Abstract
Chickpeas, common beans, dry peas, and lentils are pulse crops that have been a cornerstone of the human diet since the inception of agriculture. However, the displacement of pulses from the diet by low fiber protein alternatives has resulted in a pervasive deficiency referred to as the dietary fiber gap. Using an analytical method American Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) 2011.25 that conforms to the Codex Alimentarius Commission consensus definition for dietary fiber, the fiber content of these pulse crops was evaluated in seed types used for commercial production. These pulse crops have 2 to 3 times more fiber per 100 g edible portion than other dietary staples. Moreover, there is marked variation in fiber content among cultivars of the same crop. We conclude that pulse crop consumption should be emphasized in efforts to close the dietary fiber gap. The substantial differences in fiber content among currently available cultivars within a crop can be used to further improve gains in fiber intake without the need to change dietary habits. This provides a rationale for cultivar-based food labeling.
Highlights
Dietary fiber is an important non-nutritive component of food, and is believed to have various benefits to human health [1]
It has been shown in both the United States and Canada that individuals whose consumption of pulses is high meet recommended levels of dietary fiber intake in comparison to non-pulse consumers who eat the same daily number of servings of cereal grains [8,9]
Common bean, dry pea, and lentil seed were selected by plant breeders familiar with commercial cultivars of each pulse crop grown in the United States
Summary
Dietary fiber is an important non-nutritive component of food, and is believed to have various benefits to human health [1]. Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, pulses are grain legumes; the four most widely consumed pulse crops globally are chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), dry peas (Pisum sativum L.), and lentils (Lens culinaris L.) [5]. In many cultures, these pulse crops are food staples;. I.e. they are eaten daily in large amounts and are both affordable and accessible to the population [6].
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