Mung bean, also know as moong bean, mung, or green gram, is one of the nutritious food choices people have today. As a plant species from the legume family, it is primarily grown in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Aside from an ingredient in sweet and savory dishes, mung beans also have the following health benefits.
General Nutrition
Mung beans are packed with vitamins and minerals. According to Nutrition Data, the beans contain vitamins B, C, and K. Vitamin B promotes various brain functions like thinking, learning, and memory. On the other hand, vitamin C raises the body’s defenses against illness and infection. Also, vitamin C promotes the function of collagen, which acts as cement and connects loosely linked cells and tissues. Then, vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting, which prevents blood loss.
In terms of minerals, mung beans contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, sodium, and potassium. Iron ensures oxygenation of cells and tissues while magnesium promotes neuromuscular coordination. Phosphorus works alongside calcium to promote bone health while copper and manganese play a role in metabolism and cellular growth and development. Then, sodium and potassium work together to maintain the body’s fluid balance. Also, potassium relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels, preventing the occurrence of hypertension and the development of other heart diseases.
Mung Beans and Anti-Aging
Mung beans aid delay the signs and symptoms of aging. According to Green Mung Beans, they contain phytoestrogens, which produces hyaluronic acid, elastin, and collagen, which all help promote a more youthful and healthier skin. The substances are also believed to regulate the hormones after menopause, allowing osteoporosis prevention and hot flashes relief.
Mung Beans as Anti-Cancer
Mung beans also help prevent cancer. According to Dr. Axe’s official website, the beans contain amino acids, polyphenols, and oligosaccharides, which have antioxidants that contribute to the prevention of cancer. As per the publication, clinical studies also found that mung beans have anti-tumor activities that help protect cellular DNA from damage and mutation.
Recipe
Mung beans can be added to various meal recipes like Mongo Guisado or Mung Bean Soup. According to All Recipes, the ingredients include half pound raw mung beans, two cups of water, two tablespoons olive oil, one onion (chopped) two cloves garlic (minced), one-fourth boneless porkloin (cut into one-inch cubes), one-fourth pound peeled and deveined prawns, one small tomato (diced), three cups chicken broth, half pound fresh spinach leaves, salt, and pepper.
To prepare, as per the publication, the mung beans are boil in water in a pot for 40 minutes, until they are soft. Then, they are mashed and are set aside. Next, the olive oil is heated in a large pot and the onion and garlic are stirred in the hot oil over medium heat for five to seven minutes, until they become soft. The pork is added, along with the salt and pepper, and the mixture is cooked for another three minutes. Then, the prawns are also stirred into the mixture and are cooked for two minutes more. Next, the tomatoes are added and are cooked for another three minutes. After that, heat is reduced and the chicken broth is poured over the mixture and is allowed to simmer in the broth for five minutes.
Once done, the mashed beans are added to the soup and are mixed well. The food is stirring frequently for five minutes to prevent any of the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Chicken broth or water is added if the consistency of the soup is too thick. Finally, the spinach leaves are stirred into the soup and is cooked for two more minutes, before serving hot.
Mung beans are some of the healthy food choices people have to day. Their inclusion to different meals helps promote a person’s health and well-being.
Source: veganhightechmom.com
