LEGUMES…
Defined as a seed, pod, or other edible part of a leguminous (pea family) plant, legumes are a must for anyone interested in health.
Legumes have an excellent nutrient profile. Yes they have carbs, but don’t fret if you are an anti-carb believer, for they have an extremely low GI. They are very high in both soluble and insoluble fibre – i.e. good for gut bugs, heart health and keeping us regular. They are also the plant based protein powerhouses.
Unfortunately some random cardiologist decided to switch professions and become a nutritionist and has found that lectins in legumes (and some other plant foods) are the cause of many chronic diseases. This has unsettled a lot of people but the reality is that there is no evidence to his claims. see https://theskepticalcardiologist.com/2018/07/14/why-you-should-ignore-the-plant-paradox-by-steven-gundry/
Also for a while Soy was a worry for blokes who thought the phytoestrogens would do funny things to male bodies. And there was concern that soy may be contributing to hormone related cancers. Fortunetly studies has confirmed the benefit of soy for both parties.
Legumes are not our first protein go to in Australia. How can I eat them? It’s surprisingly easy! From hummus to felafels. Home made baked beans for breakfast. Some tin tuna and 4 beans salad for lunch and a chick pea curry for dinner will do the trick. Even fancy products are popping up to help us sneak them in. such as pulse pasta: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/619426/san-remo-pasta-pulse-penne
I was at Earth Markets at Stockland Burleigh and found this great range of legumes as pasta.
Another favourite is Roasted Fava Beans from the happy snack company.
