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Transitioning Towards Sustainable Diets: Pulses, Their Role in Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health
Claudia E Lazarte1,2, Rucha Rane2, Frida Hållenius2
1National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
Nutrients
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Pulses promote gut health and metabolic benefits, supporting sustainable diets. Further human studies are needed to confirm their role in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing interest in sustainable diets highlights plant-based proteins like pulses.
- Pulses offer rich nutrition, including protein, fiber, and bioactive compounds.
- Their consumption impacts gut microbiota and metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pulse consumption's role in gut microbiota modulation.
- To evaluate pulse effects on metabolic health and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention.
- To consider processing techniques (e.g., fermentation) and sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of major scientific databases (last 10 years).
- Inclusion of in vitro, in vivo, and human studies.
- Focus on pulse composition, bioactives, gut microbiota, metabolic outcomes, and processing effects.
Main Results:
- Pulses enhance gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acid production.
- Evidence suggests positive impacts on lipid metabolism, glycemic control, and inflammation.
- Fermentation improves pulse nutrient bioavailability and bioactive profiles.
Conclusions:
- Pulses are vital for sustainable, health-promoting diets, positively influencing gut and metabolic health.
- Current evidence is primarily preclinical, necessitating long-term human trials.
- Scalable processing strategies are required to maximize pulse benefits.
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