Pulses: Optimizing Pulse Consumption for Cardiometabolic Health

This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of consuming two different doses of pulses (1.5 cups/week or 3 cups/week) in individuals with baseline intake below 1.5 cups/week, compared to a control group receiving standard nutrition education based on the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) My Plate guidelines.

The main question the Pulses study aims to answer is:

• What is the effect of increasing pulse consumption (in a dose-response manner) on specific cardiometabolic risk factors, including LDL-C, CRP, HBA1C, and blood pressure compared to standard nutrition education?

For secondary outcomes, this study aims to answer the following:

• Does increased pulse consumption improve the following: overall serum lipid profile (Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, Triglycerides (TG), diet quality (measured by the Healthy Eating Index), and participants self-reported satisfaction with life (SWLS) and Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFoL).

All participants will attend biweekly classes and food demonstrations. The pulses groups will learn to prepare various pulse-based recipes, while the control group will receive guidance on preparing healthy meals following the USDA MyPlate recommendations.