flavour and well-being in perfect balance

Developed in cooperation with SmartFood, a research project that applies scientific knowledge to healthy eating, the 5 ZuppamiXlegumi recipes are a simple way to rediscover the pleasure of eating food that makes us feel good.

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A balanced mix of pulses and cereals, carbohydrates and proteins, which is the ideal basis for the Healthy Plate, a complete and wholesome meal with all the essential amino acids.

The healthy plate: the rules for an ideal meal

A meal is considered balanced if it contains a balanced amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. By analysing the right amounts of nutrients, the Harvard Medical School in Boston has managed to graphically represent the “healthy eating plate”: a mix of vegetables, cereals, fruit and healthy proteins, such as those found in pulses. This rule should apply to every meal of the day combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Copyright © 2011 Harvard University

zuppamixlegumi

With its balanced mix of pulses and cereals, each portion of ZuppamiXlegumi provides the ideal amount of carbohydrates and protein of the healthy plate.

From research, the principles of healthy eating.

Smart Food is a research project developed by the European Institute of Oncology in Milan with the aim to promote healthy and informed food choices.
The physicians, researchers and nutritionists who work there are committed every day to analysing the properties of food and finding food that contains valuable molecules for the body, which can help us to live better. Thanks to their contribution, the ZuppamiXlegumi recipes provide most of the nutrients that are essential for your diet.

How our mixes are made

Selection

Cereals and pulses are selected according to their nutritional profile.

Composition

The ingredients are combined to create the perfect mix of carbohydrates and proteins.

Preparation

We experiment with different recipes until we obtain the best mix, making sure the ingredients have the same cooking time.

Pulses and nutrition:

Science's responses

Do pulses cause intestinal bloating?

The feeling of bloating often associated with pulses is due to bacterial fermentation, the process by which intestinal microflora helps the body digest fibre. The compounds that can cause discomfort are actually those that have numerous beneficial effects for our body. Gradually adding pulses to our diet, starting with small quantities, preferably with those that have softer skin such as peas, will help reduce any adverse effects.

Can the iron demand be met with plant sources?

The iron present in food can be divided into “heme iron”, which is more efficiently absorbed by the body, and “non-heme iron”, which is more difficult to absorb. The iron in food of vegetable origin is all “non-heme”. This is why it is important to combine pulses with elements that can facilitate their absorption, such as vitamin C, which is present in large amounts in citrus fruits. Cooking can also improve the bioavailability of “non-heme” iron, so it is always best to make sure to cook pulses for a long time, so that they can be absorbed better and more easily.

Can pulses reduce cardiovascular risks?

A diet high in fibre, antioxidant compounds (such as certain vitamins and polyphenols), monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. From a nutritional point of view, pulses are a source of some of these nutrients and bioactive compounds, as well as an excellent source of vegetable protein. In addition, an increase in the consumption of pulses could lead to a reduction in the consumption of animal protein sources, which may be rich in saturated fatty acids.

Do pulses help in losing weight?

The World Health Organisation has suggested that eating pulses helps reduce the risk of obesity. Studies on this subject have demonstrated the benefits of a diet rich in pulses for reducing body weight compared to a “control diet” with the same calorie intake. Some of the mechanisms that may explain weight loss include: - the high satiating power of pulses, thanks to the high presence of fibre and protein; - the role of fibre in slowing down the absorption of nutrients in the intestine; - the regulation of blood and insulin levels in the bloodstream, thanks to a low glycemic index.

Bring the benefit of pulses to your weekly diet

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