Moong dal is an Indian staple superfood, also known as the Green Gram, it is one of the most highly recommended vegetarian foods and has been for a long time.
This dal is low on carbs and easy to digest, thereby, making it an integral part of the Indian cuisine. The most significant aspect, however, is the fact that it packs a healthy amount of protein. Aside from its muscle building and repairing capabilities, it has a multitude of noteworthy health benefits.
Moong dal contains several healthy antioxidants, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, caffeic acid, and cinnamic acid. These acids help minimize the build-up of harmful molecules called Free Radicals.
Free Radicals are atoms that are highly unstable due to the fact that they have one unpaired electron. These atoms, if left unchecked, can wreak havoc on tissue leading to excessive inflammation which is one of the main causes of disease.
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Source of Vital Nutrients
If you are interested in a plant-based diet, Moong dal can take care of your protein needs. They also have essential amino acids, such as phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, and arginine. Your body cannot produce these amino acids on its own.
Moong dal is healthier when sprouted. Sprouted Moong dal contains fewer calories and a higher number of free amino acids and antioxidants than ungerminated beans.
Antinutrients tend to reduce the absorption of essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, and calcium. Consuming sprouted Mung Beans reduces levels of antinutrients like phytic acid.
Reduces blood sugar levels
There are plenty of people struggling with high blood sugar and, if left unchecked, this could lead to Diabetes and in some cases can also be lethal. There are a number of Diabetic Diets that recommend consuming Moong dal on a regular basis.
Since Moong Dal is rich in fiber and protein it slows down the release of sugars into the bloodstream, thereby, giving the body enough time to fully process the sugars and regulating sugar levels.
Reduces hunger and increases fullness
Moong Dal can help with weight loss. Since foods that are high in fiber and protein take longer to digest they can suppress feelings of hunger for longer. Additionally, Moong Beans also have a high thermic effect, this causes your body to burn additional calories to fully digest it.
A combination of the fact that Moong Dal can keep you fuller longer and its high thermic effect makes it a perfect addition to almost any weight loss program.
Versatile and easy to consume
These beans are easy to integrate into your meal and can be consumed in a variety of ways.
Moong Beans can be used to supplement most other beans in a variety of dishes like curries, salads, and soups as they have fewer carbohydrates. Since these beans are slightly sweet, they are also turned into a paste and used as a dessert in Indian cuisine.
To cook Moong Beans, you will need to boil them until they become tender.
They can also be consumed raw when sprouted. However, sprouted beans are usually best enjoyed in curries.
Improves digestion
When consumed, Moong Dal aid in the production of a fatty acid called Butyrate, within the gut. Butyrate helps maintain intestinal wall health.
These beans also have anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the accumulation of gas. Aside from this, Moong Dal itself has low carbs and is easy on the stomach, thereby, improving overall digestive functions.
May reduce blood pressure
It is no secret that high blood pressure is dangerous as it leaves you susceptible to heart disease. Moong dal may help lower blood pressure.
These little beans are a rich source of potassium, magnesium, and fiber. According to studies, these nutrients significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure, thereby, improving cardiovascular health.
May prevent heatstroke
In many Asian countries, Moong Dal soup is consumed in the summer.
These beans are said to have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect you from heatstroke, reduce thirst, and regulate body temperatures. Moong beans also contain the antioxidants vitexin and isovitexin that protect the body from free radical damage that occurs during a heatstroke.
Helps prevent diabetes and cancer
Moong dal has a low Glycemic Index (GI). Foods that have a low GI take longer to digest and metabolize in the body, which aids in a slower rise of glucose levels in the blood, thereby, lowering the insulin and fat levels in the body. Unchecked insulin levels in the body are one of the main causes of Diabetes.
Aside from this, it has high levels of amino acids like Oligosaccharides and Polyphenols, which make it a cancer-free food.
May reduce harmful cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease
High cholesterol, i.e., bad high cholesterol, can increase your chances of getting a heart disease. According to research, moong dal has properties that can lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in your blood, a buildup of LDL leads to increase cholesterol levels around your arteries.
Provides support to healthy pregnancies
Women are generally advised to eat foods that are rich with folate during pregnancy. Folate is vital for the optimal growth and development of your child.
Most women don’t get enough folate because it is not produced in sufficient quantities within the body and needs to be introduced through foods. The lack of folate is linked to an increased risk of congenital disabilities.
However, women are advised to avoid raw sprouted beans as they may carry bacteria that could cause infections. Cooked moong sprouts and beans are ideal.
Conclusion
As you can see, Moong has a plethora of health benefits. If you are considering going on a plant-based diet, or if you are a vegan who is trying to figure out how to get more protein, Moong Dal could be your answer.
