Eat more beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas, UN says

Hummus. Hummus is an Arabic word which means "chickpeas" and is very popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. The mashed chickpea blend is perfect for dipping pita bread, spreading on sandwiches and eating as a side dish. [Photo/IC]

Beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas, known as pulse crops, are getting international attention as the United Nations recently voted to declare 2016 as the "International Year of Pulses."

The action is aimed to raise awareness of the many benefits of pulses, boost their production and trade and encourage new and smarter uses of these staples throughout the food chain, according to Xinhua.

Besides health benefits, such as diabetes prevention and cholesterol reduction, pulses are also delicious and easy to cook. Let's take a look at how pulses are enjoyed around the world.