Healthy, happy kids
Healthy eating starts at home. Pulses are a good source of protein, fiber, potassium, folate and other important nutrients. Learn more >
Everything you need on one plate.
Protein
With up to 9 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving, pulses offer a low or fat-free alternative to animal proteins. Pulses improve the protein quality of cereal grains, by adding a complimentary essential amino acid profile. Due to the high nutrient density, pulses can be considered both a protein and a vegetable.
Fiber
Most Americans fail to consume the recommended daily amount of fiber. A single serving of chickpeas, lentils or split peas is an excellent source of fiber, providing nearly half of the recommended daily allowance.
Gluten-Free
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that currently affects three million Americans. People with Celiac Disease must avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Dry peas, lentils and chickpeas are a gluten-free alternative.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are widely believed to lower the risk of cancer, heart disease and memory loss. Dark colored lentils are believed to be an antioxidant source.
Low Glycemic Index
Low glycemic index (GI) diets have been shown to improve glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes. Low GI foods and low glycemic load (GL) foods also help control appetite and delay hunger. A bagel or rice may have up to three times the GL of dry peas, lentils and chickpeas.
More than 2/3 of the U.S. adult population is overweight or obese.1,2 Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and is a major cause for heart disease and stroke.3 To help combat these issues, millions of people are looking for healthy, nutritious options to add to their meal plans. Pulses deliver great flavor that’s not only nutrient-dense, but also gluten-free with low allergen and low glycemic responses. Additionally, pulses have fewer calories and considerably more fiber and protein than whole grains like white and brown rice.4
Serving Size
One serving size of pulses is equivalent to 1/4 cup raw pulses, which cooks up to 1/2 cup of cooked pulses.5 A 1/2 cup of cooked pulses is equivalent to 1 serving of vegetables and a two-ounce meat equivalent.5
Protein
With up to 9 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving, pulses offer a low or fat-free alternative to animal proteins.4 Pulses improve the protein quality of cereal grains, by adding a complimentary essential amino acid profile. Due to the high nutrient density, pulses can be considered both as a protein and a vegetable.6
Fiber
Most Americans fail to reach the recommended daily amount of fiber. A single serving of chickpeas, lentils or split peas is an excellent source of fiber, providing nearly half of the recommended daily allowance.4
Gluten-Free
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that currently affects three million Americans. People with Celiac Disease must avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Dry peas, lentils and chickpeas are a gluten-free alternative.
Low Glycemic Index
Low glycemic index (GI) diets have been shown to improve glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes. Low GI foods and low glycemic load (GL) foods also help control appetite and delay hunger. A bagel or rice may have up to three times the GL of dry peas, lentils and chickpeas.
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Obesity trends.
2. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
3. National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2011.
4. USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
5. USDA Choose MyPlate.gov.
6. USDA Dietary Guidelines. Chapter 4 Foods and Nutrients to Increase.