Cereals vs. Pulses: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 20, 2024
Cereals are grains from cultivated grasses, mainly for carbohydrates; pulses are edible seeds of legumes, rich in protein.
Key Differences
Cereals, derived from cultivated grasses, are predominantly carbohydrate sources and include wheat, rice, and corn. Pulses, on the other hand, refer to the edible seeds of leguminous plants and are prized for their protein content, such as lentils and chickpeas.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
The primary role of cereals in the diet is to provide energy through carbohydrates. Pulses contribute significantly to protein intake, especially in vegetarian diets, and are also high in dietary fiber.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Cultivation practices for cereals typically involve large-scale farming, focusing on crops like barley and oats. Pulses, including varieties like beans and peas, are often grown in rotation with cereals to improve soil fertility.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
From a culinary perspective, cereals are often consumed as staple foods in the form of bread or rice. Pulses, such as kidney beans or lentils, are commonly used in soups, stews, and as meat substitutes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
In terms of global agriculture, cereals constitute a major part of the world’s crop production. Pulses, while less predominant, play a crucial role in sustainable farming and are integral to food security in many parts of the world.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
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Comparison Chart
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Cereals and Pulses Definitions
Cereals
Cereals serve as a staple food worldwide, mainly composed of carbohydrates.
Rice, a widely consumed cereal, is a staple in Asian cuisine.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
Pulses include beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas.
Black beans, a common pulse, are a staple in Latin American cuisine.
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Jan 10, 2024
Cereals
Cereals are grains from the fruits of cultivated grasses.
Wheat, a common cereal, is used to make bread.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family.
Lentils, a type of pulse, are often used in soups.
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Jan 10, 2024
Cereals
Cereals are integral to many diets, providing essential energy.
Cornflakes, a cereal-based product, are often eaten for breakfast.
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Jan 10, 2024
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Pulses
Pulses are used in a variety of dishes worldwide.
Split peas, a type of pulse, are key in traditional pea soup.
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Jan 10, 2024
Cereals
Cereals are cultivated for their edible starchy seeds.
Oatmeal, made from cereal grains, is a popular breakfast choice.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
Pulses are a sustainable crop, often used in crop rotation.
Kidney beans, a pulse, are used in chili con carne.
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Jan 10, 2024
Cereals
Cereals include crops like wheat, rice, and maize.
Barley, a type of cereal, is used in brewing and stock feed.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
The rhythmical throbbing of arteries produced by the regular contractions of the heart, especially as palpated at the wrist or in the neck.
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Jan 10, 2024
Cereals
A grass such as wheat, oats, or corn, the starchy grains of which are used as food.
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Jan 10, 2024
Cereals
Any of several other plants or their edible seeds or fruit, such as buckwheat or certain species of amaranth.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
A brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity
A pulse of current.
A pulse of radiation.
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Jan 10, 2024
Cereals
A food prepared from any of these plants, especially a breakfast food made from commercially processed grain.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
Any of a series of intermittent occurrences characterized by a brief sudden change in a quantity.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
The perceptible emotions or sentiments of a group of people
"a man who had ... his finger on the pulse of America" (Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.).
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
The edible seeds of certain pod-bearing plants, such as lentils and chickpeas.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
To pulsate; beat
"The nation pulsed with music and proclamation, with rages and moral pretensions" (Lance Morrow).
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
(Physics) To undergo a series of intermittent occurrences characterized by brief, sudden changes in a quantity.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
To chop in short bursts, as in a food processor
The cook pulsed the leeks and added some coriander.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
Plural of pulse
The electrifying beat sent pulses of energy through my body.
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Jan 10, 2024
Pulses
Pulses are high in protein and fiber, making them nutritious.
Chickpeas, a popular pulse, are used to make hummus.
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Jan 10, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What's a common cereal grain?
Wheat is a common cereal, widely used in products like bread and pasta.
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Jan 20, 2024
Are pulses good for health?
Yes, pulses are nutritious, offering protein, fiber, and various minerals.
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Jan 20, 2024
What are pulses?
Pulses are edible seeds from leguminous plants, known for their high protein and fiber content.
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Jan 20, 2024
Are pulses suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely, pulses are an excellent protein source for vegetarians.
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Jan 20, 2024
How are cereals used in diets?
Cereals are often consumed as staple foods like bread, pasta, and rice.
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Jan 20, 2024
Give an example of a pulse.
Lentils are a popular example of a pulse, often used in soups and stews.
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Jan 20, 2024
Can cereals be a protein source?
While cereals do contain some protein, they are mainly a carbohydrate source.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Can cereals be gluten-free?
Yes, cereals like rice and corn are naturally gluten-free.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
What are cereals?
Cereals are grains from cultivated grasses, primarily used for their carbohydrate content.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
What's the role of pulses in a diet?
Pulses provide protein, fiber, and are used in dishes like dal and bean salads.
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Jan 20, 2024
How do cereals affect blood sugar?
Refined cereals can cause spikes in blood sugar, while whole grains have a more moderate effect.
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Jan 20, 2024
Do cereals contain fiber?
Yes, cereals contain fiber, especially in their whole grain forms.
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Jan 20, 2024
How do the carbohydrate contents of cereals and pulses compare?
Cereals are higher in carbohydrates, while pulses offer a balance of carbs and protein.
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Jan 20, 2024
Are pulses environmentally sustainable?
Yes, pulses are considered sustainable, often improving soil health.
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Jan 20, 2024
Can pulses be allergenic?
Rarely, but some people may have allergies to specific pulses.
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Jan 20, 2024
Can cereals be part of a weight loss diet?
In moderation, especially whole grains, cereals can be part of a weight loss diet.
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Jan 20, 2024
What's the difference in protein content between cereals and pulses?
Pulses generally have higher protein content than cereals.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Are pulses low in fat?
Yes, pulses are low in fat and a healthy dietary choice.
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Jan 20, 2024
What are the benefits of including pulses in meals?
Pulses add protein, fiber, and variety to meals, and are beneficial for heart and digestive health.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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