5 Harmful Effects of Eating Mung Bean Sprouts in Excess

Mung bean sprouts are a popular ingredient in many dishes and are commonly consumed in various Asian cuisines. These sprouts are known for their crunchy texture and mild flavor, which make them a versatile and nutritious addition to salads, stir-fries, and sandwiches.

While mung bean sprouts are generally considered a healthy food, consuming them in excess can lead to several harmful effects on health. The sprouts are susceptible to bacterial contamination, which can cause food poisoning and lead to severe digestive problems like diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Some types of bacteria that can contaminate mung bean sprouts include Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

Moreover, consuming mung bean sprouts in large amounts can interfere with nutrient absorption and thyroid function. The sprouts contain high levels of oxalates and goitrogens, which can affect iodine absorption and lead to thyroid problems. Therefore, it is essential to consume mung bean sprouts in moderation and take necessary precautions to avoid bacterial contamination.

In this article, we will discuss the harmful effects of eating mung bean sprouts in excess and provide guidelines for safe consumption.

# Eating Mung Bean sprouts During Pregnancy And Nursing

Bean sprouts are loaded with essential nutrients like vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and folate to name a few. These nutrients play an important role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Despite the rich nutritional profile of mung bean sprouts, avoid them during pregnancy and nursing periods as they are at a higher risk of bacterial growth ( when not cleaned and sprouted properly). It may develop bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, and may cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping, fever, etc in pregnant women and nursing mothers.

# May Contain Harmful Bacteria

Uncleaned mung beans and mung beans that are not sprouted properly are at a higher risk of bacterial growth.

Warm and humid conditions involved in the sprouting of mung beans provide a perfect atmosphere for the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria increase the risk of food poisoning and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

# May Cause Allergic Reactions

Despite the amazing benefits of mung bean sprouts, they are not suitable for all. Avoid mung bean sprouts if you are allergic to them as they may cause allergic reactions such as itching, hives, eczema, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you experience any such allergic reaction ( or other symptoms) after eating mung bean sprouts, discontinue the use and consult a doctor immediately.

# Too Many Dietary Fibers Is Bad For Stomach

Dietary fiber in mung bean sprouts is a natural laxative that improves bowel movement and relieves constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.

Consuming mung bean sprouts in moderation is good as otherwise, too much dietary fiber may over-activate the bowel movement and cause diarrhea. It may also cause malabsorption, intestinal gas, and intestinal bloating, etc.

# Mung Bean Sprouts And Diabetes

Mung bean sprouts help in managing diabetes as it has a low glycemic index of 25 and slows down sugar release into the bloodstream. It prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.

Dietary fibers reduce sugar absorption by the bloodstream and regulate blood sugar levels.However, if you are on diabetic medication, consult with your doctor before adding mung bean sprouts to your diet to ensure there’s no food-drug intolerance.