Home/Legumes/Mung Bean
Back to Home
Mung Bean
Legumes
Nutri-ScoreA

Mung Bean

Vigna radiata

Clinical Encyclopedia

Mung beans are small, green legumes known for their high protein content and rich nutritional profile. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine and are celebrated for their health benefits.

Scientific NameVigna radiata
Region of OriginIndia
Popular Comparisons:
Mung Bean VS Acutifolius BeanMung Bean VS Adzuki BeanMung Bean VS Adzuki BeansMung Bean VS Red Adzuki BeansMung Bean VS Anasazi BeanMung Bean VS Anasazi Beans

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%)

Health Benefits

✓Mung beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
✓They are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
✓Mung beans contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
✓The low glycemic index of mung beans makes them suitable for blood sugar management.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort when consuming large amounts of mung beans due to their high fiber content.
!Raw or undercooked mung beans can contain toxins that may cause food poisoning.

How to Prepare & Consume

Mung beans can be soaked and sprouted for added nutritional benefits, or cooked in soups and stews. They can also be ground into flour for baking.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose mung beans that are uniform in color and free from blemishes or debris. Fresh mung beans should be firm and dry.

How to Store

Store dried mung beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life.

Myths vs Realities

MythMung beans are only for vegetarians.+
RealityMung beans are nutritious for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
MythEating mung beans will cause gas.+
RealityWhile some may experience gas, soaking and cooking mung beans properly can minimize this effect.
MythMung beans are not as nutritious as other legumes.+
RealityMung beans are highly nutritious and offer unique health benefits compared to other legumes.

Healthy Recipes

Mung Bean Salad with Avocado and Lime

A refreshing salad combining protein-rich mung beans with creamy avocado and zesty lime for a perfect summer dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked mung beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  2. 2. Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
  3. 3. Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients and serve chilled.

Spicy Mung Bean Soup

A hearty and spicy soup packed with flavors and nutrients, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup mung beans, soaked overnight
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add the soaked mung beans, cumin, turmeric, and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
  3. 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the beans are tender. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Mung Bean Stir-Fry with Vegetables

A quick and colorful stir-fry featuring mung beans and a variety of fresh vegetables, perfect for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • Green onions for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat and add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrot; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2. Add the cooked mung beans and soy sauce, stirring to combine and heat through.
  3. 3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions before serving.

Mung Bean Pancakes with Spinach

Savory pancakes made with mung bean flour and spinach, perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup mung bean flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix mung bean flour, water, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. 2. Heat a non-stick skillet with olive oil over medium heat and pour in a ladle of batter, spreading it evenly.
  3. 3. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter and serve warm.

Mung Bean and Quinoa Bowl

A nutritious bowl combining mung beans and quinoa, topped with fresh vegetables and a tahini dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine cooked mung beans and quinoa, then add diced cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the bowl and toss gently before serving.

Mung Bean Hummus

A healthy twist on traditional hummus using mung beans, perfect for dipping or spreading.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Salt to taste
  • Paprika for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a food processor, combine cooked mung beans, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
  2. 2. Blend until smooth, adding water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
  3. 3. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with paprika, and serve with veggies or pita chips.

Mung Bean and Sweet Potato Curry

A comforting curry featuring mung beans and sweet potatoes, infused with aromatic spices.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup mung beans, soaked
  • 1 medium sweet potato, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent, then add curry powder and cook for another minute.
  2. 2. Add soaked mung beans, diced sweet potato, coconut milk, and salt; bring to a boil.
  3. 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the beans and sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Mung Bean Energy Bites

Nutritious energy bites made with mung beans, oats, and natural sweeteners, perfect for a quick snack.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mash the cooked mung beans and mix in rolled oats, almond butter, honey, and vanilla until well combined.
  2. 2. Fold in dark chocolate chips and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes.
  3. 3. Form into small balls and store in the refrigerator for a healthy snack.

Mung Bean and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of mung beans and vegetables, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix cooked mung beans, rice, onion, corn, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Stuff each halved bell pepper with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
  3. 3. Top with cheese if desired, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until peppers are tender.

Mung Bean and Kale Smoothie

A nutrient-packed smoothie featuring mung beans and kale, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup kale leaves, stems removed
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. In a blender, combine cooked mung beans, kale, banana, almond milk, chia seeds, and honey.
  2. 2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more almond milk if needed.
  3. 3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for a nutritious boost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the health benefits of mung beans?

Mung beans are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can support weight management, digestive health, and blood sugar control.

How should mung beans be cooked?

Mung beans should be rinsed and soaked for a few hours before boiling them in water until tender, usually about 30-40 minutes.

Can mung beans be eaten raw?

Yes, sprouted mung beans can be eaten raw and are often used in salads and sandwiches.

Are mung beans gluten-free?

Yes, mung beans are naturally gluten-free and can be a great alternative for those with gluten intolerance.

How do mung beans compare to other legumes?

Mung beans have a higher protein content and lower glycemic index compared to many other legumes, making them a nutritious choice.

Can mung beans help with weight loss?

Yes, their high fiber content can promote satiety and help control appetite, aiding in weight loss.

What nutrients are found in mung beans?

Mung beans are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins (like B vitamins), and minerals (such as potassium and magnesium).

How should mung beans be stored?

Dried mung beans should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Related Superfoods
Abalone Acutifolius Bean Adzuki Bean
Comparisons
Mung Bean vs Acutifolius Bean Mung Bean vs Adzuki Bean Mung Bean vs Adzuki Bean
Nutrients
Protein in Mung Bean Calories in Mung Bean Vitamin-c in Mung Bean Magnesium in Mung Bean
Featured Guides
Health Benefits of Mung Bean Healthy Recipes with Mung Bean