Mung beans (Vigna radiata) are small, green beans that belong to the legume family.

They have been cultivated since ancient times. While native to India, mung beans later spread to
China and various parts of Southeast Asia.

These beans have a slightly sweet taste and are sold fresh, as sprouts or as dried beans. They
aren’t as popular in the US but can be purchased from most health food stores.

Mung beans are incredibly versatile and typically eaten in salads, soups and stir-frys.

They’re high in nutrients and believed to aid many ailments .

1. Packed With Healthy Nutrients

These beans are one of the best plant-based sources of protein. They’re rich
in essential amino acids, such as phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine,
arginine and more.
Essential amino acids are those that your body is unable to produce on its own.
Since mung beans are also consumed sprouted, it’s important to note that sprouting
changes their nutritional composition. Sprouted beans contain fewer calories and more
free amino acids and antioxidants than unsprouted ones.
2. High Antioxidant Levels May Reduce Chronic Disease Risk
Mung beans contain many healthy antioxidants, including phenolic acids, flavonoids,
caffeic acid, cinnamic acid and more.
Antioxidants help neutralize potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals.

3. Antioxidants Vitexin and Isovitexin May Prevent Heat Stroke

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 In many Asian countries, mung bean soup is commonly consumed on hot summer
days.
That’s because mung beans are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that help
protect against heat stroke, high body temperatures, thirst and more .
4. May Lower “Bad” LDL Cholesterol Levels, Reducing Heart Disease Risk
High cholesterol, especially “bad” LDL cholesterol, can raise your risk of heart
disease.
Interestingly, research shows that mung beans may have properties that can lower
LDL cholesterol.
5. Rich in Potassium, Magnesium and Fiber, Which May Reduce Blood Pressure
It’s estimated that 1 in 3 American adults has high blood pressure (14).
High blood pressure is a serious health problem because it puts you at risk of heart
disease — the leading cause of death in the world (15).
Mung beans may help lower blood pressure.
They’re a good source of potassium, magnesium and fiber. Studies have linked each of
these nutrients to a significantly lower risk of high blood pressure.
Moreover, an analysis of eight studies showed that higher intakes of legumes, such as
beans, lowered blood pressure in both adults with and without high blood pressure
6. Fiber and Resistant Starch in Mung Beans May Aid Digestive Health
Mung beans contain a variety of nutrients that are great for digestive health.
For one, they’re high in fiber, providing an impressive 15.4 grams per cooked cup
(202 grams) .
In particular, mung beans contain a type of soluble fiber called pectin, which can help
keep your bowels regular by speeding up the movement of food through your gut .
Mung beans, like other legumes, also contain resistant starch.
7. Nutrient Composition May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
If left untreated, high blood sugar can be a serious health problem.
It’s a main characteristic of diabetes and has been linked to a number of chronic
diseases. That’s why health professionals urge people to keep their blood sugar within
healthy limits.
Mung beans possess several properties that help keep blood sugar levels low.
They’re high in fiber and protein, which helps slow the release of sugar into the
bloodstream.
8. May Promote Weight Loss By Suppressing Hunger and Raising Fullness
Hormones
Mung beans are high in fiber and protein, which can help you lose weight.
Studies have shown that fiber and protein can suppress hunger hormones, such
as ghrelin
9. Folate in Mung Beans Can Support a Healthy Pregnancy
Women are advised to eat plenty of folate-rich foods during pregnancy. Folate is
essential for the optimal growth and development of your child.
ung beans provide 80% of the RDI for folate in one cooked cup (202 grams).
They’re also high in iron, protein and fiber, of which women need more during
pregnancy.
10. Versatile and Easy to Add to Your Diet
Mung beans are delicious, versatile and easy to add to your diet.

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They can be used in place of most other beans in dishes like curries, salads and soups.
These beans have a slightly sweet taste and are often made into a paste in Asian
desserts.