Factors influencing pulse consumption in Latin America

Abstract

In Latin America, pulse consumption ranges from 1 kg/capita per year (Argentina) to 25 kg/ capita per year (Nicaragua). Common beans account for 87 % of the total. The differences between countries, regions or groups of population within the same country can be explained by the following factors: (1) beans are very nutritious; (2) beans and maize are traditional foods and the habit of consuming them is deeply rooted in many people and communities; (3) the rural population eats more pulses than the urban population, due to geographical constraints that limit exchanges and favour consumption of locally produced foods; (4) income level, beans are still the poor man's meat; and (5) other factors, such as consumers' taste, the constraints on cooking beans, etc. The evolution of the consumption level in the future will depend on the urbanization of the population, access to processed foods and income level. Health issues would be an argument for maintaining or increasing the current consumption level.

Lupin kernel fibre-enriched foods beneficially modify serum lipids in men

“…The regular consumption of legumes is promoted by health organizations in Western countries to reduce the incidence of this disease (Leterme & Munoz, 2002). Hypercholesterolaemia is a major risk factor for CHD, shown through both prospective (Stamler et al, 1986;Anderson et al, 1987) and intervention studies (LRC-CPPT, 1984;Shepherd et al, 1995).…”

Chemical composition, carbohydrate digestibility, and antioxidant capacity of cooked black bean, chickpea, and lentil Mexican varieties Composición química, digestibilidad de carbohidratos, y capacidad antioxidante de variedades mexicanas cocidas de frijol negro, garbanzo, y lenteja

“…Known as the 'meat of the poor people' because of their high protein content, beans are now presented as a staple food for vegetarians and for people affected by nutrition related health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, and over-weight (Leterme & Mun˜oz, 2002). Such a trend is caused by a general feature of pulses: their appreciable content in slowly digestible carbohydrates (Leterme & Mun˜oz, 2002;Tovar, Granfeldt, & Bjo¨rck, 1992a). Other benefits of legumes are their low cost and long shelf life.…”

Consumer demand heterogeneity and valuation of value-added pulse products: a case of precooked beans in Uganda

“…It is rich in cholesterol-free dietary proteins, energy, folic acid, fiber and micronutrients (iron and zinc)-thus a strategic remedy for hidden hunger and healthy eating for children and women of reproductive age in households with limited sources of protein [2]. Regular consumption of beans decreases the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, colorectal cancer and helps with weight management [3].…”