Mung beans are a pulse, which is a type of edible bean in the legume plant family. Other names for these mung beans include green gram, maash, moong, monggo, or munggo. Asia, Africa, and South America are the main regions where mung beans are farmed. However, they are consumed as a staple food by people all across the world.
Mung beans are rich in plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, fibre, and other minerals, just like other legumes. Like all pulses, mung beans are nutrient-balanced. They are an excellent supplement to a healthy diet because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial enzymes. Mung beans, despite having a moderate flavour, are a wonderful base for a variety of savoury dishes, such as soups, stews, salads, and curries.
Why Should You Eat Mung Beans?
Rich In Antioxidants:
Mung beans contain a number of antioxidants, including linoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and others. By stifling free radical activity, these antioxidants can lower the risk of disease. Heart disease, cancer, chronic inflammation, and other disorders have all been related to free radical damage.
Aids Digestive Health:
Mung beans contain pectin, a soluble fibre, making them high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. According to a study, pectin can hasten the process by which food is broken down and passed through your stomach while also maintaining the health of your intestines. Additionally, it enhances digestion in general.
Furthermore, mung beans contain resistant starch, which is like soluble fibre in that it supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Manages Blood Sugar:
By delaying the release of glucose into the blood, the significant fibre content in mung beans, particularly the soluble fibre pectin, and the protein content help to stabilise blood sugar levels. Its low GI index causes the release of insulin, which lowers blood sugar and fat levels. Mung beans increase insulin's effectiveness and lessen blood sugar fluctuations.
Rich Protein Source:
One of the best sources of plant-based protein and essential amino acids is green moong. These beans may even have more protein after being sprouted, which tends to increase their antioxidant activity.
Improves Eye Health:
The element zinc is crucial in the treatment of night blindness. Zinc encourages the activity of an enzyme in our bodies that helps produce vitamin A. One of the main factors contributing to night blindness and other vision-related problems is vitamin A deficiency. Mung beans can therefore be a great addition to your diet to help you see better.
Boosts Immunity:
Numerous nutrients present in mung beans, including folate, riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine, niacin, magnesium, zinc, and calcium, help to reduce inflammation. It is abundant in phytonutrients and flavonoids and exhibits notable antioxidant properties that boost immunity. The immune-supportive nutrient content of green mung strengthens the body's defences and fends against infectious diseases, which boosts white blood cell production.