Where do pulses fit in dietary guidance documents?

Abstract

Pulses are plant-based sources of protein that offer many nutritional health benefits including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. This chapter presents the touted health benefits of pulses and the evidence behind these claims based on disease or condition affected. We also discuss dietary guidance documents from high-, middle-, and low-income countries, providing three examples of each, to show how pulses are included (or excluded) in promoting healthful dietary patterns. National and international associations and their use (or not) of pulses in dietary guidance are highlighted. A focus is placed on the inclusion of pulses (legumes) in American dietary guidelines.