World Pulses Day 2024: History and why they are must in everyday diet

World Pulses Day is celebrated every year on February 10 to highlight the significance of pulses and to make people aware of their nutritional benefits. This particular food class includes lupins, chickpeas, lentils, beans, and dry peas.

They are loaded with fiber, vitamins, proteins, and vitamins and most importantly are low in both sugar and fat. Pulses are the staple food of many countries and hence are an essential part of their daily diet and cuisines.

Even in India, multiple dishes like Rajma, Chole and Dal Makhani, and regular dal fry and tadka are enjoyed by people in their daily meals.

History of World Pulses Day

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 2013 according to which the year 2016 was proclaimed as the International Year of Pulses. The first celebration of the International Year of Pulses was led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) which is a part of the UN.

The event was extremely successful in creating awareness about the pulses among the public and their environmental and nutritional benefits. After receiving such an enormous response the United National General Assembly in 2018 declared that February 10 will be celebrated as the World Pulses Day every year. The intention behind this declaration was to make people more aware of the pulses and improve both human health as well as soil health.

Apart from that such awareness is also expected to help solve the global food challenges.

Importance of pulses in daily diet

The history of food and humanity suggests that humans have been consuming pulses for more than 10,000 years now. As of today, they are one of the most extensively consumed foods across the globe mostly because a wide variety of them is available globally. Although depending upon the climatic conditions and other environmental attributes, their type may vary, nutritionally each pulse though different has a strong protein profile.

Pulses provide both fiber and protein in abundance and are rich sources of zinc folate, iron, and magnesium. That is why their inclusion in daily diet is very important.