Heads up, February is American Heart Month! It’s an exciting month for us, since pulses have a lot to do with your heart (and we don’t mean the kind of pulse that measures your heart rate). Pulses, including lentils, chickpeas and split peas, are a good source of protein, fiber, iron and potassium. More importantly, at least where your heart is concerned, pulses are also cholesterol-free and low in fat.
Numerous studies over the past year have proven pulses to be effective in lowering your cholesterol and reducing your risk of heart disease. Enjoying as little as one serving of pulses a day can lower cholesterol by 5%1. And, in a study of more than 10,000 men and women in the U.S., those who ate pulses at least four times per week had a 22% lower risk of heart disease and 11% lower risk of heart attack than those who ate pulses less than once per week2.
Incorporating pulses into your diet is easier than you think. Toss chickpeas to a breakfast quiche, make a simple split pea hummus for a midday snack, add lentils to any number of family-friendly entrees, or even use lentil puree or pulse flours in your favorite cookie recipe.
In honor of American Heart Month, aim to start a habit of incorporating pulses into your diet just four times a week, and let your heart experience all the health benefits pulses have to offer.
