A large study of Australian teenagers found that very few young people eat pulses—foods like beans, lentils, and chickpeas. The researchers discovered that the small group of teens who did eat these foods had healthier weights and better overall diets. Teens who ate pulses consumed more vegetables and fiber while eating less junk food and added sugar. The study suggests that encouraging teenagers to eat more pulses could help them develop healthier eating habits that last into adulthood, especially when the foods are prepared in familiar and tasty ways.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How many Australian teenagers eat pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas) and whether eating these foods is connected to healthier eating habits and weight
  • Who participated: 1,007 Australian teenagers between ages 12-17 who were part of a national health survey, representing about 101,000 teens across the country
  • Key finding: Only 6% of Australian teenagers eat pulses regularly. Teenagers who do eat pulses tend to have healthier weights and eat more vegetables and fiber while consuming less junk food and added sugar
  • What it means for you: If you’re a teenager or parent, adding more beans and lentils to meals—especially in familiar dishes like baked beans or curry—could be a simple way to improve your diet and support a healthier weight. However, this study shows a connection, not proof that pulses cause better health

The Research Details

Researchers looked at information collected from a large national health survey of Australian families conducted in 2011-12. They focused specifically on the 1,007 teenagers in that survey and compared those who ate pulses with those who didn’t. The teenagers answered questions about what they ate, and researchers recorded their weight and other health information. This type of study is like taking a snapshot in time—it shows what people were eating at one moment, rather than following them over months or years.

Understanding what teenagers eat is important because the eating habits they develop now often continue into adulthood. If we can figure out why some teens eat pulses and others don’t, we can create better strategies to encourage young people to eat these healthy foods. This research provides real-world information about actual teenagers’ eating patterns, which is more useful than laboratory studies for understanding how to improve public health.

This study used data from a nationally representative survey, meaning the teenagers studied were selected to represent all Australian teenagers, not just a specific group. The sample size of over 1,000 teenagers is reasonably large. However, because this is a snapshot study rather than following teenagers over time, we can see that pulse-eaters have healthier diets, but we can’t prove that eating pulses causes the healthier diet—other factors might be involved. The study adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic status to make comparisons fairer.

What the Results Show

The most striking finding was how rarely Australian teenagers eat pulses: only 6% reported eating them, and of those, 48% were boys. When researchers compared teenagers who ate pulses to those who didn’t, they found important differences in their overall diets and health. Teenagers who consumed pulses were less likely to be overweight or obese. Specifically, overweight or obese teenagers were about 18% less likely to eat pulses compared to teenagers at a healthy weight. This relationship held true even after accounting for age, sex, and family income level. The teenagers who ate pulses also reported eating significantly more vegetables overall, consuming more dietary fiber (the part of food that helps digestion), and getting more iron from their food. At the same time, these pulse-eating teenagers consumed less discretionary food (junk food and treats), less saturated fat, and less added sugar.

The study also identified which pulse foods teenagers actually ate. Baked beans were by far the most popular, likely because they’re familiar, convenient, and often served in familiar dishes. The second most common way teenagers ate pulses was as an ingredient in vegetarian meals like dahl (a lentil dish). This suggests that teenagers are more likely to eat pulses when they’re prepared in recognizable, appealing ways rather than as standalone ingredients.

Previous research has shown that pulse consumption is low across Western countries, not just Australia. Studies have demonstrated that pulses are nutritious foods linked to better health outcomes in adults. This research extends that knowledge to teenagers specifically and shows that the pattern of low consumption starts early. The finding that pulse-eaters have healthier overall diets aligns with previous nutrition research showing that people who eat pulses tend to make other healthy food choices as well.

This study shows associations—connections between eating pulses and healthier diets—but cannot prove that eating pulses causes better health. It’s possible that teenagers who eat pulses come from families that prioritize healthy eating in general. The study was conducted in 2011-12, so eating patterns may have changed since then. The study only looked at one day of eating for each teenager, which might not represent their typical diet. Additionally, the very low consumption rate (6%) means the researchers were studying a small group, which can make findings less reliable.

The Bottom Line

Moderate confidence: Teenagers and their families should consider adding more pulses to their diets, particularly in familiar and appealing forms like baked beans, curries, or mixed into other dishes. Parents and schools could promote pulse consumption by featuring these foods in tasty, recognizable meals. This appears to be a simple dietary change that could support healthier eating patterns.

This research is relevant for teenagers, parents, school lunch programs, and nutrition educators. It’s particularly important for teenagers who are overweight or obese, as the study suggests pulse consumption may be associated with healthier weights. Anyone interested in sustainable eating should pay attention, as pulses are considered an environmentally friendly protein source. However, teenagers with certain medical conditions affecting digestion should consult a doctor before significantly increasing fiber intake.

Developing new eating habits typically takes several weeks to months. You might notice improved digestion and energy levels within a few weeks of adding pulses to your diet. Changes in weight or body composition would take longer—typically several months of consistent dietary changes combined with physical activity.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track pulse consumption frequency: Record each time you eat pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas, or baked beans) and note the type and amount. Aim to increase from zero to at least 2-3 times per week and monitor any changes in energy levels, digestion, or weight over 8-12 weeks
  • Start by adding one familiar pulse-based meal per week—such as baked beans on toast, lentil soup, or bean chili. Gradually increase frequency as you discover recipes and preparations you enjoy. Use the app to set reminders for pulse-based meal planning and track which preparations your family enjoys most
  • Create a weekly pulse consumption log noting: type of pulse eaten, portion size, how it was prepared, and any digestive or energy changes. Track overall diet quality by logging vegetable intake and discretionary food consumption alongside pulse intake. Monitor weight monthly if relevant. Review trends every 4 weeks to identify which pulse dishes work best for your family

This research shows a connection between eating pulses and healthier diets in teenagers, but does not prove that pulses cause better health outcomes. Individual results may vary based on overall diet, physical activity, genetics, and other health factors. Teenagers with digestive conditions, food allergies, or those taking certain medications should consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before significantly increasing their pulse consumption. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.