Pulses: Optimizing Pulse Consumption for Cardiometabolic Health

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · Feb 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Pulses" clinical trial is exploring how eating more pulses, like beans and lentils, can affect heart and metabolic health in adults aged 18 to 75 who currently eat less than 1.5 cups of pulses per week. Participants will be divided into three groups: two groups will increase their pulse intake to either 1.5 cups or 3 cups per week, while the third group will receive standard nutrition education based on USDA guidelines. Researchers want to see how these changes impact factors like cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall diet quality over a 12-week period.

To participate, individuals need to be at least 18 years old, consume less than 1.5 cups of pulses weekly, and be willing to attend biweekly classes where they’ll learn to cook with pulses. Those with certain food allergies, existing high pulse consumption, or significant health conditions that require special diets may not qualify. Throughout the study, all participants will learn about healthy eating, with those in the pulse groups getting hands-on experience with recipes featuring pulses. This trial is a great opportunity to potentially improve health while learning new cooking skills!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ≥ 18 years old (with no upper age limit)
• • Currently consuming less than 1.5 cup-equivalents of pulses per week
• • Willing and able to participate in a 12-week dietary intervention focused on increased pulse consumption
• • Able to communicate in English and provide written informed consent
• • Assessed as suitable to participate in a nutrition intervention by the study dietitian or primary healthcare provider
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals already consuming \>150 minutes/week of pulse-based dietary programming or otherwise regularly meeting high pulse intake benchmarks at baseline
• • Patients with food allergies or intolerances that preclude the consumption of pulses
• • Individuals who have not received clearance from their healthcare provider to make significant dietary modifications
• • Participants anticipating major changes in dietary habits due to elective surgery, planned relocation, or other lifestyle alterations during the study period (12 weeks)