Mung daal
Mung daal
Mung Daal or Mudga in Sanskrit and also known as “Green Gram”. It is commonly used pulse (seeds and sprouts) as a daily food article which contains abundant nutrients with biological activities. Few activities which possess various health benefiting bioactive compounds are antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-hyperlipidemic and antihypertensive effects, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and anti-mutagenic. Regular consumption of mung beans could regulate the flora of enterobacteria, decrease the absorption of toxic substances, reduce the risk of hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease. Highly efficient use of mung beans according to evidence in different areas are food, medicine, and cosmetic[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Mung daal?
Vigna radiata, Phaseolus radiatus, Mungalya, Moong, Green Gram, Mug, Mag, Munga, Hesara, Hesoruballi, Cherupayar, Muga, Jaimuga, Mungi, Munga Pattchai Payaru, Pasi Payaru, Siru Murg, Pesalu, Pachha Pesalu, Moong[1].
What is the source of Mung daal?
Plant Based
Benefits of Mung daal
1. Indigestion
Indigestion occurs due to incomplete digestion of the ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Mung Daal helps enhance the Agni (digestive fire) to manage indigestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. Besides this, Mung Daal is also easy to digest due to its Laghu (light) property.
Tip to take Mung Daal to manage Indigestion-
You can add a pinch of Hing while cooking Mung Daal to make it easier to digest.
2. Loss of appetite
In Ayurveda, Loss of appetite is correlated with Agnimandya (weak digestion) and is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, as well as certain psychological factors. This leads to incomplete digestion of food and causes the insufficient secretion of gastric juices in the stomach resulting in appetite loss. Mung Daal helps enhance the Agni (digestive fire) and improves appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. It is also considered to be a good digestive stimulant and appetizer due to its Laghu (light) property.
3. Hyperacidity
Hyperacidity refers to an increased level of acid in the stomach. Aggravated Pitta impairs the digestive fire, leading to improper digestion of food as well as the production of Ama (toxin remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama gets accumulated in the digestive system and causes Hyperacidity. Mung Daal helps prevent excessive acid production and improves digestion, thereby providing relief from Hyperacidity due to its Pitta balancing and Deepan (appetizer) properties.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea, known as Atisar in Ayurveda, occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes it with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions known as Diarrhea. Mung Daal helps absorb the excess fluid from the intestines due to its Grahi (absorbent) property and prevents Diarrhea.
Tip to take Mung Daal to manage Diarrhea-
a. Mung Daal can be consumed in the form of a light Khichdi to manage Diarrhea.
5. Eye problems
Eye problems like burning, itching, or any kind of irritation, generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha. Mung Daal helps manage eye problems due to its Pitta-Kapha balancing and Netrya (eye tonic) properties. It helps prevent the aggravation of the doshas and also reduces the symptoms like burning, itching, or any kind of irritation in the eyes.
Indigestion occurs due to incomplete digestion of the ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Mung Daal helps enhance the Agni (digestive fire) to manage indigestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. Besides this, Mung Daal is also easy to digest due to its Laghu (light) property.
Tip to take Mung Daal to manage Indigestion-
You can add a pinch of Hing while cooking Mung Daal to make it easier to digest.
2. Loss of appetite
In Ayurveda, Loss of appetite is correlated with Agnimandya (weak digestion) and is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, as well as certain psychological factors. This leads to incomplete digestion of food and causes the insufficient secretion of gastric juices in the stomach resulting in appetite loss. Mung Daal helps enhance the Agni (digestive fire) and improves appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. It is also considered to be a good digestive stimulant and appetizer due to its Laghu (light) property.
3. Hyperacidity
Hyperacidity refers to an increased level of acid in the stomach. Aggravated Pitta impairs the digestive fire, leading to improper digestion of food as well as the production of Ama (toxin remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama gets accumulated in the digestive system and causes Hyperacidity. Mung Daal helps prevent excessive acid production and improves digestion, thereby providing relief from Hyperacidity due to its Pitta balancing and Deepan (appetizer) properties.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea, known as Atisar in Ayurveda, occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes it with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions known as Diarrhea. Mung Daal helps absorb the excess fluid from the intestines due to its Grahi (absorbent) property and prevents Diarrhea.
