World Pulses Day 2022: Every year on February 10th, World Pulses Day celebrates the dry edible seeds of plants called pulses. The day also seeks to promote the many health benefits of pulses.
You are probably aware of the term legumes or lentils. But have you ever heard of pulses? These edible seeds are a category of superfoods.
Chickpeas, lentils, dry peas, and beans are all different kinds of pulses. Pulses are indeed a part of the legume family.
Legumes are any plant that grows in pods. Pulses, however, are the dry edible seeds found within the pod.
The distinct health benefits pulses provide also makes them different from legumes. Pulses are high in dietary fiber and are an excellent low-fat source of protein.
Pulses contain micronutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins.
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Other health benefits include:
- Helps to prevent and control diabetes
- Reduces risk of heart disease
- Lowers the risk of certain cancers
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Aids in weight management
If you don’t eat pulses, you may want to start. All you need is half a cup of pulses a day to enjoy all the health benefits they offer.
Before eating pulses, you may want to soak them for 4 to 8 hours. This will help to reduce their phytate content and their propensity to produce gas.
Soaking also makes them easier to digest. Additionally, soaking the pulses helps the body absorb the nutrients more efficiently.
History of World Pulses Day:
In 2018, the UN General Assembly decided to mark 10 February as World Pulses Day. The first WPD was held on February 10, 2019.
On 20 December 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/231) proclaiming 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP).
The celebration of the year, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), increased the public awareness of the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.
How to observe World Pulses Day:
Many food organizations hold special events to promote this day. Foodies around the world publish pulse recipes on their websites. Restaurants prepare special dishes made with pulses.
- Host a dinner with different dishes made with pulses.
- Get together with friends or family members, and see who can name the most kinds of pulses.
- Create your own dish that contains pulses.
- Search the internet for delicious pulse recipes.
- Share this day on social media with #WorldPulsesDay or #LovePulses
What are pulses:
Pulses, also known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for food.
Dried beans, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses.
