Do you know what a pulse is? And no, I don't mean how many times your heart beats.
Pulses are also known as and often referred to as 'legumes'. Pulse is the term for the edible seeds of legumes (plants with a pod), which includes dry peas, lentils, dry beans, and chickpeas.
Everyone can benefit from eating pulses. Pulses are high in fibre, complex carbohydrates and low in fat. These nutrients make pulses an important part of any healthy diet and can help maintain a healthy weight.
Pulses are beneficial to people who have high blood cholesterol levels, are constipated, have celiac disease, and are vegetarians. Pulses are very high in fibre. They contain both soluble and insoluble fibres. Soluble fibre helps lower blood cholesterol levels, while insoluble fibre helps with digestion as well as maintaining regular bowel movements. Fibre-rich foods like pulses are often more filling than other foods, helping to keep you full until your next meal.
To learn more about this important food source, come to the Saddle Mountain Senior Drop In on March 23rd for the next session of Helathy Living – Aging Well. This session will be hosted by Diann Bastian, Senior Co-ordinator and Colleen Ewanchuk, Senior Facilitator with the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre.
