Pulses as Culturally Important Foods among University Students in Canada

Kristie Masuda

doi:10.5539/jfr.v7n5p1

Abstract

Pulses such as beans and lentils are culturally important foods in different countries/regions due to their traditional role in dishes, which may be a result of a combination of their nutritive qualities, low cost, and ease of storage. Despite the cultural, health, and monetary benefits associated with eating pulses, pulse consumption in Canada is low. The present study attempted to address whether cultural factors influence pulse consumption among university students in Canada. Results showed that 59% of respondents’ cultural identities do not impact their food choices, and just 29% indicated that pulses are part of their traditional diet.

Highlights

Pulses are the low-fat, dry, edible seeds that are harvested from pods of annual leguminous plants
Pulses such as beans and lentils are culturally important foods in different countries/regions due to their traditional role in dishes, which may be a result of a combination of their nutritive qualities, low cost, and ease of storage
Health, and monetary benefits associated with eating pulses, pulse consumption in Canada is low

Summary

Introduction

Pulses are the low-fat, dry, edible seeds that are harvested from pods of annual leguminous plants. Canada is the second largest producer of pulse crops in the world (Hoover, Hughes, Chung & Lui, 2010), with the most commonly grown pulse crops being lentils (Lens culinaris), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), dry beans (primarily Phaseolus vulgaris), and dry peas (Pisum sativum) (Tosh & Yada, 2010). The estimated median weekly consumption of cooked pulses among Canadians is 1.0 cup per person, with South Asian immigrants consuming an average of 2.5 cups per week (Ipsos Reid, 2010). The large consumption differences between the general Canadian population and the South Asian immigrant population demonstrates that pulse consumption in Canada likely does not compare to that of other countries around the world

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion