Mung Beans
Legumes
Nutri-ScoreA

Mung Beans

Vigna radiata

Clinical Encyclopedia

Mung beans are small, green legumes that are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine and are known for their health benefits.

Also known as:
Green gramMoong dal
Scientific NameVigna radiata
Region of OriginIndia

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories347 kcal
Water
10%
Fiber16.3g
Total87.4g
Protein
24g(27%)
Fats
0.8g(1%)
Carbohydrates
62.6g(72%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C4.8 mg (5%)
Vitamin K5 µg (4%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.2 mg (17%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)2.1 mg (13%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.4 mg (8%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.2 mg (12%)
Folate130 µg (33%)
Choline57 mg (10%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 0 µgVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin E: 0.2 mgVitamin B12: 0 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium27 mg (2%)
Iron2.5 mg (14%)
Magnesium48 mg (12%)
Phosphorus347 mg (49%)
Potassium1246 mg (26%)
Zinc2.2 mg (20%)
Copper0.5 mg (25%)
Manganese0.5 mg (25%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Selenium: 0.4 µg

Health Benefits

Mung beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
They are high in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Mung beans may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals, especially if consumed in large quantities. It is advisable to soak and cook them properly.

How to Prepare & Consume

Soak mung beans for several hours before cooking to improve digestibility. They can be boiled, sprouted, or used in soups and salads.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose mung beans that are uniform in color and free from any debris or damage.

How to Store

Store dried mung beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
AntioxidantAnti-inflammatoryDigestive aid
Main Applications
Used in soups and stews
Sprouted for salads
Bioactive Compounds
Flavonoids

Flavonoids in mung beans have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

How to Consume
Cooked, Sprouted, Ground into flour
Did you know?

"Mung beans have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a staple in many Asian diets."

Myths vs Realities

MythMung beans are only for vegetarians.
RealityMung beans are nutritious for everyone, regardless of dietary preference.
MythYou can't eat mung beans if you have a bean allergy.
RealityMany people with bean allergies can tolerate mung beans.
MythMung beans are not nutritious.
RealityMung beans are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Healthy Recipes

Spicy Mung Bean Salad

A refreshing salad packed with protein and flavor, featuring crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked mung beans, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  2. 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, and salt.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled.

Mung Bean and Quinoa Bowl

A nutritious bowl filled with protein-rich mung beans and quinoa, topped with roasted vegetables and a tahini dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup mixed roasted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, layer the cooked mung beans and quinoa.
  2. 2. Top with roasted vegetables.
  3. 3. In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then drizzle over the bowl before serving.

Mung Bean Stir-Fry

A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring mung beans and a colorful array of vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup bell pepper strips
  • 1/2 cup snap peas
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, then add broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas.
  3. 3. Stir in cooked mung beans and soy sauce, cooking until vegetables are tender. Serve hot.

Mung Bean Soup

A hearty and comforting soup made with mung beans, spices, and vegetables, perfect for any season.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup mung beans, rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. 2. Add mung beans, vegetable broth, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until mung beans are tender. Blend if desired for a creamy texture.

Mung Bean Pancakes

Savory pancakes made with mung bean flour, perfect for breakfast or a light snack, served with yogurt or chutney.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup mung bean flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix mung bean flour, water, turmeric, and salt to form a batter.
  2. 2. Stir in spinach and onion.
  3. 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, pour in batter to form pancakes, and cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with yogurt.

Mung Bean Curry

A flavorful and aromatic curry featuring mung beans simmered in coconut milk and spices, served with brown rice.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. 2. Add curry powder and cook for another minute, then stir in mung beans and coconut milk.
  3. 3. Simmer for 15 minutes, season with salt, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Mung Bean Hummus

A healthy twist on traditional hummus, made with mung beans for a protein-packed dip, perfect for snacking.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
Instructions
  1. 1. In a food processor, combine mung beans, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
  2. 2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  3. 3. Serve with vegetable sticks or whole grain pita.

Mung Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos

Delicious and nutritious tacos filled with spiced mung beans and roasted sweet potatoes, topped with avocado.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 medium sweet potato, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
  2. 2. In a skillet, heat cooked mung beans until warm.
  3. 3. Assemble tacos by filling corn tortillas with mung beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and avocado slices.

Mung Bean Energy Balls

Nutritious energy balls made from mung beans, oats, and nuts, perfect for a quick snack or post-workout fuel.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix cooked mung beans, rolled oats, almond butter, honey, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips until well combined.
  2. 2. Form into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
  3. 3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are mung beans?

Mung beans are small, green legumes that are high in protein and nutrients.

How do I cook mung beans?

Soak them for a few hours, then boil them in water until tender.

Are mung beans good for weight loss?

Yes, they are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help with weight management.

Can I eat mung beans raw?

Raw mung beans can be sprouted, but they should be cooked for better digestibility.

What nutrients are in mung beans?

Mung beans are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

How long do mung beans last?

Dried mung beans can last for several years if stored in a cool, dry place.

Are mung beans gluten-free?

Yes, mung beans are naturally gluten-free.

What are the health benefits of mung beans?

They are known to improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and provide antioxidants.