Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG) has launched a province-wide, year-long campaign to deliver the message that pulses are good for people and good for the planet. In 2016, Manitobans of all ages will be encouraged to improve their health and help the environment by pledging to eat beans, peas and lentils on a regular basis.
“Pulses can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, and help manage diabetes,” says Francois Labelle, MPSG Executive Director. “Pulses are also environmentally friendly, requiring far less water and fertilizer than other crops.”
A Pulse Pledge on the MPSG website offers information and the opportunity for people to join a global movement by committing to eat pulses. MPSG will also visit more than 200 schools and public events in 2016, and collaborate with new and existing partners on research and production, as part of the International Year of Pulses declared by the United Nations.
“Pulse crops are nutritious, popular food choices as they are low in fat, high in fibre and a good source of protein, packed with essential nutrients,” says Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “Manitoba’s 3,800 pulse crop producers have created an industry valued at over half a billion dollars and are playing an important role in building the province’s agriculture industry.”
Manitoba pulses are enjoyed locally and around the world in prepared foods and as cooking ingredients.
A start-up Manitoba company plans to introduce a new line of pulse-based cookies and other snack foods in April. “Pulses have great health benefits and are gluten free,” says Kathleen Sanders, President of The Great Prairie Co. “With their great taste, it is difficult to think of a reason not to use them!”
“Eating about a half-cup of pulses every day could reduce a person’s chance of heart attack or stroke by 7%,” says Dr. Peter Zahradka, Lead Investigator at the Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine. Upcoming studies at the Centre will examine the role pulses can play in controlling obesity and blood sugar levels.
Please visit www.manitobapulse.ca to take the Pulse Pledge and learn more about nutrition, health benefits and sustainability.
MPSG represents 3,800 producers in Manitoba who grow soybeans, edible beans, peas, faba beans, lentils and chickpeas. Founded in 1984, MPSG’s mission is to provide production knowledge and market development through research, advocacy and collaboration.
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For more information, please contact:
Glen Kirby
Communications Director
204-730-3030
glen@manitobapulse.ca
Francois Labelle, PAg
Executive Director
204-745-6488 (ext 2)
francois@manitobapulse.ca
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