All About Mung beans
A Brief Introduction to Mung Beans
If you’ve not had the pleasure of encountering mung beans, we’re here to change that. Belonging to the legume family, mung beans have been a staple in Middle Eastern and Asian diets for thousands of years. Characterized by a green outer shell and with interiors that range from gold to green, these beans are marvels of nutrition packed inside a small, unassuming package. Allow us to introduce you to the humble but exceptionally healthy mung beans.
The Nutritional Powerhouse that is the Mung Bean
Nutritionally speaking, mung beans are miniature powerhouses. In a single 100 gram serving, you are treated to 24 grams of protein, vital for muscle growth and maintenance. The beans also contain 16 grams of dietary fibre that aids digestion and keeps you feeling full. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and C.
Don’t be deceived by their tiny size. Mung beans serve up a health-boosting combo of antioxidants, which help to combat inflammation and protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Some of these include flavonoids like vitexin and isovitexin that fight damage caused by free radicals.
Health Benefits of Mung Beans
Perhaps one of the biggest accolades of mung beans is their ability to support heart health. These beans are an excellent source of folate and magnesium—two key nutrients that help to regulate blood pressure levels. Studies, like this one, have suggested a link between legume intake and a reduced risk of heart disease.
For the weight watchers, mung beans are a dream food. Their high fibre content can suppress hunger, thus reducing calorie intake. This makes them a fine addition to any weight loss diet.
A diet enriched with mung beans also contributes to better blood sugar control. The beans have a low glycemic index which means they cause a slow, steady rise in blood sugar, making them a good choice for people with diabetes.
Digging deeper into the nutritional treasure that mung beans offer reveals more benefits. They improve digestion, boost immune system, provide anti-aging benefits, and help in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Whether you want to enhance your dishes with some nutritious goodness or are just on the lookout for healthy eating options, mung beans certainly fit the bill.
Mung bean Recipe Ideas
- Mung Bean Soup
- Stir-fried Mung Bean Sprouts
- Mung Bean Salad
- Vegan Mung Bean Curry
- Mung Bean Pancakes
- Mung Bean and Coconut Milk Pudding
- Spicy Mung Bean Stew
- Mung Bean and Rice Casserole
- Mung Bean Hummus
- Mung Bean and Spinach Stir Fry