World Pulses Day
When I heard about “World Pulses Day”,
I wondered with great curiosity why there would be a day for pulses!
Sounds a little queer right?
Since childhood we have studied and heard that about the health benefits of pulses, but how can we miss this…
10th of February was declared as World Pulses Day by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2019 in order to concede the value of pulses as a global food.
So, let us have a quick look at “What are pulses?”
This question might sound little cliche but let’s have an understanding of what pulses include:
So, pulses are basically inclusive of all beans, lentils and peas. They are highly nutritious and substantial sources of protein.Beside having great nutritional value they also hold environmental benefits such as nitrogen fixation, climate change mitigation, reduction of greenhouse gas, etc.
Growing pulses are also helpful in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Interesting facts:
- Pulses originated around 11,000 years ago in a region in the Middle East.
- India has a vast majority of production of pulses.
- In fact India is the largest producer of pulses in the globe.
“Dal is the most common and popular term used in India for pulses; Dal chawal– the ultimate comfort food.”
Importance of pulses in our Diet:
~ Plays an important role in preventing diseases and illness such as diabetes and heart diseases.
~ They are a source of fibre and low fat protein.
~ Some pulses like lentils, chickpeas, broad beans and kidney beans helps reduce cholesterol and make the teeth and bones healthy.
*Health tip*
“Add pulses to your evening meal or dinner”- It will add more protein and fibre to your body.
It reduces carbs intake and helps the digestive system to function well.
To add splendid taste and a fair share of of good health to your life,
Here are some recipes that you can try with pulses after knowing the importance of it ;
- Chickpea Salad:
Ingredients Required :
- No salt added chickpeas – 1 can (250 ml)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Lemon juice
- Parsley leaves
- Onion
- Avocado
- Tomato
- Red pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Light cheese
How to make it?
~ Get the fresh veggies (onion, tomato, avocado)
~ Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
~ Mix them in a bowl.
~ Squeeze the lemon juice in the veggies and mix them with a spatula.
~ Add olive oil, peppers flakes, parsley leaves and the cheese contains salt too)
-Or add salt according to your personal taste.
~ Now add a fair amount of chickpeas and mix well.
~ And now you have a fresh, satisfying, sumptuous and healthy meal at your table.
The best part is it can be refrigerated and stored for later serving.
Chickpea salad can be served as a complete meal.
Add them to your diet routine and enjoy them fresh.
- Vegetarian mixed bean soup:
This soup is delicious and better if served on a cold and chilly day.
ingredients Required:
~ Dried mixed beans.
~ 1 tbsp olive oil.
~ Peeled and diced carrots.
~ Onions – 1 large
~ Grated garlic
~ ½ Tbsp salt
~ Diced tomatoes
Tip-
If you’re die-hard non vegetarian, you can add minced chicken meat.
How to make it?
Step 1: Take the needed amount of beans in a bowl, add water 2 inches above the beans and soak overnight.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in an over medium heat.
Step 3: Fry onions, carrots and garlic upto 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 4: Take another pot in low flame and transfer veggies and mix with tomatoes and required amount of salt.
Step 5: Cook them until the veggies are tender.
Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with coriander leaves.
This delicious meal is complete when served with bread.
Adding healthy food in our Diet will lead us towards a healthy lifestyle.
Food is the ultimate source of energy and our energy is the ultimate definition of how healthy we are externally and internally.
Pulses are indeed a great source of protein and efficient food for maintaining a healthy body.
Let’s take a little step ahead towards a healthy life by adding a little tint of pulses in our plates.
Wish you a “Happy Pulses Day”
Eat healthy, Stay healthy
-Esther Pariyar
