What happens to your body when you eat more pulses? Five effects you need to know

A 2026 review of research on pulses — lentils, chickpeas, and dried beans — suggests they can feed gut microbes, blunt blood sugar spikes, modestly lower cholesterol, and increase feelings of fullness. The Conversation (UK) reports the evidence is strongest for these short-term effects, while longer-term impacts on the microbiome still need more human trials. Preparation matters too: soaking and sprouting can make minerals like iron and zinc more absorbable. And there's an environmental bonus — legume plants can fix nitrogen, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. So while pulses are an ancient food, our understanding of their effects is still evolving.

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