Consumption of Pulses Is Associated With Improved Diet Quality in Canadians

Pulses (dry beans, peas, lentils) possess many beneficial effects, and diets high in legumes have long been extolled for their nutritional values and their preventative role in disease. To examine pulse consumption in adults aged 19 years and older, secondary analysis was performed on cross‐sectional data (N = 20,156) of the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (Cycle 2.2). Participants were divided into non‐consumers and quartiles of pulse intake. Sample weights were applied and multiple general linear models were used to explore the association of nutrient intakes and pulse consumption, with ethnicity, gender, age, and economic status included as covariates. Analysis revealed that 12% of Canadians consume pulses on any given day, with the highest consumption being present in the Asian population. Pulse consumers had higher intakes of fibre, protein, iron, folate, magnesium and potassium as well as lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol, particularly in those in the higher quartiles of intake (≥100 g per day). Total servings from the fruit and vegetable food groups also were found to be higher among the highest quartile of intake. These data indicate that pulse consumption improves diet quality and support dietary guideline recommendations that these foods be included in healthful diets. Supported by Pulse Canada and the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.