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Click here to view information on the completed study.
Click here to read about the press conference.
What was the Pulse Study?
Our clinical study “Exploring the Health Benefits Associated with Daily Pulse Consumption in Individuals with Peripheral Arterial Disease“ investigated whether eating more pulses (beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils) would help protect against cardiovascular disease. This study, which was one of the Pulse Innovation Projects funded by Pulse Canada & Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, gave foods containing ˝ cup of cooked pulses to the participants with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The participants were expected to eat one dish per day for a period of eight weeks. Blood samples were provided at the beginning and end of the study for analysis. As well, we measured the stiffness of their blood vessels, also known as hardening of the arteries, which is a marker of atherosclerosis.
What are the results of the study?
This study was the first to demonstrate that daily consumption of a ˝ cup of cooked beans, peas, lentils or chickpeas for a period of 8 weeks can improve arterial stiffness in individuals with PAD. At the same time, blood cholesterol levels were reduced and blood flow to the legs was increased. Canadians typically consume about 1/3 cup pulses per week. These results show that incorporating more pulses in the diet (1/2 cup per day) can positively modify three factors that are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
What is PAD?
PAD is a form of cardiovascular disease with hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the legs. The narrowing of the vessels means less blood reaches the muscles of the leg and thus walking short distances can be difficult for these individuals. PAD can result in cramps (also called claudication) when you exert yourself because your legs do not get enough oxygen. As well, the stiffening of the arteries increases the rate at which blood flows through the vessels, and this causes them to constrict more. The poor blood flow can also slow the healing of sores on the legs and feet, and lead to feet that remain cool and appear pale or bluish. A severe outcome of this disease is limb amputation. Also, persons with PAD are 5 times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Click here to read more about PAD.
How can pulses help you?
The decrease in arterial stiffness achieved with this diet suggests that increased pulse consumption protects against atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. For persons with PAD, this could mean an increase in walking distance. Atherosclerosis is also the cause of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. As a result, we would predict that increased pulse consumption would reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How can I incorporate more pulses in my diet?
The Pulse Study developed 20 dishes which were prepared and 14 of these were provided frozen to the participants. Participants liked the taste and variety of the pulses dishes. If you would like to try some of the pulse dishes, you can download them. Word Doc | PDF.
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