Are dried pulses fattening?
Dried pulses are sources of starches, protein and fibre. Most of them contain very few lipids. Consequently, dried pulses are not fattening, unless they are served with foods that have a high energy content, particularly ones that are rich in lipids. Dried pulses can make you feel satisfyingly well-fed in proportion to their calorie content, not only because of their low impact on the blood-sugar level, but also because they contain many proteins (6 to 9 g per 100 g). Proteins are the nutrient which, according to many studies, give the most satisfying feeling of fullness for a given calorie content. While tucking into a fine hot pot casserole must remain an occasional treat because of its high fat content, eating dried pulses cooked with little fat is perfectly compatible with a healthy diet, and contributes to balanced nutrition and a controlled intake of food because they are filling.