Tip to take Mung Daal to manage Diarrhea-
a. Mung Daal can be consumed in the form of a light Khichdi to manage Diarrhea.
5. Eye problems
Eye problems like burning, itching, or any kind of irritation, generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha. Mung Daal helps manage eye problems due to its Pitta-Kapha balancing and Netrya (eye tonic) properties. It helps prevent the aggravation of the doshas and also reduces the symptoms like burning, itching, or any kind of irritation in the eyes.
Precautions when using Mung daal
Allergy
Modern Science View
Mung Daal consumption might cause mild irritant reactions in some people. So it is generally advisable to consult a physician before incorporating Mung Daal in your diet[8].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Irritability
2. Fatigue
3. Impatience
4. Diarrhea
5. Nausea
6. Cramps in the abdomen[10]
2. Fatigue
3. Impatience
4. Diarrhea
5. Nausea
6. Cramps in the abdomen[10]
FAQs about Mung daal precautions
How to use Mung daal
1. Mung Daal
a. Take 4-8 teaspoons of Mung Daal.
b. Add water to it.
c. Add turmeric and salt as per your taste.
d. Boil the Daal properly in a pressure cooker.
e. Enjoy the Mung Daal meals 1-2 times a day to help maintain good digestion.
2. Mung Daal Halwa
a. Take 4-5 teaspoons of ghee in a pan.
b. Add 10-15 teaspoons of Mung Daal paste to it.
c. Cook the paste properly on medium flame with continuous stirring.
d. Add sugar and dry fruits to it as per your taste .
e. Enjoy the delicious Mung Daal halwa as a healthy dessert.
This will also help maintain good digestion, appetite and provide strength internally.
a. Take 4-8 teaspoons of Mung Daal.
b. Add water to it.
c. Add turmeric and salt as per your taste.
d. Boil the Daal properly in a pressure cooker.
e. Enjoy the Mung Daal meals 1-2 times a day to help maintain good digestion.
2. Mung Daal Halwa
a. Take 4-5 teaspoons of ghee in a pan.
b. Add 10-15 teaspoons of Mung Daal paste to it.
c. Cook the paste properly on medium flame with continuous stirring.
d. Add sugar and dry fruits to it as per your taste .
e. Enjoy the delicious Mung Daal halwa as a healthy dessert.
This will also help maintain good digestion, appetite and provide strength internally.
Benefits of Mung daal
1. Skin problems
Mung Daal is beneficial for the skin and helps manage certain Skin problems like acne, burning, itching or irritation. These problems occur due to an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha. Mung Daal helps manage them due to its Pitta-Kapha balancing, Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties. It helps prevent and reduce the symptoms of Skin problems.
Tip to use Mung Daal to get healthy glowing skin-
a.Soak 50 g of Mung Daal overnight in a bowl and grind it into a fine paste in the morning.
b.Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of almond oil to the paste.
c.Apply this face pack evenly on your face.
d.Leave it for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with normal water.
Apply this pack every alternate day for a healthy glow to your skin.
Tip to use Mung Daal to get rid of pimples or acne-
a.Soak 1/4th cup of Mung Daal overnight and grind it into a fine paste in the morning.
b.Add 2 tablespoons of homemade ghee to the paste.
c.Massage your skin in an upward direction with this paste.
d.Use this paste thrice a week to keep your skin free of acne and pimples
Mung Daal is beneficial for the skin and helps manage certain Skin problems like acne, burning, itching or irritation. These problems occur due to an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha. Mung Daal helps manage them due to its Pitta-Kapha balancing, Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties. It helps prevent and reduce the symptoms of Skin problems.
Tip to use Mung Daal to get healthy glowing skin-
a.Soak 50 g of Mung Daal overnight in a bowl and grind it into a fine paste in the morning.
b.Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of almond oil to the paste.
c.Apply this face pack evenly on your face.
d.Leave it for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with normal water.
Apply this pack every alternate day for a healthy glow to your skin.
Tip to use Mung Daal to get rid of pimples or acne-
a.Soak 1/4th cup of Mung Daal overnight and grind it into a fine paste in the morning.
b.Add 2 tablespoons of homemade ghee to the paste.
c.Massage your skin in an upward direction with this paste.
d.Use this paste thrice a week to keep your skin free of acne and pimples
Recommended Dosage of Mung daal
- Mung daal Paste - 2-3 teaspoons or as per your requirement.
