Mung beans, or more commonly known as moong dal, belong to the plant species of the legume family and are largely cultivated in parts of South East Asia as well as the Indian subcontinent. Naturally, it tends to be olive green in color, however, the whole mung beans that are hulled and split, resulting in yellow moong dal which is comparatively easier to both cook and digest.
Moong DalMoong Dal Benefits and Facts
Before moving on to the various benefits of moong dal, let’s take a look at some of the other imperative nutritional facts about it that one should keep in mind:
- Moong Dal Protein – half a cup of green mung beans will provide you with about 9 grams of protein; moong dal, in general, is one of the best plant-based sources of protein. Besides that, it is also rich in essential amino acids, i.e., acids that your body cannot produce on its own or naturally.
- Moong Dal Calories – there is a negligible difference between the number of calories that green and yellow mung beans have; the former has 347 calories whereas the latter contains about 348.
- Moong Dal Fiber – unlike the number of calories, there is a difference in the value of fiber in green and yellow moong dal as the former has about 18.06 of it, and the latter has around 8.2.
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Now, Let’s Take a Look at the Numerous Benefits of Mung Beans:
Not only are these high in dietary fiber, essential amino acids, and protein, they are also light and easily digestible along with being low on carbs.
They also regulate a healthy metabolism rate along with the detoxification of your body.
Moong dal is also considered to be one of the best and the healthiest superfoods for vegans and vegetarians. It is also a vital part of the basic Indian diet.
Its excellent versatility makes it extremely easy to incorporate it into your regular diet.
It has a hint of sweetness which is why its paste is often used as a commonly found ingredient in many Asian desserts and it is also often found in savory dishes like curries, soups, etc.
It is rich in a wide range of vitamins including Vitamin A, B, B-1, B-6, C, and E, and it also contains plenty of important minerals like iron, potassium, and calcium.
- A Great Choice for Diabetic Patients:
Mung beans are of great help as besides aiding digestion, they also help to keep the body’s energy levels in thorough check by regulating and stabilizing blood sugar. This is why people with high blood sugar levels are often recommended/advised to consume more green moong dal.
- It Helps to Improve Heart Health:
Yet another great benefit of green moong beans is that they help to regulate and manage your blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and also improves the flexibility of arteries, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
As it is rich in fiber and protein and low in fat content and carbs, moong dal is considered to be one of the most recommended foods for facilitating weight loss in a healthy way. It further helps to keep your cravings in check as it makes you feel full. Besides, it is an instant and an amazing source of energy.
Did you know that people in the Asian regions often use moong dal face packs as a remedy to treat dry and dull skin as well as acne? Well, now you do! It is an incredibly natural way to improve the health of your skin as it is packed with vitamins and enzymes that help you to get rid of dead skin cells and nourish your skin.
If you are looking for a natural supplement of calcium, then mung beans are the option to go for as they are of monumental help when it comes to maintaining bone health. Wow, who knew that one simple plant-based ingredient could reap myriads of amazing benefits!
Tasty Moong Dal Recipes
Having difficulty adding mung beans to your diet? Here are 6 easy and yummy ways to do so:
1. Make a Healthy Salad
Start your morning with a healthy and refreshing moong dal salad – take one or two cups of moong dal, chop some cucumber and carrot, and toss it in your salad bowl; season it with some salt and coriander and voila, a tasty, and healthy salad is ready!
2. An Aromatic Soup
Feeling a little under the weather? Cook some moong dal soup and see the results in no time. And the best part is that you can choose either yellow or green mung beans, as per your taste, to make the soup.
3. Use it as a Topping/Dressing
Thanks to the versatile taste of these delicious beans, you can use them in almost any and every dish! Sprinkle some mung beans on your curry dish, or use it as a salad or hummus dressing, top some off pasta to make it healthier, etc.
4. Roasted Mung Beans
Some olive oil, salt, and mung beans are all it takes to make fresh and roasted beans. And then you can snack on these crispy and crunchy mung beans whenever you like!
5. Treat Yourself
You deserve a lovely dessert every once in a while and when you can make that dessert healthy too, why not do it! Yellow moong dal can be used to make an amazing dessert called “moong dal ki barfi” which is a rather popular sweet dish found all over the Indian subcontinent. And it is indeed mouth-watering yet, at the same time, a healthy dish to treat yourself with.
6. A Great Match with Thai Flavors
Green mung beans tend to make a great pair with Thai flavors so experiment and create a tangy and refreshing palate with this yummy combination.
So, try out a moong dal dish now, and stay fit!
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