Beans and lentils: providing cardiovascular health benefits beyond nutrition

In agriculture, the term “pulse” refers to plants belonging to the legume family that are cultivated for their seeds and harvested once they have dried. The typical North American crops are dried beans, dried peas, lentils, and chickpeas, which are primarily used as human and animal food. While pulses are utilized as a major food source in the Middle East, Central and South America, and Asia, there is limited inclusion of pulses in the diets of persons living in Europe, Japan, Australia, and North America. Historically, pulse crops were first domesticated about 5,000 years ago. Their cultivation has been a boon in arid regions, since these plants do not require as much water as many other food crops. Furthermore, their agronomic profile is excellent, as the plants belong to the legume family and thus are nitrogen-fixing and less dependent upon fertilizers. Another added benefit of pulses is their nutrition profile, which includes a high protein and fiber content, a low amount of fat, and essential micronutrients, such as folate and iron. Beans and lentils: providing cardiovascular health benefits beyond nutrition Peter Zahradka