“Advocating for Plant-Forward Solutions to Tackle Lifestyle Diseases and Promote Holistic Well-Being Across South Africa.”
With South Africa grappling with rising rates of lifestyle diseases, now is the time to rethink our plates as the foundation of our health. February marks National Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, culminating in National Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day on 21 February. This annual observance is a vital opportunity to promote the six pillars of a healthy lifestyle: good nutrition, regular physical activity, prioritising good quality sleep, stress management, maintaining healthy social connections, and interventions against alcohol and substance abuse.
PAN South Africa is committed to reducing diet-related deaths by raising awareness of the benefits of plant-forward dietary patterns among healthcare professionals, policymaker and the public. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and pulses and lower in fat, sugar, animal products, and processed foods have been proven to manage and prevent lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and certain cancers.
“South Africa is at a critical juncture where the burden of non-communicable diseases continues to rise. It’s essential to prioritise a shift towards plant-based eating patterns, not only for personal health but also to address broader issues like food security and environmental sustainability,” says Nanine Wyma, Executive Director of PAN South Africa.
However, the 2024 National Food and Nutrition Security Survey paints a concerning picture. While over 97% of South Africans consume cereals, nutrient-dense foods such as pulses and nuts are consumed by only 29.7% of the population. Despite being affordable, having a low glycemic index, and their proven ability to manage conditions such as diabetes, they remain under-consumed. Additionally, over half of the population experiences food insecurity, which drives the consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods associated with lifestyle diseases.
World Pulses Day (10 February), which coincides with National Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, is a key moment to spotlight the health and environmental benefits of pulse Unfortunately, these nutrient-dense foods are often stigmatised as “poverty food.” PAN South Africa urges the government to leverage this occasion to shift public perception and educate communities on the critical role of pulses in managing and preventing chronic diseases.
“Pulses should be seen as a powerful, affordable solution to some of the most pressing health challenges we face today. Promoting their consumption can directly impact our nation’s health and food security,” adds Wyma.
The South African Lifestyle Medicine Association (SALMA) emphasises a holistic approach to health, which extends beyond nutrition. In addition to promoting a plant-based diet, SALMA advocates for regular exercise, stress management, restorative sleep, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social interactions as the six pillars of a healthy lifestyle. “True health requires a multifaceted approach. By addressing all aspects of lifestyle, we can significantly reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in South Africa,” says D Lydia Alatini, Secretary of SALMA.
Economic challenges, cultural eating habits, lack of nutritional knowledge, and limited dietary diversity remain significant barriers to achieving a healthy lifestyle for many Sou Africans. PAN South Africa calls on the government and stakeholders to address these systemic issues during National Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month by:
- Supporting community and household gardening initiatives to improve access to fresh produce.
- Advocating for the inclusion of nutritious, balanced, plant-based foods in hospitals to enhance patient health and well-being
- Promoting stable job opportunities to tackle food insecurity.
- Educating communities on balanced nutrition and the benefits of plant-based diet
- Developing a school food policy to promote healthier meal and snack options for children and teachers.
As we observe National Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, PAN South Africa invites healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to join the movement toward a healthier, more sustainable South Africa. Small, consistent changes—such as incorporating more pulses, fruits, and vegetables into daily meals—can lead to profound impacts on individual and community health.
Together, let’s reimagine our plates and commit to creating a healthier nation for future generations.
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World Hunger Solved: Pulses Can Feed Everyone (and they mostly already do)
The 10th of February, is World Pulses Day. Pulses, which include chickpeas, lentils, beans, soya, peanuts, and many others, are some of the most nutritious crops in Mother Nature’s pantry. Pulses are an inexpensive source of many nutrients that are vital to human health, and have the additional benefit of being an essential to sustainable agricultural practices.
What are pulses?
The terms legumes and pulses are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family, whereas the term ‘legume’ refers to any plant from the Fabaceae family.
Legumes and pulses: great for our bodies and for the soil
Pulses have been eaten by humans for at least 10,000 years and are a nutritious core staple of most diets around the world. They are an inexpensive source of protein, vitamins, complex carbohydrates, and fibre, as well as a substantial source of vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, zinc, folate, and magnesium. In addition, the phytochemicals, saponins, and tannins in pulses possess antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects, which indicates that consuming pulses might have significant anti-cancer effects.
Research has also shown that regular consumption of pulses can help to lower cholesterol, improve gut health, and support weight management. Their low glycaemic index makes them ideal for managing blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.
Almost all national dietary guidelines around the world recommend the regular consumption of legumes and pulses. These guidelines are governments’ recommendations for the composition of individuals’ diets. They serve as the framework for food, nutrition, health, and agriculture policies, as well as for programmes that foster healthy diets and lifestyles.
Sustainability leaders
Pulses are not only good for you but also great for the planet. These crops improve soil health through nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation growing pulses requires significantly less water than other protein sources – just 1,250 litres of water per kilogram of pulses compared to 13,000 litres for the same amount of beef – and a kilogram of lentils or beans goes way further than a kilogram of beef. Pulses also have a low carbon footprint, making them an essential part of sustainable food systems.
Use, proliferation of, education and investment in pulse crops is driven by international bodies such as Pulses.org and Beans is How: an ambitious campaign to double the global consumption of beans (as well as peas, lentils and other pulses) by 2028.
Pulses around the world
Pulses play a key role in global food security. In many regions, they are a primary source of protein, particularly in areas where meat consumption is limited. India, for example, is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, with lentils and chickpeas being staples in traditional dishes such as dhal and chana masala. Similarly, Latin America celebrates pulses in dishes like black bean soup and refried beans, while hummus and falafel are beloved staples across the Middle East.
ProVeg recipes and tips
Looking to get creative with pulses? Dive into our ProVeg Veganuary series, ‘Tips for Cooking with Lentils, Chickpeas, and Tofu’. Discover easy, delicious recipes that make adding pulses to your meals a breeze. Start with a hearty lentil soup, creamy hummus, or a flavour-packed tempeh rice bowl – each recipe showcasing the versatility and rich flavours of plant-based cooking.
