Did you know that February 10 is celebrated as World Pulses Day every year? It is a global event that aims to create awareness around the benefits of pulses and why they deserve a spot in your diet. And since World Pulses Day 2024 is right around the corner, let's uncover the history, significance, theme and what makes pulses so important in depth.
History of World Pulses Day
The United Nations declared February 10th as World Pulses Day in the year 2019. The aim was to recognise the vital role that pulses play in global nutrition and sustainability. This was done to build on the success of the International Year of Pulses, celebrated in 2016.
Furthermore, pulses have been a kitchen staple and part of the Indian diet for centuries. This is because they are rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, making them an important component for a balanced diet. Since India is one of the biggest producers of pulses worldwide, World Pulses Day is also a matter of pride for the country.
Significance of World Pulses Day
Here’s a fact. Pulses are a nutrient-packed food that can help you live a healthier life. How? For starters, they contain high fibre, have a low glycemic index and are rich in a plethora of nutrients. Thus, it is important to understand their contribution and add them to your diet. This is where World Pulses Day comes into the picture.
World Pulses Day is a global event that was created to promote the nutritional, and environmental benefits of pulses. This annual occasion is recognised by the United Nations to inspire people worldwide to embrace the power of this humble food.
World Pulses Day 2024 Theme
Every year, United Nations decides a theme for Pulses Day to raise awareness about the importance of pulses. In 2023, the theme for the global event was “Pulses for a Sustainable Future”, to highlight the environmental benefits of growing and consuming pulses. The theme for World Pulses Day 2024 is “Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People”. It aims to integrate pulses into our diets and agricultural practices.
7 Benefits of Pulses You Should Know
Pulses include lentils, chickpeas, dry beans, and peas, that have been consumed for centuries. They are a powerhouse of health benefits like improving your digestive health, regulating the blood sugar levels and providing protein and fibre to your body. But that’s not all, there are also environmental and socio-economical benefits of pulses you should know ahead of World Pulses Day 2024.
1. Digestive Health
Since pulses are rich in dietary fibre, they are extremely beneficial for your digestive system. They help prevent constipation and promote a heathy gut which leads to better overall well-being. Thus, the biggest benefit of pulses is that they are a game-changer for your gut and digestive health.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation
The low glycemic index of pulses makes them good for your blood sugar levels. This benefit of pulses makes them good for people with diabetes who want to manage their blood sugar levels. So, adopt these legumes to your diet and enjoy the tenfold benefits.
3. Sustainable Agriculture
Consuming pulses has also been proven to be great for the planet, as they have a low carbon footprint and take less water to cook than any other food. Moreover, they require fewer fertilizers compared to any other crop, making them good for the overall soil quality.
4. Affordability
Here’s another benefit of pulses that makes them extremely popular. Pulses are one of the most affordable superfood that you can add to your diet. In addition, it is possible to cultivate them in various climates and even improve the soil quality, making them extremely cost-effective.
5. Good Source of Protein & Nutrients
Pulses are rich in both fibre and protein and also carry a significant amount of magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and vitamin B. What’s more, consuming only a cup of cooked pulses can approximately give us 9 grams of protein and 7 grams of fibre. They are also known to be a good source of antioxidants, same as berries and pomegranates.
6. Economic Benefits for Farmers
Since pulses as crops have a shorter growing season and can be grown in rotation with other crops, they provide some economic benefits to the farmers. Thus, farmers can improve their soil and increase the productivity of their land by cultivating this miracle food.
7. Culinary Versatility
Pulses and lentils can be prepared and consumed in many ways, such as roasted beans, with rice, soup, dips, main dishes, smoothies, and desserts too! Therefore, there are countless ways to eat them and they have excellent culinary versatility.
The Takeaway
For World Pulses Day 2024, take a pledge to add this nutritional treasure to your routine and harness the many benefits. Let’s work towards a future where pulses continue to nourish our bodies and the environment. At Amala Earth, you can shop for organic pulses and other mindful eating options to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world.
FAQs on World Pulses Day 2024
What are pulses?
Pulses are edible seeds that grow in tiny pods such as beans, peas, and lentils. They come from the legume family, a term used for crops harvested only to grow dry grains. Some of the most commonly consumed pulses include Kidney beans, Pinto beans, Chickpeas, Red lentils, Green lentils, Yellow lentils and more.
What is the theme of World Pulses Day 2024?
The theme for World Pulses Day 2024 is Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People. The theme aims to highlight how pulses play a vital role in nourishing people as well as the soil. Thus, it is an important food that can help support sustainable agriculture and human well-being at the same time.
Why is World Pulses Day celebrated?
World Pulses Day is celebrated to spread awareness about the multitude of benefits of pulses. Pulses are not only full of nutrition, but they also have many environmental and socioeconomic benefits that can help us achieve global nutrition goals and sustainable agriculture together.
What is the message of World Pulses Day?
The message or purpose behind World Pulses Day is spreading awareness around the advantages of adding pulses to your diet. Since these foods are extremely healthy and nutritious, the United Nations has announced 10th February as World Pulses Day.
