Phytochemicals and bioactive compounds of pulses and their impact on health

Khedidja Benouis

Abstract

At sixty-eighth session, the United Nations General Assembly (20 December, 2013) announced that 2016 is the International Year of Pulses (IYP) and The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations was nominated for implementation of the International Year in collaboration with governments and different organizations. Pulses constitute an important source of several substances needed for good health, as phytochemicals and natural bioactive compounds. These grains are very high in nutrients; rich with protein, complex carbohydrates, soluble dietary fiber, and can be stored for months without losing their high nutritional value. Also, pulses are characterized by their nitrogen fixing properties contribute to increased soil fertility and have beneficial effects on the environment, but their benefits are often underestimated. In this mini-review, the health benefits of phytochemicals and bioactive components in pulses briefly we described.