Terminology Matters: Advancing Science to Define an Optimal Pulse Intake

Confusion around the terms legumes and pulses has been a long-standing problem among consumers, health professionals, and researchers in the United States. The Food and Agricultural Organization defines pulses as legumes that are harvested solely as dry grain and include beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils. For the first time ever, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognized and used the terminology pulses. Correct terminology usage is important to build a solid research foundation that is specific to pulses, primarily because of their unique nutritional attributes that impact health differently than other legumes. Future widespread conformity and standardized use of a definition and categorization system around pulses versus legumes in research would allow for an improved interpretation of science and a better understanding of current research gaps. Clarity around these gaps could enhance and improve dietary recommendations, including the ability to refine our current understanding of the optimal daily or weekly intake of pulses at which health benefits are maximized.

Automated summary

The confusion between legumes and pulses has been a persistent issue among consumers, health professionals, and researchers in the United States. The correct usage of terminology is crucial for research on pulses, as they have unique nutritional attributes that affect health differently than other legumes. Establishing a standardized definition and categorization system for pulses versus legumes would improve the interpretation of scientific studies and enhance our understanding of current research gaps. This clarity could lead to improved dietary recommendations regarding the optimal intake of pulses for maximizing health benefits.