Mung Beans Nutritional Value

Mung beans is a part of the legume class of plants, green in color and oval in shape. These beans are widely produced and consumed in regions of South-East Asia besides India, China, Japan and Bangladesh. Mung beans can be consumed either raw, boiled, or sprouted, and cooked. Mung beans have tremendous nutritional value and is therefore commonly referred to as 'nutritional powerhouse'. Being highly nutritious and easily digestible, they can be consumed by people of any age group, irrespective of any health problems.

In the field of Ayurveda, mung beans have a special importance attached to them. Since ancient times, mung beans were used if people suffered bloating of the stomach or problems of digestion. The Chinese believe mung beans have certain anti-carcinogenic qualities attached to them and hence is a common ingredient in many Chinese dishes. Read further for the mung beans nutritional facts and the nutrients present in 1 cup (202 grams) of mung beans:

Vitamins

Vitamins	Amount
Vitamin B6	0.135 mg
Vitamin C	2.0 mg
Vitamin E	0.30 mg
Vitamin K	5.5 mcg
Niacin	1.166 mg
Thiamin	0.331 mg
Riboflavin	0.123 mg
Folate	321 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	0.828 mg

Mung beans are a rich source of vitamin B, C, E and K. Folate or folic acid, present in mung beans, helps in the formation of red blood cells. It also helps in reducing the chances of heart diseases, ensures normal growth of cells and assists in protein metabolism. Thiamine, a type of vitamin B, ensures proper functioning of the nervous system. Thiamine is also useful in releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Minerals

Minerals	Amount
Iron	2.83 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Sodium	4 mg
Copper	0.315 mg
Manganese	0.602 mg
Calcium	55 mg
Potassium	537 mg
Magnesium	97 mg
Zinc	1.70 mg
Selenium	5.0 mcg

Mung beans contain a host of minerals. Magnesium, relaxes the arteries and veins, resulting in increased flow of oxygen, nutrients and blood throughout the body. Copper helps in absorbing iron and also facilitates the process of protein metabolism. Iron helps the body build up resistance to stress, formation of hemoglobin, and plays an important role in the complete metabolism process. Zinc is useful for proper tissue growth and repair, boosting the immune system, and improving male fertility. Potassium is required to maintain a normal heartbeat, besides helping in muscle contraction.

Fats and Carbohydrates

Nutrient	Amount
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.259 gm
Monounsaturated Fat	0.109 gm
Saturated Fat	0.234 gm
Total Fat	0.77 gm
Sugars	4.04 gm
Dietary Fiber	15.4 gm
Total Carbohydrate	38.68 gm

Mung beans are low in fats and hence are recommended for people who want to lose weight. Also when people undertake a low-carb diet, mung beans are definitely in the list of food items. Because of the low carbohydrate content, mung beans become a very healthy eating option.

Other Nutrients

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	14.18 gm
Calories	212 Kcal
Water	146.77 gm
Ash	1.60 gm

Due to its high protein content, mung beans are popular among vegetarian people. Along with protein, mung beans are also rich in fibers. Fibers help in bringing down the cholesterol levels in blood, thereby reducing chances of heart attack. Due to these fibers, complex carbohydrates are formed, which help in digestion. Carbohydrates help maintain an optimum blood sugar and energy levels. Thus, eating mung beans is recommended for diabetics and also for people suffering from problems related to high cholesterol levels.

Mung beans are easy to cook and there are various ways to include them in daily meals. They are included in soups, pastas and cereals. Whichever way, regular consumption of mung beans go a long way in ensuring a healthy life.