Pulses are legumes—specifically dry, edible seeds from legume pods. Some examples of pulses are beans, lentils, and chickpeas. They are high in protein and fiber, which makes them excellent dietary substitutes or supplements in place of regular meat. Besides their dietary value, pulses are excellent as nitrogen-fixing crops. This means they convert nitrogen into a plant-ready nutrient. This reduces the need for nitrogen fertilisers, making planting more environmentally sustainable.