight and maintain an appropriate caloric balance.”

With so many people forced to pinch pennies and some even wondering where their next meal will come from, I found it to be a food that is very inexpensive, yet very healthy, but at the same time tasty.

One morning on the news, a short report was given mentioning the October issue written by The Mayo Clinic encouraging us to eat beans, all kinds of beans! Do they know something more than we do?

As well the October issue of Readers Digest last year had an excellent article on 25 of the world’s most powerful foods. It mentions seeds such as grains, flax & beans, plus many more excellent foods that can help us prevent and fight diseases.

As these thoughts were going through my mind, I caught the tail end of a health report on television. It went something like this.

A report from researchers in London England said they have discovered a natural chemical compound that is a potent cancer fighter. It is shown to stop the growth of tumors and can be found in abundance in such foods as cashews, peanuts, kidney, pinto and navy beans. When cooking them, the amount of this good compound increases. Scientists are hoping a diet high in these foods could help prevent some cancers, and that this chemical might be used to treat other cancerous diseases.
With cancer and so many other serious diseases on the rise, it is time to make changes to our diet and lifestyle; changes that research is proving can help prevent and fight diseases.

PULSES ARE INEXPENSIVE & EASY TO STORE
When money is tight and we are looking for a way to eat healthfully at low cost, there is nothing better than dried beans, peas, lentils and chick-peas. I purchase all of my pulses in bulk at around $1.00 a pound. I have at least 12 gallon or 2 quart glass jars in the cupboard; each with different dried peas, beans, lentils or chickpeas. They store well at room temperature and are always handy.

As I am continually researching these seeds, I am creating new delicious recipes & sharing them in the recipes on this website. For your health – turn to these many pulses! Winnie