Health Benefits of Mung Beans.

Impressive Health Benefits of Mung Beans

Mung beans are small, green beans that belong to the legume family.

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They have been cultivated since ancient times. While native to India, mung beans later spread to China and various parts of Southeast Asia .

These beans have a slightly sweet taste and are sold fresh, as sprouts or as dried beans. They aren’t as popular in the US but can be purchased from most health food stores.

Mung beans are incredibly versatile and typically eaten in salads, soups and stir-frys.

They’re high in nutrients and believed to aid many ailments .

Here are 10 health benefits of mung beans.

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1- Packed With Healthy Nutrients.

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Mung beans are rich in vitamins and minerals.

One cup (202 grams) of boiled mung beans contains

Calories: 212

Fat: 0.8 grams

Protein: 14.2 grams

Carbs: 38.7 grams

Fiber: 15.4 grams

Folate (B9): 80% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)

Manganese: 30% of the RDI

Magnesium: 24% of the RDI

Vitamin B1: 22% of the RDI

Phosphorus: 20% of the RDI

Iron: 16% of the RDI

Copper: 16% of the RDI

Potassium: 15% of the RDI

Zinc: 11% of the RDI

Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6 and selenium

Mung beans are high in important vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. Sprouted mung beans contain fewer calories but have more antioxidants and amino acids.

2- High Antioxidant Levels May Reduce Chronic Disease Risk.

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Mung beans are a good source of antioxidants, which may reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. However, more human-based research is needed before making health recommendations.

3- Antioxidants Vitexin and Isovitexin May Prevent Heat Stroke.

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Mung beans contain antioxidants such as vitexin and isovitexin that may protect against free radical damage that occurs during heat stroke.

4 - May Lower “Bad” LDL Cholesterol Levels, Reducing Heart Disease Risk.

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Animal studies have shown that mung bean antioxidants may lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, while human studies have linked higher legume consumption to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

5 - Rich in Potassium, Magnesium and Fiber, Which May Reduce Blood Pressure.

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Mung beans are a good source of potassium, magnesium and fiber, which have been linked to lower blood pressure levels in adults with and without high blood pressure.

6- Fiber and Resistant Starch in Mung Beans May Aid Digestive Health.

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Mung beans contain soluble fiber and resistant starch, which can promote digestive health. The carbs in mung beans are also less likely to cause flatulence than those of other legumes.

7- Nutrient Composition May Lower Blood Sugar Levels.

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Mung beans are high in fiber and protein and contain antioxidants that may lower blood sugar levels and help insulin work more effectively.

8- May Promote Weight Loss By Suppressing Hunger and Raising Fullness Hormones.

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Mung beans are high in fiber and protein, which can help curb hunger by lowering levels of hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, and raising fullness hormones, such as peptide YY, GLP-1 and cholecystokinin.

9- Folate in Mung Beans Can Support a Healthy Pregnancy.

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Mung beans are high in folate, iron and protein, all of which women need more of during pregnancy. Avoid raw mung bean sprouts when you’re pregnant, as they may contain harmful bacteria.

10- Versatile and Easy to Add to Your Diet.

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Mung beans are versatile and easy to add to your diet. The beans are often boiled or steamed, while sprouts are commonly enjoyed either raw or cooked in stir-fry meals.

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Mung beans are high in nutrients and antioxidants, which may provide health benefits.

In fact, they may protect against heat stroke, aid digestive health, promote weight loss and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Since mung beans are healthy, delicious and versatile, consider incorporating them into your diet.