From the point of view of human nutrition, pulses are considered a particularly good dietary source of which nutrient?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to basic nutrition science. Pulses such as lentils, peas, and beans are staple foods in many countries, including India. They are often recommended as an affordable and healthy component of the diet. The item asks which nutrient pulses are especially rich in.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The food group under consideration is pulses, which include lentils, chickpeas, and various beans. - The options mention proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. - The question asks for the main nutrient for which pulses are known.

Concept / Approach:
Pulses are legumes that contain significant amounts of plant based protein. While they do provide some carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, their protein content per gram is higher than that of many cereal grains. This is why pulses are commonly recommended as a protein source in vegetarian and balanced diets.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall dietary sources of protein: pulses, milk, eggs, meat, and fish. 2. Pulses are especially important in vegetarian diets as a major protein source. 3. Although pulses also contain carbohydrates, cereals like rice and wheat are better known as carbohydrate sources. 4. Pulses have relatively low fat content compared with nuts and oils. 5. Therefore, the nutrient for which pulses are best known is protein.

Verification / Alternative check:
Nutritional tables in health and biology textbooks list high protein values for pulses. Many dietary guidelines classify pulses in the protein rich food group, confirming this association.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Fats: Pulses contain some fats but not enough to be considered a primary fat source. Vitamins: Pulses provide vitamins but are not primarily used as vitamin rich foods compared with fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates: Present in pulses, but cereals are the more typical carbohydrate staples.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any staple food is mainly a carbohydrate source. Students should remember that cereals give mostly carbohydrates while pulses are the main plant based protein contributors. Combining cereals with pulses in meals gives a more balanced amino acid profile.

Final Answer:
Pulses are a particularly good source of Proteins.