Introduction: 

Legume seeds are referred to as ‘poor man’s meat’ and rightly so. They are an excellent source of proteins, bioactive compounds, minerals and vitamins.The mung bean (Vigna radiata), commonly referred to as Moong dal in India, is one of the most important edible legume crops. It is cultivated and consumed mainly in Asian countries like China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and some Southeast Asian countries. It is also grown in the dry regions of Europe and warmer parts of Canada and the United States^.1 

It contains a balanced amount of nutrients, and its combination with cereals has been recommended to increase the quality of protein.¹ In the Chinese book Ben Cao Qui Zen, it is stated to be beneficial for digestive upset and skin moisturisation.²   

Nutritional Value of Moong Dal: 

Moong dal is rich in high-quality proteins with high digestibility and is an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fibre and essential fatty acids. 

Therapeutic Uses of Moong Dal: 

The presence of bioactive compounds, macro and micronutrients impart medicinal properties to Moong dal, some of which are listed below: 

• Anti-inflammatory (decreases swelling) 
• Antioxidant  
• Anti-diabetic (helps to control blood sugar) 
• Helps to control high blood pressure   
• Anti-hyperlipidemic (helps to control cholesterol and reduces the blood lipid levels)  
• Anti-cancer  
• Anti-microbial 
• Probiotic (promotes the growth of good bacteria)⁴ 
• Liver-protective¹ 

Benefits of Moong Dal: 

1. Benefits of Moong dal for infections: 

Moong dal being nutrient-rich, shows effects against various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses.Various studies have shown that Moong dal is effective against many species of bacteria and this property of it is comparable to Erythromycin, a commonly used antibiotic.⁴It has also shown activity against Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria causing stomach infections.² 

Its effectiveness against fungal infections is comparable to that of Fluconazole, a drug which is commonly used to treat a fungal infection called candidiasis.⁴One of the researches also showed that Mung Bean Sprouts from Moong dal could be used as an antiviral and prophylactic agent against Respiratory Syncytial virus and Herpes Simplex virus infections.⁴  

2. Benefits of Moong dal for diabetes: 

Moong dal helps to lower blood glucose levels by decreasing the absorption of glucose from the small intestines.A study showed that green gram flour, i.e. Moong dal flour helps in the control of blood sugar levels.Another study was conducted by Lou et al. in 2016, which clearly explained that the presence of certain phenolic compounds is what helps Moong dal lower blood sugar levels.⁴ 

You may like to read: 10 Effective Home Remedies For Diabetes!

3. Benefits of Moong dal for high blood pressure: 

Studies have revealed that Moong dal inhibits the action of an enzyme which is responsible for increased blood pressure, ultimately helping lower blood pressure.^4bResearchers have found that high amounts of raw sprout extracts, dried sprout extracts, and enzyme digested sprout extracts help in the lowering of blood pressure.²It was also found that dried sprout powder was not as effective as sprout extracts.² 

4. Benefits of Moong dal for high cholesterol: 

Moong dal lowers the level of lipids and cholesterol in the body.⁴It also helps in the production of enzymes that regulate the cholesterol levels of the blood.⁴This cholesterol-lowering effect of Moong dal is similar to Vitamin E.⁴ 

5. Benefits of Moong dal for cancer: 

Researchers have found that the active components present in Moong dal inhibit the growth of cells of various cancer types like breast cancer, digestive system cancers and leukaemia (blood cancer).¹A protein called Vicilin, which is isolated from Moong dal, doesn’t allow cells responsible for breast cancer to grow. Also, it was seen in a study that fermented Moong dal delayed the tumour development and enhanced the production of compounds that prevent cancer, thus, showing anti-cancer properties.⁴ 

6. Benefits of Moong dal for the digestive system: 

Moong dal acts as a prebiotic (food that helps in the growth of good bacteria in the small intestine) and thus helps maintain a healthy digestive system.⁴The presence of indigestible food ingredients like dietary fibre and oligosaccharides (type of carbohydrates) imparts prebiotic properties to it and helps in the enhancement of gut health, prevents constipation, development of cholesterol and obesity, and reduces the chances of heart diseases.⁴ 

