Increased consumption of legumes improves the nutritional quality of children, which is associated with, among other things, a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes.
A new study involving experts from the University of Minnesota examined how the consumption of legumes affects the nutrient intake and diet quality of American children. The results can be read in the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior”.
What influence do legumes have on nutrition?
The team conducted a secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2018) to determine the amounts of different legumes commonly consumed by participants.
A total of five pulse consumption patterns were identified, four of which included both canned and dried beans, while the fifth consumption pattern did not include any pulses, the team explains.
Beneficial for nutritional quality
The researchers found a link between higher consumption of legumes and significant health improvements in American children.
The results of the study clearly show that increased consumption of legumes is associated with significantly higher nutrient intake compared to a diet without legumes, the researchers report.
A diet in which about two portions of pulses are consumed per day is also associated with a significantly higher overall assessment of diet quality compared to a diet without pulses.
Healthy ingredients of legumes
For example, according to the researchers, regular consumption of legumes was associated with significantly higher intake of healthy fiber, potassium and choline compared to children who did not eat legumes.
“Legumes are excellent sources of fiber, folate and potassium and excellent sources of plant protein, which, like other protein-rich foods, also provides iron and zinc,” emphasizes study author Yanni Papanikolaou in a press release.
Less unhealthy food
Another benefit of the legume diet, according to the researchers, was that higher consumption of legumes was associated with lower consumption of unhealthy foods such as sugary snacks.
Pulses are effective in meeting micronutrient needs in childhood and should therefore be part of children's diet as soon as they start eating solid food, experts advise.
A diet rich in legumes, including kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans and chickpeas, can significantly improve diet quality and previous research has shown that optimal diet quality is associated with a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
This reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, but also the likelihood of diabetes.
Starting to eat pulses regularly in early childhood could therefore not only improve the overall quality of nutrition, but also protect against some dangerous diseases. (as)