Eating pulses could keep India healthier: Expert

PANAJI: Consuming more pulses and fewer carbohydrates from cereals like rice and wheat could help slacken India's growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases, said Gordon Bacon, CEO of 'Pulse Canada', an association that represents Canada's pulses industry .

Speaking at the inauguration of the Pulses Conclave 2014, Bacon compared India's dietary patterns from 1988 to 2008. Quoting food policy research institute figures, Bacon said, "India's consumption of pulses has gone down by over 30% when compared to 20 years ago; but the consumption of oil has gone up by around 60%, as has the consumption of fish, milk and eggs. The changing diet when combined with sedentary lifestyle is a double whammy, especially at a time when more women in India are taking up full-time jobs, meaning less time and thought is going into preparing food," he said. "WHO projects that by 2030, non-communicable ailments like cardio vascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension in India will grow by 95%," he added. He stated that the nutrition derived from pulses, in the form of proteins, fibre, vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates could help control blood sugar, achieve weight-loss and enhance cardio-vascular health.