More beans, please

It makes sense that the UN has declared 2016 as the International Year of the Pulse

With the United Nations’ declaring 2016 as the International Year of the Pulse, more of use will become aware that they are a group of superfoods including dried beans, lentils and peas that are a staple in many parts of the world. Parth Sanyal / Reuters
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If you don’t know what pulses are, you aren’t alone. According to a 2010 survey by the Canadian research firm Ipsos Reid and the Alberta Pulse Growers group, most people can’t define the term. Thanks to the United Nations’ declaration of 2016 as the International Year of the Pulse, more of use will become aware that they are a group of superfoods including dried beans, lentils and peas that are a staple in many parts of the world.

This is particularly relevant in the Mena region, which is the largest importer of pulses. They are an essential part of some of our most popular foods, such as falafel and hummus. When it comes to nutrition, pulses are high in fibre, protein, iron and antioxidants. More importantly, they are inexpensive, especially compared to many trendy health foods.

With over 800 million people worldwide suffering from undernourishment and a rising tide of health problems linked to poor diets, the Year of Pulses will put a welcome focus on the role these foods have in global food security and nutrition.