Abstract
The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of pulse consumption in women presenting at least two primary components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). One hundred and thirty-four women were randomly assigned to consume for a 16-week period either 750 ml of pulses weekly or control meals without pulses. Main outcomes measure were primary and secondary components of the MS and body fatness. A significant increase in dietary fibers and a significant decrease in dietary cholesterol were observed in the pulse group. For all components of the MS and body fatness, no significant differences were observed between the group consuming pulses or in the control group; however, plasma fibrinogen concentration decreased significantly only in the pulse group. In conclusion, a nutritional intervention providing 750 ml of pulses weekly had no effect on primary and secondary components of the MS and on body fatness.