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When anybody embarks on a weight loss journey, one of the things experts recommend is to go on a calorie-restrictive yet balanced diet. A major focus then becomes selecting foods that will provide you with ample nutrition while also ensuring that the amount of calories you eat are lower than before. Add to this the need to eat something delicious, and a weight loss diet poses quite the conundrum—one that can only be solved by adding ingredients like moong dal to your diet.
Moong dal, also known as mung beans and green gram, is a lentil that packs quite a nutritive punch. Grown and harvested across India, the lentil is easily available and forms the base of plenty of delicious recipes that are also healthy. From khichdi and salads to simple dal and sprouts chaat, the things you can rustle up with moong dal for weight loss diets are innumerable. And that is just what you need while on a weight loss diet.
Wondering what the benefits of including moong dal in your weight loss diet are? Here is everything you need to know.
Video Credit: YouTube/Hebbars Kitchen
1. Low In Calories
With just 105 calories per 100 grams of cooked moong dal, this lentil is low in calories while being quite filling. So, if you are on a weight loss diet then adding this low-calorie lentil to your meals should be an easy choice. However, do not add any butter, ghee or fats while cooking moong dal at these additions will also increase the calorie count.
2. High In Protein
One of the major concerns when on a calorie-restrictive weight loss diet is the loss of muscle mass along with fats stored in the body. To counter this, your diet should include protein-rich ingredients like moong dal. Moong dal, with 7-9 grams of protein per 100 grams of serving, can help you maintain lean muscle mass really well.
3. Rich In Fiber
Moong dal provides 1.5 to 2.5 grams of dietary fibre with every 100 grams of serving. This boost of dietary fiber is great for your digestion, as it can add bulk to stool, clear out the bowels and regulate all bowel movements better. Moong dal also supports a healthy gut and prevents constipation, which can further aid your weight loss goals.
4. Low In Fat
Naturally low in fat, especially harmful saturated fats, moong dal is the perfect addition to your weight loss diet. A 100-gram serving of moong dal only has about 1 gram of fat, which means you will get plenty of energy without having to break down fats in your system. Make sure you don’t add fats to moong dal while cooking, and you’ll be good to go.
5. Complex Carbohydrates
The carbs in moong dal are designated as complex carbohydrates, which means these carbs take more time to break down in the digestive system and release energy in a slower, more sustained manner. So, eating moong dal will increase feelings of satiety and fullness for longer durations, preventing any cravings or need to binge-eat while on a weight loss diet.
6. Immunity Boost
Keeping your immune system fighting fit while being on a weight loss diet is essential as it can help fight off diseases while you focus on managing your weight. Moong dal is a great help here since apart from proteins and complex carbs, it also provides essential vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, vitamin B12, potassium and magnesium.
7. Low Glycaemic Index
Moong dal is categorised as a low glycaemic index or GI food with a count of 30-35. This means that like all low GI foods, moong dal is digested and absorbed very slowly by the body, which can help maintain blood sugar levels. Without sudden energy spikes and crashes, your risk of unhealthy snacking while on a weight loss diet is also reduced.
8. Versatile
One of the major problems of being on a weight loss diet is that the foods best suited for a calorie-restrictive diet can get monotonous and boring. Moong dal on the other hand is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be used to whip up many dishes. Not only Indian cuisine dishes but also Southeast Asian dishes can be easily whipped up with moong dal, making it the perfect addition to your weight loss diet.
