Incorporating Beans, Peas, Lentils, and Chickpeas into Your Diet May Improve Diabetes Management

New Delhi: Pulses like beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas can help manage diabetes and improve cardiovascular health, according to a recent review of studies published on Friday.

Managing blood sugar levels can be challenging, but incorporating these pulses into your diet may offer a natural and effective solution. The review, which analysed data from 30 articles, highlights the positive impact of pulses on various health markers, including cardiovascular biomarkers. These include low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol.

The findings suggest that increasing pulse consumption could play a significant role in future dietary guidelines and encourage further research into their health benefits. The study's most frequently assessed outcomes included changes in LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, waist circumference, and C-reactive protein or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Published in the journal Nutrients, the review underscores the "potential role of pulses in maintaining health and preventing chronic disease," according to Taylor C. Wallace, Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Medicine at George Washington University, US. Wallace emphasized that pulses not only contribute to overall health but also enhance long-term health, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

The review also highlighted the nutritional profile of pulses. They are low in fat and contain healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, essential micronutrients, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. This makes them a nutritional powerhouse.

In addition to their cardiovascular benefits, pulses are an excellent source of plant protein, fibre, folate, and potassium. They are also rich in minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium, making them essential in diets that prioritize plant-based nutrition.

In summary, incorporating beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas into your diet can offer numerous health benefits, particularly for those managing diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. This review provides a compelling case for considering pulses as a vital component of a healthy diet.