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In recognition of pulses' potential to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and after the success of FAO's 2016 International Year of Pulses (IYP), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 10 February as World Pulses Day!
Why do we celebrate World Pulses Day?

Pulses are an essential part of the transition to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, which can lead to improved production, nutrition, the environment, and everyone's quality of life. This celebration is a great chance to get the word out about the types of pulses and their crucial role in this transformation.
To celebrate this worldwide day and encourage the use of pulses in sustainable food systems and nutritious diets, FAO is collaborating with public and commercial sectors, as well as members and partner organisations, the general public, and young people.
World Pulses Day - A sustainable crop

The use of pulses dates back many centuries! Pulses are very beneficial to plants and can be found almost everywhere. They provide a lot while requiring very little in return.
The nutritional worth
Because of their high protein content and abundance of beneficial nutrients, they are a great alternative to meat and dairy in areas where these foods are either not available or too expensive. Because of its low fat content and high soluble fibre content, pulses may aid in the management of blood sugar and cholesterol levels. These features are why health groups advocate for its use in the treatment of chronic illnesses including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Pulses are also beneficial in the fight against obesity.
Safety of food supply
Pulses are a valuable crop for farmers because they may eat them themselves and sell them to others. This helps them build economic stability and ensures that their households always have food.
Environmental advantages
Pulses boost soil fertility, which in turn boosts and prolongs crop yields, thanks to their nitrogen-fixing characteristics. Farmers may increase soil and farm biodiversity, protect crops from pests and diseases, and more by intercropping and covering crops with pulses.
Also, by decreasing reliance on synthetic fertilisers, which artificially add nitrogen to the soil, pulses may help mitigate climate change. Excessive usage of these fertilisers, which generate greenhouse gases during production and application, might harm the ecosystem.
If you want to cut down on harmful saturated fat, control your weight, and maintain a healthy digestive system, try eating half or all pulses instead of meat. Along with improving your health, this will lessen the likelihood of a cardiovascular event.
Why should you include pulses in your diet?

On World Pulses Day, here’s what you need to know about adding pulses to your diet!
Whether you're planning to participate in "Veganuary" in January or not, pulses are a great addition to a well-rounded diet. Pulses can rival meat in providing the necessary protein for body repair. As an example, you may get up to 9 grams of protein from just one serving of pulses (three heaping tablespoons), which is about one-sixth of your daily need. Kidney beans provide the same amount of protein as a serving of beef mince, with almost little fat and no salt (unless otherwise stated on the label).
One serving of pulses supplies around one-third of the daily fibre requirement, making them one of the highest-fibre meals. Heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer are among the conditions that they may help reduce. Because of the combination of protein and fibre, they are digested slowly, which prolongs the sensation of fullness.
Simple ways to add varied types of pulses
- You may use canned beans and lentils directly from the can (be sure to choose ones without salt added).
- Spice up your lunch salad with some lentils—green or brown, cannellini or butter beans.
- For lunch, pick up some low-sodium lentil or bean soup, either in a can or fresh.
- For a heartier chilli, try adding more kidney beans.
- With a food processor, you can whip up a batch of homemade hummus in no time at all using canned chickpeas—compared to store-bought
- Eat hummus (store-bought or homemade) as a snack with veggie sticks, or sub it for mayonnaise or butter in sandwiches.
- Swap out half of the beef in your bolognese sauce with lentils, either green or brown.