The healthy pasta alternative: Pulse Pasta!

Are you one of the many people who experience guilt over excessive carbo-loading after eating pasta? Pasta substitutes are shaking the pasta aisle up and turning how consumers think about pasta upside down. High protein, high fiber pastas are easier to find and has the same soft pasta texture you are used to.  As the UN declared 2016 as the year of the Pulse, “Pulse Pasta” is leading this health food trend with the ultimate comfort food – pasta!

What is a pulse?
Pulses are part of the legume family, the term “pulse” referring to the dried seed. Dried peas, dried beans, lentils and chickpeas are the most common varieties of pulses. Pulses are very high in protein and fiber, antioxidants, and low in fat!

What are the health benefits of pulses?

There are many health benefits of eating a diet rich in pulses. Pulse are great for heart health, as the fiber in the pulses may lower cholesterol levels. Pulses also are high in potassium. Including more potassium-rich foods in your diet can lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Additionally pulses can help to reduce the risk of diabetes. Pulses are a low-glycemic index food. Foods with a low glycemic index cause only a small rise in blood sugar, while foods with a high glycemic index cause a spike in blood sugar. People who include more low-glycemic foods in their diet have lower rates of diabetes. Pulses are also a wonderful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.

Who should eat pulses?

Everyone can benefit from eating pulses! Pulses are high in fiber, complex carbohydrates and low in fat.  These nutrients make pulses an important part of any healthy diet and can help maintain a healthy weight.

How can I incorporate pulses into my diet?

Pulses are popping up everywhere. They can be found in crackers, breakfast cereals and even pastas. Pasta is a food that is typically low in protein and fiber, with a very high glycemic index. Eating pulses in the form of pasta is a wonderful way to create a delicious, balanced, and healthy meal. Already high in protein, all these pastas need is a vegetable to make it a complete and balanced meal that the whole family is sure to love. Pulse pastas are great for everyone – whether shoppers are looking to “eat clean," lose weight, or increase protein intake, as they provide a satisfying and filling alternative to traditional pasta.

With several brands to choose from, it’s important to check the ingredient list and nutrition labels to make sure you are selecting the best option. Explore Cuisine’s newest collection of Pulse Pastas are made in Italy and certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and made with organic ingredients, so you can enjoy nourishing meals knowing that you are eating clean and healthy. The new Pulse Pasta collection includes: Red Lentil Penne, Green Lentil Penne, Chickpea Fusilli, Red Lentil Spaghetti, Chickpea Spaghetti, and Green Lentil Lasagne Sheets.

Cooking with Pulse Pasta

Meal preparation has never been simpler! Explore Cuisine’s Pulse Pasta cooks in under 10 minutes to a perfect al dente texture, and there is no need to cook a protein to pair with the pasta for a balanced meal. Simply add a favorite vegetable and sauce and a fully balanced meal is ready to eat. Explore Cuisine has an abundance of recipes to share with your shoppers, check out www.explorecuisine.com/blog/en/recipe/ for ideas!

About Explore Cuisine

Explore Cuisine is a health-minded food brand dedicated to innovative cooking using organic ingredients of the highest quality. Formally known as Explore Asian, the company has expanded to Explore Cuisine, bringing consumers healthy and delicious foods from all across the globe. Explore Cuisine integrates beans, peas, lentils, and rice to provide consumers with nourishing meals which are easy, quick, colorful, and simply delicious. Explore Cuisine delivers high quality yet affordable food to consumers by buying ingredients direct from farmers and producing next to the fields. The company is committed to fair trade and sustainable living, so that everyone benefits along the way. 2% of the proceeds support the Food to Thrive Foundation. www.explorecuisine.com.