Pulses, comprising beans, lentils, chickpeas, and dried peas, offer a wealth of health benefits, yet remain under-consumed in the United States. Recent findings from a study analyzing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data reveal significant insights into pulse consumption trends from 1999 to 2018. Understanding who eats pulses and why it matters for health can help bridge the gap between current intake and dietary recommendations.
Background on Pulses
Pulses are an excellent source of plant protein, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients. These qualities make them not only affordable but also tremendously beneficial for human health and environmental sustainability. The 2025–30 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee has proposed including pulses as a primary protein source, placing them before meat, poultry, and eggs to encourage plant-based diets.
The current research underlines the need to closely examine pulse consumption patterns to better understand public acceptance of dietary guidelines. Previous studies have highlighted demographic variations in pulse intake, often missing the broader picture due to limited data.
Study Overview
The recent study analyzed dietary intake data from 48,738 adults using 10 cycles of NHANES, spanning nearly two decades. Researchers focused on sociodemographic factors such as sex, age, income, education, and ethnicity, as well as different types of pulses. The primary goal was to identify trends in pulse consumption and their correlation with demographic characteristics.
Key Findings
Prevalence of Consumption: Only 17% of participants consumed pulses on any given day, with the highest intake among Mexican Americans. Non-Hispanic Black adults had the lowest consumption levels, while non-Hispanic White adults showed similarly low figures.
Average Intake: The average pulse intake among the entire study population was a mere 12 grams per day. However, for the small group that does consume pulses, the average increased to 68 grams daily, which is about 4 cups per week—significantly surpassing the recommended 2.5 cups per week.
Trends Over Time: The study noted a decline in pulse consumption from 1999 to 2006, followed by a resurgence from 2006 to 2008. Beans emerged as the most commonly consumed pulses, although lentils and chickpeas showed interesting trends, especially chickpeas whose intake has seen a notable increase since 1999.
- Sociodemographic Influences: The findings revealed higher consumption among men, individuals aged 31–50, and those with lower educational attainment. In terms of socioeconomics, participants with lower socioeconomic status primarily consumed beans, while those of higher status favored lentils and chickpeas.
Significance of Findings
The study brings to light crucial aspects of pulse consumption in the U.S. Despite their known benefits, average pulse intake is far below recommended levels. The data indicates that demographic factors heavily influence who consumes these nutritious foods. Notably, only 19.9% of adults met the 1.5 cups per week target, and just 10.9% met the 2.5 cups per week recommendation.
A potential reason for the observed drop in pulse intake might be linked to the increasing acculturation of Latino and Asian immigrants and a shift towards Western dietary patterns among younger age groups. However, recent trends show growing interest in plant-based proteins, likely spurred by economic factors and health considerations.
Strategies for Improvement
Given these findings, the authors propose two main strategies for increasing pulse consumption in line with the 2025–30 dietary guidelines:
Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Promote the benefits of chickpeas and lentils particularly to higher-income groups and ethnic populations that face fewer cultural barriers. This involves educating these segments on how these pulses can fit into a modern diet.
- Innovative Product Development: Create pulse-based snacks and breakfast items, especially aimed at children and adolescents. Increasing convenience and accessibility can make pulses more appealing to a broader audience, which is essential for shifting dietary habits.
Conclusion
Pulses are a staple that can play a vital role in improving dietary quality and addressing public health challenges in the U.S. However, significant under-consumption highlights a need for targeted strategies to close the gap between current practices and dietary recommendations. Education, product innovation, and addressing barriers to access are crucial steps to integrate more pulses into the American diet.
By fostering a culture that embraces these nutritious foods, we can not only enhance individual health outcomes but also contribute to broader environmental benefits associated with plant-based diets. The journey toward meeting dietary recommendations is essential, and pulses can be a pivotal element in that journey.
