Pulses can help dieters feel full, and shed unwanted pounds

Canadian researchers have reported that beans, chickpeas, peas and lentils can be listed among foods that are helpful in weight loss. The research team analyzed data from 21 clinical trials on such foods, classified under ‘pulses’, and discovered that the foods can make dieters feel as if they are full, thus shedding unwanted pounds.

In an official news release, study lead author Russell de Souza, a researcher at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, said, “Though the weight loss was small, our findings suggest that simply including pulses in your diet may help you lose weight, and we think more importantly, prevent you from gaining it back after you lose it”.

The findings failed to surprise one expert. Dana Angelo White, a nutritionist and assistant professor of sports medicine at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn said that such kinds of legumes are among the most underappreciated foods around. She mentioned that they are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, thus it makes sense when we say that they would be helpful in facilitating weight loss and decrease cholesterol on regular consumption.

Canadian researchers have also noted that pulses have a ‘low glycemic index, which means they break down in the digestive tract at a slow pace. They can be eater at the place of animal protein or unhealthy fats during meal time.

The new analysis included trials involving a total of 940 adults. The researchers said that when participants began consuming one serving, that is 3/4 cup of pulses per day, they shed an average of 0.75 pounds in a time period of six weeks without getting indulge into any other activity to avoid other kinds of foods.

De Souza's team said that previous research has suggested that intake of bean, lentils, and other pulses make people feel fuller.