February 10th is the day to celebrate World Pulses Day and from EDYPRO We couldn't pass up this opportunity to tell you about one of the best components of our Mediterranean diet. 

While it is true that legumes do not usually appear among the most successful recipe tips on social media, their use is closely linked to our culture. 

Eating legumes shouldn't just be a must, given their numerous health benefits; it should also become a trend. A trend that's here to stay. And if you're still not convinced, keep reading this post. EDYPRO We have prepared everything you need to know to love these foods.

4 REASONS TO LOVE LEGUMES

  • THE VARIETY

To begin with, there's a wide variety to choose from: lentils, chickpeas, broad beans, peas, kidney beans… And with so much variety, it's much easier to prepare different recipes and not get tired of them. Right now, for example, it's very trendy to always have hummus in the fridge. And it's no wonder, since, besides being delicious and an ideal complement to your main dishes, it also gets you out of a pinch and you can make it with almost any legume. However, if hummus isn't your thing, you can also go for more traditional options and make stews, soups, meatballs, or even burgers. The possibilities are practically endless.

  • They improve our health and our soil.

As we've already mentioned in the previous paragraphs, legumes have great nutritional value, mainly due to their complex carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein content, as well as vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, according to a review of studies published in the journal "Advances in Nutrition," regularly including legumes in your diet can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, and cancer, among other health conditions. 

And it doesn't end there, because in addition to being beneficial for our health, they also have a significant positive impact on agriculture, as they are able to improve soil quality. This is achieved through crop diversification on farms, and legumes also improve crop rotations. This is a widespread technique among farmers to prevent diseases, weeds, and pests, among other things.

  • ECONOMIC

You only need to take a stroll through your local market to see that a kilo of chickpeas or lentils costs less than two euros. And with that amount, you can prepare several dishes for your weekly menu, making it more than worthwhile. Legumes are the foundation of the food pyramid, so it's recommended to consume them at least two to three times a week.

  • THEY DON'T MAKE YOU FAT

More and more nutritionists and dietitians agree that these foods are an indispensable aid for those aiming to lose fat. Furthermore, they provide a great feeling of satiety, something essential in any diet.

With all these advantages, it's no wonder that in recent years, according to the FAO, their consumption has grown considerably, with Spain being the European country that uses them the most. The inhabitants of Aragon and Cantabria are the most aware of their use.

 

From EDYPRO We hope that all these reasons have convinced you to include more legumes in your daily life. 

On the other hand, if you have crops and want to plan for more sustainable agriculture, don't forget that this group of crops can be a great ally. If you need more information We'd be happy to help you..