Pulses for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet: Emerging Research and Opportunities at The American Society for Nutrition’s Scientific Sessions at Experimental Biology 2016

Pulses represent 12 crops of grain legumes, which include dry beans, dry peas, chickpeas and lentils. The United Nations declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food and nutrition security. As one of the most sustainable crops, pulses provide affordable nutrition as a nutrient-dense, low-fat protein source with a range of health benefits. Opportunities exist to promote the health benefits of pulses through claims and dietary guidance.

This session features promising research for pulse health claims like blood sugar response, as well as emerging areas like gut health, to advocate for sustainable, plant-based protein foods in dietary guidance. In addition, research on how breeding and processing pulses impacts nutritional quality will be highlighted. The session closes with a presenter panel focusing on research gaps related to these opportunity areas for pulses.