Health Benefits Of Eating Mung Beans

There is no doubt that food plays an important role in our diet. It can have a positive or negative effect on our health depending on what food choices we eat on a daily basis. Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals will definitely provide your body the essential nutrients to create new cells, eliminate toxins and to function properly. Needless to say, we need to choose healthy foods to have a healthy body.

One food that is recognized to be a superfood because of its numerous health benefits is mung beans. Although it is only in recent decades that it has grown to be a popular choice of food among health enthusiast and vegan alike, it is a very nutritious food to consider in your food selection. If you are not acquainted yet with this amazing food, there are good reasons why you should probably be eating mung beans.

Vigna radiata is the scientific name of mung beans. It is a plant-based species in the legume family. It was first domesticated in India in 1500BC and because of its easy cultivation, it is widely consumed worldwide. It is greatly produced in China, India and Southeast Asia where it thrives on tropical and warm climate. Most of the mung beans come in green varieties but it also comes in yellow, red, black, and brown varieties that are equally nutritious and are useful in health. Its high content of protein makes it an ideal food for vegan or to those who need to restrict their animal protein intake. You can enjoy it in savory dishes and sweet desserts.

Mung beans contain enzymes, antioxidants and essential nutrients that are good for maintaining our health. It is loaded with dietary fiber and low in calories. Mung beans are a high source of manganese, zinc, copper, potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains vitamins K and B vitamins such as B6, B9, B3, B5, B1, and B2. The following are the remarkable health benefits of mung beans.

* It can lower cholesterol levels and prevents heart ailments

The heart is the most important organ of our body. Taking care of it is top priority. According to a study published in Journal of Human and Experimental Toxicology that mung beans have the ability to lessen down bad cholesterol levels. It helps in regulating the level of cholesterol as its antioxidants help in eliminating free radicals, reversing damaged blood vessels and lowering inflammation. It’s a great addition to anti-inflammatory diet because of its ability to improve blood circulation that keeps arteries clear.

* Fights cancer development

Mung beans have high levels of amino acids called polyphenols and oligosaccharides that believe to be the main factor that contributes to its antioxidants ability to fight cancer development. Clinical studies show that mung beans have an antitumor activity that can protect DNA and dangerous cell from damage and mutation. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of mung beans derived from these two protective flavonoids present in mung beans which are vitexin and isovitexin are high in free radical scavenging ability according to the study done in College of Food Science and Nutritional engineering in China Agricultural University.

* Can help combat Type 2 diabetes

An experiment was done in the Institute of Crop Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences wherein rats are given mung beans supplements had resulted in lowered blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides level, glucagon, plasma, and c-peptide in rats while glucose tolerance and insulin responsiveness improved significantly. This evidence shows that mung beans possess an anti-diabetic effect that can help in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

* Rich in protein

Mung beans have an impressive amount of protein as a plant which comprises mostly 20-24% amino acids. It is also rich in other amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Globulin and albumin are the main protein found in mung beans and makes up 85% of the total amino acids in mung beans. These highly absorbable proteins are a great addition for a vegan diet.

* Helps boost Immunity

A wide range of phytonutrients is present in mung beans that are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial which fights harmful bacteria, viruses, colds and other diseases. It also supports a healthy balance of bacteria in digestive tract that helps in nutrient absorption and immune defense.

* Helps in weight management

Mung beans are a filling food that contains a good level of protein and dietary fibers. The study shows that a single meal of high fiber beans produces a two-fold satiety hormone called cholecystokinin compared to a meal that didn’t have mung beans. Eating mung beans increases your satiety and thus helps in weight loss.

* Helps in reducing PMS symptoms

Mung beans have ample amount of vitamin B6, magnesium, and folate which are essential in controlling hormone fluctuation that helps in reducing PMS symptoms. These nutrients are also helpful in managing the severity and pain associated with PMS symptoms such as cramps, bloating, headaches, mood swings, depression and muscle pains.