There is almost no better way for a single individual to lower their carbon footprint than choosing to eat more pulses and beans. Pulses help make the soil healthier, use less water, and because they are so shelf-stable and store easily, they are perfect for feeding people in all parts of the world.
Pulses are merely dry, edible seeds of all the plants that are in the legume family. They include lentils, dry peas, beans, and of course, shelf-stable chickpeas, which are also called garbanzo beans. Most of the things you call legumes are also pulses.
Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In farming, one of the main problems with greenhouse gases is caused by nitrogen fertilizers. Pulses use far fewer nitrogen fertilizers because they create their own fertilizers from the air and put it in the soil themselves.
Builds Healthy Soil
Because they add nitrogen to the soil on their own, they improve the soil during planting instead of messing it up. They make the soil more hospitable to growing other types of produce. Many farmers like to rotate in pulses every three to five years to improve the soil.
Uses Less Water
Pulses are highly water-efficient plants. They use thousands of gallons less water to produce the same amount of protein that animals can provide. Chicken needs over 80 times the water to produce the same amount of protein as pulses such as lentils produce. This is a win-win, especially for dry areas.
Easy to Feed People
Beans, peas, and lentils are a lot easier to transport, store, and prepare than similarly nutritious options. Many people believe that pulses are the answer to widespread starvation and hunger worldwide. And, for a good reason, because they store well and are easy to adapt to local needs. Not only can genuinely “meaty” and fabulous recipes be made – you can even grow greens right from your pulses by spouting them. It’s truly a complete food all on its own.
Creates Healthier Humans
You may not feel as if your health puts a strain on the environment, but it does. If you’re less healthy, you’re less likely to want to walk for a start.
Pulses are packed with nutrition. They’re low in fat, high in protein, high in fiber, and a low glycemic food. Plus, of course, they’re gluten free. They’re packed with iron, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It’s a huge plus that pulses also play a role in preventing diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses.
Many people believe that pulses are one of the most sustainable superfoods that exist. Whether you want to eat beans, chickpeas, lentils, or dry peas, you’re sure to find a wide variety of flavors and textures that you and your entire family will enjoy. The fact that it’s good for the environment is just the icing on the cake.
