'Eat dry beans, split peas, lentils and soya regularly': a food-based dietary guideline

摘要

The objective of this paper is to review recent scientific evidence to support the food-based dietary guideline (FBDG): “Eatdry beans, split peas, lentils and soya regularly”. In this review, legumes are synonymous with the term “pulses”, while soybeans are classified as “oilseeds”. The FBDG was originally introduced to address both under- and overnutrition in SouthAfrica. The nutrient and non-nutrient content, results of recent epidemiological and intervention studies on health effects,recommended intakes and barriers to consumption are briefly reviewed. Legumes are rich and economical sourcesof good-quality protein, slow-release carbohydrates, dietary fibre (non-starch polysaccharides), various vitamins andminerals and non-nutritive components which may have several beneficial health effects. Pulses have a low energy, fatand sodium content. Therefore, legumes contribute to dietary adequacy, while protecting against noncommunicablediseases through many mechanisms. Evidence is presented that concerns about excessive flatulence from eating beansmay be exaggerated, and that there is individual variation in response to different bean types. It is recommendedthat nutritionists should aggressively encourage consumers to consume more legumes. They should also be advised toevaluate different legume varieties to minimise undesirable symptoms. More research is needed to assess gastrointestinalresponses between types of available and consumed legumes in South Africa. The FBDG should be tested in differentpopulation groups to determine how to maintain legumes as a traditional food. Increasing familiarity with legumes couldhelp to increase the likelihood that they may be incorporated more regularly into the diet.