FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USA Pulses Commends MAHA Strategy’s Focus on Nutritious Foods to Combat the Chronic Disease Epidemic
Nutrient-dense foods like chickpeas, dry beans, dry peas, and lentils are essential to improving gut microbiome health, fighting chronic diet-related disease.
MOSCOW, IDAHO — September 9, 2025 — USA Pulses, the leading voice for American-grown dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans, welcomed the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Strategy’s focus on increasing access to nutritious, whole foods that can help solve today’s most pressing health challenges.
“We are encouraged by the Make America Healthy Again Strategy and its focus on increasing access to nutritious, whole foods like pulses, which have the power to improve public health,” said Tim McGreevy, CEO of USA Pulses.
“Pulses — dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans — are a prime example of the kind of healthy, American-grown, whole foods that can support lifelong wellness, from childhood through adulthood. People love them because they’re affordable, versatile, and delicious. You can toss them in a salad, mix them into a soup, or enjoy them as a hearty main dish, and they’re packed with protein and fiber that can boost gut health and prevent diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
“Getting more pulses on more plates is an easy, delicious way to make America healthier. The upcoming dietary guidelines give us a perfect opportunity to help Americans enjoy more foods that improve the gut microbiome and curb chronic disease. USA Pulses looks forward to working with the administration to ensure more Americans have access to pulses, helping to build a healthier, stronger nation.”
Pulses are the nutritious dried seeds of legumes commonly known as dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. By growing and eating more American-grown pulses, the U.S. can transform public health, boost rural economies, and secure a more resilient future with affordable, wholesome foods that have nourished generations. In support of that vision, USA Pulses announced a new unified identity and ambitious goal to double U.S. pulse consumption and production by 2030.
Pulses are an excellent source of fiber and folate, and provide meaningful amounts of protein, potassium, and iron. Fewer than 10% of Americans consume adequate dietary fiber, which is critical for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. A growing body of evidence links pulse consumption to reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
Despite their high nutritional value and exceptional health benefits, pulses are recommended at the lowest level of all other types of vegetables in the dietary guidelines. To address this, USA Pulses issued a DGA white paper finding that an increase in the weekly recommendation for dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans would align dietary guidance with the latest scientific evidence to help improve public health.
About USA Pulses
USA Pulses is an innovative group of organizations bringing people together to deliver the highest quality, nutrient-dense, regenerative, and affordable foods on the planet. Through advocacy, research funding initiatives, and policy engagement, USA Pulses drives awareness about the health benefits, sustainability, and versatility of pulses. Visit USA Pulses for simple, delicious recipes.
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