Legumes are high in dietary fibre which helps to keep our bowels healthy. They are also a good source of soluble fibre which can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Legumes are a source of carbohydrate which has a low glycaemic index (GI), and they are broken down more slowly so you feel fuller for longer. This makes them a particularly good food for preventing and managing diabetes.

Other benefits of legumes include:
• High in B-group vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorous, zinc and magnesium
• Good source of folate, which is essential for pregnant women
• Good source of antioxidants
• Low in saturated fat.