Mung beans have been a staple in Asian diets for centuries. But in recent years, the small legumes have gained popularity in New Zealand for their nutritional and health benefits.
Mung beans, also known as moong beans, are part of the legume family and are one of the most popular pulses in the world. The beans are about the size of a pea and have a sweet, nutty flavour.
Mung beans have a variety of health benefits, making them a great addition to your diet. Here we explore some of the major benefits mung beans can bring you.
Nutritional Value
Mung beans are an excellent source of nutrients, making them a healthy and versatile ingredient in any meal. They’re a good source of protein, containing 8-9g of protein per every 100g of cooked beans. They’re also a great source of dietary fiber and contain many essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin B1, and zinc.
Mung beans are also low in fat and calories and contain no cholesterol, making them the perfect snack or meal addition for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
Health Benefits
Mung beans are a great source of many nutrients, but their health benefits go beyond nutrition. Here’s a quick look at some of the major health benefits of mung beans:
- Reduce Cholesterol: Mung beans contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels.
- Aid Digestion: The dietary fiber in mung beans helps promote digestive health, as well as help relieve constipation.
- Diabetes Management: Mung beans can help regulate blood sugar levels for people with diabetes.
- Heart Health: The dietary fibers and vitamins and minerals in mung beans can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Mung beans also contain a number of antioxidant compounds that can help reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of cancer, and boost the immune system.
Cooking with Mung Beans
Mung beans are incredibly versatile, making them a great choice for meals or snacks. Some popular ways to enjoy mung beans include:
- Sprouting: Mung beans can easily be sprouted, making them a nutritious and delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
- Curry: The mild nutty flavour of mung beans makes them a great base for curries, stir-fries, and stews.
- Soups: Mung beans can be used to thicken soups or as a base for soups, such as mung bean soup.
- Drinks: Mung beans can also be used to make a variety of drinks, such as mung bean milkshakes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and nutritious snack, or a healthy and delicious meal, mung beans are the perfect choice.
The Bottom Line
Mung beans are a great addition to any diet. Not only are they a nutritious source of vitamins and minerals, they also provide a number of health benefits, such as cholesterol reduction, digestive aid, and diabetes management.
They’re incredibly versatile, making them a great choice for a variety of dishes and drinks, from salads to soups to milkshakes.
So why not give mung beans a try? You might be surprised at the big health benefits a little legume can bring.
