Mung Beans
Legumes
Nutri-ScoreA

Mung Beans

Vigna radiata

Clinical Encyclopedia

Mung beans are small, green legumes known for their high protein content and numerous health benefits. They are often used in Asian cuisine and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.

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
Total87.3g
Protein
23.9g(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 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%)
Choline57.7 mg (10%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 0 µgVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin E: 0.2 mgVitamin K: 0 µgVitamin B12: 0 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron2.7 mg (15%)
Magnesium54 mg (14%)
Phosphorus268 mg (38%)
Potassium1246 mg (26%)
Zinc1.2 mg (11%)
Copper0.2 mg (22%)
Manganese0.5 mg (25%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Calcium: 15 mgSelenium: 0.5 µg

Health Benefits

Mung beans are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Mung beans can be cooked, sprouted, or blended into smoothies. They are best soaked before cooking to reduce cooking time.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose mung beans that are uniform in color and free from any signs of mold or damage.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

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

Medicinal Properties
AntioxidantAnti-inflammatoryDigestive
Main Applications
Promoting digestive health
Supporting muscle growth
Bioactive Compounds
Flavonoids

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

How to Consume
Cooked, Sprouted, Soups, Salads
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 cannot eat mung beans raw.
RealitySprouted mung beans are safe and nutritious to eat raw.
MythMung beans cause weight gain.
RealityMung beans are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great food for weight management.

Healthy Recipes

Spicy Mung Bean Salad

A refreshing and zesty salad packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.

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 lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 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 small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, and salt.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve chilled.

Mung Bean and Spinach Stir-Fry

A quick and nutritious stir-fry that combines mung beans with vibrant spinach and aromatic spices.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add the cooked mung beans and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
  3. 3. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Mung Bean Pancakes

Delicious and protein-packed pancakes made from mung beans, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.

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

Mung Bean Curry

A hearty and flavorful curry that highlights the earthy taste of mung beans, served with brown rice.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
  2. 2. Add curry powder and cook for another minute before adding coconut milk and cooked mung beans.
  3. 3. Simmer for 15 minutes, season with salt, and serve with brown rice.

Mung Bean and Quinoa Bowl

A nutritious bowl combining protein-rich mung beans and quinoa, topped with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, layer cooked quinoa, mung beans, diced bell peppers, and avocado.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the bowl and serve immediately.

Mung Bean Soup

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

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
  2. 2. Add cooked mung beans and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
  3. 3. Reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Mung Bean Hummus

A healthy twist on traditional hummus, made with mung beans for a unique flavor and texture.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 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 bowl, garnish with paprika, and serve with veggies or whole-grain pita.

Mung Bean and Vegetable Stir-Fry

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

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet, add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
  3. 3. Stir in cooked mung beans and soy sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes before serving.

Mung Bean Energy Balls

Nutritious energy balls made with mung beans and oats, perfect for a healthy snack on the go.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mash cooked mung beans and mix in rolled oats, almond butter, honey, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. 3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.

Mung Bean Tacos

A healthy and flavorful taco filling made with seasoned mung beans, perfect for a plant-based meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Corn tortillas
  • Avocado slices for topping
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, combine cooked mung beans, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes, heating through.
  2. 2. Warm corn tortillas and fill them with the mung bean mixture.
  3. 3. Top with chopped cilantro and avocado slices before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the health benefits of mung beans?

Mung beans are high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

How do you cook mung beans?

Rinse the beans, soak them for a few hours, then boil them in water for about 30 minutes until tender.

Can mung beans be eaten raw?

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

Are mung beans gluten-free?

Yes, mung beans are naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten intolerance.

How can I incorporate mung beans into my diet?

You can add cooked mung beans to soups, salads, or use them as a meat substitute in various dishes.

Do mung beans have any side effects?

Some people may experience gas or bloating when consuming large amounts of legumes, including mung beans.

How should mung beans be stored?

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

What is the glycemic index of mung beans?

Mung beans have a low glycemic index of 25, making them suitable for blood sugar management.