Pulse Canada hopes new clinical research that shows eating pulses can help prevent disease and maintain good health will boost North American pulse consumption.
Results from six trials were presented to more than 140 researchers, health professionals, academics, food developers, government officials and industry representatives attending the Pulse Health and Food Symposium in Toronto Feb. 5.
“These research results add to the body of evidence that shows beans, peas and lentils have enormous potential to reduce cholesterol, fight cardiovascular disease, help with insulin management and improve gut health,” said Peter Watts, director of market innovation for Pulse Canada.
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The goal of the $3.2 million Pulse Innovation Project is to increase North American consumption of the crops.
Canadians and Americans eat less than half a cup of pulses per week on average.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends people should be regularly eating three cups of beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas a week.
Watts said growers in Canada and the United States regularly produce about 6.5 million tonnes of pulses, 1.25 million tonnes of which are sold into domestic human consumption markets.
“We’re producing a lot more than we’re consuming,” he said.
Pulse Canada hasn’t set a specific consumption target; it just wants pulses to become a more regular part of the North American diet.
One way to accomplish that goal is to convince consumers that eating pulses is healthy. That’s where the latest trial results come in handy.
They show regular consumption of pulses can contribute to weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness, combating cardiovascular disease by reducing serum cholesterol and triglycerides, improving arterial health and blood pressure and regulating insulin levels.
“With growing rates of childhood obesity, an aging population and increasing concerns about health issues, finding solutions to improve the health of Canadians and people around the world is becoming increasingly important,” Watts said.
“Pulses are a prescription for healthy living right out of the grocery cart.”
Watts said previous research trials and the marketing efforts of pulse groups on both sides of the border have already paid off.
“I can’t say that there has been a detectable increase (in demand) in terms of the statistics as of yet. We hope to see that come. But I would say on an awareness level people are becoming more aware of pulses and their health benefits and how to use them.”
Boosting North American pulse sales could give farmers better access to higher value markets that aren’t as price sensitive as some export destinations. It could also create more value-added opportunities to incorporate pulses into ready-made meals, frozen products, baked goods, snack foods and also lower transportation costs.
