Even though pulses have been used in traditional meals throughout the world for centuries, only now are they gaining the popularity that they deserve. Unknowingly including pulses as a staple of traditional meals provided and still provides essential nutrients for health and longevity.
In the award winning documentary and book The Blue Zones, Dan Buttener describes areas across the world where its inhabitants live for over 100 years. Besides a range of habits and daily rituals, diet plays a key role in their longevity and most of these diets are primarily plant based, with pulses being a key ingredient.
Popular chefs and restaurants have re-discovered pulses and are including them more frequently into menus. In Jamie Oliver's new recipe book he describes his secret to weight loss and regained health. Two to three times a week he swapped meat meals for more beans and pulses. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has also shown eating just one portion of pulses a day helps weight loss by making you feel fuller and also reduces bad cholesterol.
Looking at the nutritional value and composition of pulses it is clear why they contribute to health. Pulses are a nutrient dense food, which means that per gram, they have a high concentration of nutrients while low in energy. They are low GI, high in fibre and contain protein, vitamins and minerals. Adding to this, they are also gluten free.
The United Nations wants the world to know all of this and has declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses.
The following brands are sponsors of IYP 2016 in South Africa:
- AGT Foods Africa
Dry Bean Producers' Organisation (DPO)
Pioneer Foods – Imbo / Crossbow
Pouyoukas Foods
Tiger Brands – Lion
The following brands are partners of IYP 2016 in South Africa:
- Discovery Health
The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)
Everyone can get involved, visit http://iyp2016.org/ for more information.
ENDS 28 April 2016
For further information please contact:
Dean Miller
Group Marketing
Tel: +27 11 762 5261
Or
Kelly Barnett
Caro Communications
Cell: +27 82 776 0231
Notes to editors
- The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) is the global not for profit trade organisation for the global pulse industry value chain. As the sole international confederation for the industry, it enjoys membership from 18 national associations (federations) and over 600 private sector members in an industry worth over $100 Billion at the retail level and over 60 million tons of pulse production and distribution in over 55 countries. GPC is headquartered in Dubai http://iyp2016.org/about-us/global-pulse-confederation-cicils-iptic
UN Assembly Resolution on the 2016 International Year of the Pulses: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/68/231&Lang=E
Upcoming Activities
For recipes, nutrition and health information please visit: www.pulses.org or follow #LovePulses on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.
For industry news on IYP go to www.iyp2016.org
Promotion on Social Media
Official campaign hashtags: #LovePulses
Dedicated pulse dish hashtag #PulseRecipes
UN International Year of Pulses hashtag: #IYP2016
Handle: @LovePulses