Beans, lentils and chickpeas: they are good for your health health andtechnology. In addition to being a valuable source of protein, fiber and antioxidants, making them essential for a balanced diet, i vegetable they are also friends of the environment. They require little land and little water for cultivation and, thanks to their ability to enrich the soil, they contribute to environmentally friendly cultivation.
On the occasion of World Legumes Day, the “Add a legume to the table” campaign has started, promoted by Slow Food Italia in collaboration with over 140 chefs from the Slow Food Alliance, spread across Italy. This day, supported by FAO, aims to raise consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits of legumes and promote their role in sustainable food systems.
“Add a legume to the table”
The theme for 2024 chosen by the FAO, "Legumes: nourishment for the soil and for people", further highlights the importance of these foods for health and the environment.
The 2024 edition of “Add a legume to the table” invites the chefs and pizza chefs ofSlow Food Alliance to include at least one legume-based dish in their menus, preferably local and traditional varieties, to help customers discover the taste and benefits of a diet enriched by these natural delights.
For a week, more than 140 participating restaurants offer creative dishes based on legumes, also enhancing the lesser-known varieties of the area and traditional recipes.
At the same time, Slow Food Italia and Sfyn Italia promoted the campaign on social media with the hashtag #AggiungiUnLegumeATavola, offering information on Italian legume biodiversity and the multiple benefits of legumes for health and the environment, while dispelling myths and false beliefs .
Countryside "Slow Beans” and other similar initiatives demonstrate Slow Food's constant commitment to promoting biodiversity and the importance of legumes in our diet and in our ecosystem, without forgetting the link with local traditions and the valorization of the territory and the communities linked to it.
Legumes are good for your health and the environment: here's why
The appeal of legumes lies in both their benefits to human health and the benefits they offer to the environment.
From the point of view nutritional, legumes are a rich source of high-quality protein, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a balanced diet and promote cardiovascular health, weight control, intestinal regularity and the prevention of some chronic diseases such as diabetes and some forms of cancer. Furthermore, legumes are particularly important for people following vegetarian or vegan diets, as they provide a valid alternative to animal proteins.
From the point of view of environmental tourism, legumes play a key role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These plants have the unique ability to enrich the soil due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, which reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, legumes require less water than other crops and can be grown on marginal or low-fertility land, thus helping to conserve water resources and reduce soil erosion. Their cultivation also promotes biodiversity, providing habitat for insects and small animals.
In summary, legumes offer a unique combination of benefits for human health and the environment. Incorporating them into our daily diet can not only improve our personal well-being, but also help promote more sustainable agricultural practices and preserve the global ecosystem for future generations.