A probiotic yoghurt was developed by supplementing yoghurt with green gram (Moong dal), oats, barley and quinoa, using a good bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1).⁴Researchers have found that fermentation of Moong dal with Lactobacillus strain improved the protein content and digestibility of the protein.⁴ 

7. Benefits of Moong dal for the skin: 

It acts as a skin lightening agent by preventing the formation of a pigment called melanin which imparts a darker tinge to the skin.⁴ It is also known to have a moisturising effect on the skin and has been used traditionally as a home remedy for obtaining glowing skin.² 

8. Other Benefits of Moong dal: 

Moong dal prevents the unwanted enlargement of fat cells in the liver and prevents the accumulation of fat in it, thus preventing fatty liver (hepatic steatosis).⁴ Moong dal also has an effect on the immune system of the body and helps by reducing an unnecessary activation of it. This activity proves to be beneficial in the case of many diseases that are related to the immune system and also reduces inflammation.¹ 

The antioxidant activity of Moong dal is seen to be prominent in its seeds, sprouts and hulls. It acts as a scavenger for free radicals (unstable molecules in the body), which are harmful to the cells of the body and neutralises them^.4 It is a good dietary supplement to prevent the diseases caused by the accumulation of free radicals like cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, etc.).⁴ Among the different varieties, the highest antioxidant activity is shown by the Pattu variety of green gram, which has high phenolic content.⁴ 

Also Read: Masoor Dal- Uses, Benefits & Nutritional Value

How to Use Moong Dal? 

Moong dal can be incorporated into our diet and consumed in various forms like: 

1. Vegetable 
2. Sprouts 
3. Dhal 
4. Processed grain 
5. Fried bean 
6. Bean paste 
7. Incorporated in noodles, bread, cakes, cold jellies and desserts.⁴ 

Studies have also revealed that soaking Moong dal before use increases the availability of its nutrients and facilitates nutrition utilisation by the body. So soaking the dal before you start cooking is good for your health too.⁴ 

Side Effects of Moong Dal: 

 Moong dal is not reported to have any specific side effects when taken in moderation. 

Precautions to Take With Moong Dal:  

 It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic physician regarding specific usage of Moong dal for medicinal purposes.   

Interactions With Other Drugs: 

Moong dal has not been reported to have adverse reactions with any drug.  

Also Read: Barley: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. Can raw Moong dal be eaten? 

Yes, Moong dal can be consumed as a vegetable, soaked and sprouted, used in salads, boiled, fried, used as a paste etc.⁴ 

2. Does Moong dal lower blood pressure? 

Yes, Moong dal is known to reduce blood pressure by inhibiting the action of an enzyme which is the cause of high blood pressure.⁴ 

3. Is Moong dal good for skin? 

Yes, Moong dal has been used traditionally for moisturising the skin.² 

Also Read: 16 Simple Home Remedies for Glowing Skin!

4. Can Moong dal be used for hair? 

There is no evidence stating the benefits of Moong dal for hair. 

5. Is Moong dal good for digestion? 

Yes, Moong dal is a probiotic and is good for the maintenance of gut health, prevents constipation and facilitates the growth of good bacteria.⁴ 

Also Read: Simple Home Remedies For Indigestion

References: 

1. Hou D, Yousaf L, Xue Y, Hu J, Wu J, Hu X, et al. Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.): Bioactive polyphenols, polysaccharides, peptides, and health benefits. Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1–28. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627095/ 

2. Tang D, Dong Y, Ren H, Li L, He C. A review of phytochemistry, metabolite changes, and medicinal uses of the common food mung bean and its sprouts (Vigna radiata). Chem Cent J. 2014;8(1):1–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3899625/ 

3. Central F. [ HISTORICAL RECORD ]: MOONG DAL , SPLIT MOONG. 2019;9(c):12–5. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/445233/nutrients 

4. Mekkara nikarthil Sudhakaran S, Bukkan DS. A review on nutritional composition, antinutritional components and health benefits of green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek). J Food Biochem. 2021;45(6):1–19. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfbc.13743  

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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