Legumes Lower Diabetes Risk

You know me; I’m a huge fan of legumes or pulses! I suggest including at least one serving of pulses in your diet every day as the plant-powered star of your plate. And research just keeps on supporting these healthy plant foods. A higher consumption of legumes, including lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas, is associated with more than a one-third reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to new research. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 people at high risk of cardiovascular disease, found that, compared to those with a lower consumption of legumes, participants with high legume consumption were at a 35 percent lower risk of developing diabetes after four years of follow-up.  High intake averaged just over three servings per week (28.75 grams/day).

(Clinical Nutrition, March 2017) Read the full study here.

Image: Smoky Chili with Sweet Potatoes from Plant-Powered for Life by Sharon Palmer, RDN