- Mung daal Powder - 2-3 teaspoons or as per your requirement.
How to use Mung daal
1. Mung Daal paste
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Mung Daal paste.
b. Add milk to it.
c. Apply on the face and body.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and rough skin.
2. Mung Daal powder
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Mung Daal powder.
b. Add some rose water and apple cider vinegar to form a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the hair and scalp.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash with shampoo and water.
Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to get smooth and shiny hair.
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Mung Daal paste.
b. Add milk to it.
c. Apply on the face and body.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and rough skin.
2. Mung Daal powder
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Mung Daal powder.
b. Add some rose water and apple cider vinegar to form a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the hair and scalp.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash with shampoo and water.
Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to get smooth and shiny hair.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal starch is healthy. Mung Daal starch is good for maintaining stomach and intestinal health. It is loaded with nutrients which can supplement various nutritional foods and is helpful for the patients who have weaker digestive system.
Modern Science View
Raw Mung beans are quite hard and thus very difficult to digest and excrete. This is the reason it is preferred to eat them after soaking and/or boiling them.
Modern Science View
It is desirable to soak Mung beans before cooking them. Soaking the Mung beans in water for sometime makes it easy to cook easily.
Modern Science View
Mung Daal is an important edible legume crop. The moong bean is an excellent source of balanced nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and significant amounts of bioactive compounds[14]. Also, it is rich in polyphenols which are essential to keep the blood vessels healthy and flexible, promoting good circulation.
Modern Science View
Mung Daal flour is completely gluten-free. It is made from ground moon beans. It is low on carbs and high on protein, making it an ideal option to be included in the diet even for people having a gluten intolerance.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal might help manage diabetes due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the damage of pancreatic beta cells and enhances insulin secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar levels[5].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, occurs due to an imbalance of Vata-Kapha dosha and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Mung Daal, in spite of its Madhur (sweet) taste, helps manage diabetes by maintaining the normal levels of insulin due to its Kapha balancing and Kashaya (astringent) properties. This helps maintain normal blood sugar levels in the body, thereby keeping diabetes in check.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Mung Daal helps in maintaining good health due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Balya (strength provider) properties. It helps maintain good digestion with an enhanced appetite and provides strength to the body internally, which further maintains healthy bones and muscles.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Mung beans are good for managing high levels of uric acid in the body because of its Laghu (light) and Deepan (appetizer) properties. Excessive uric acid is a condition which occurs due to weak or poor digestion where it becomes difficult for the kidneys to perform proper excretion process. Mung bean or Mung Daal helps maintain good digestion and is also light to get digested, which is helpful in maintaining normal uric acid level.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Mung bean is good for liver and certain liver-related problems like indigestion due to its Laghu (light) and Deepan (appetizer) properties. It helps enhance Agni (digestive fire) and improve digestion, thus maintaining a healthy liver.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the benefits of Mung Daal for babies.
Ayurvedic View
Gout occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha as well as incomplete digestion which leads to increased uric acid level. Mung beans are good for managing high levels of uric acid in the body because of their Laghu (light) and Deepan (appetizer) properties. Excessive uric acid is a condition which occurs due to weak or poor digestion where it becomes difficult for the kidneys to perform proper excretion process. Mung bean or Mung Daal help maintain good digestion and is also light to get digested, which is helpful in maintaining normal uric acid level, thus preventing gout.
Modern Science View
Mung Daal might help manage the symptoms of arthritis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Certain constituents present in Mung Daal inhibit the activity of an inflammatory protein that induces inflammation. This reduces joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis[6].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Mung Daal might be beneficial in case of arthritis. Arthritis occurs due to weak or poor digestion. Mung Daal is Laghu (light) in nature due to which it is easily digestible. Mung Daal is also beneficial for arthritis due to its Deepan (appetizer) property which helps maintain good digestion.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal might help manage cholesterol due to its cholesterol-lowering property. It decreases total cholesterol, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol (Low-density lipoprotein) while increasing good cholesterol (High-density lipoprotein) in the body[7].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol occurs due to an imbalance of Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion produces excessive toxins in the form of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which obstructs the blood vessels. Mung Daal helps improve digestion, thus preventing the formation of toxins in the body due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Mung Daal might help manage blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that induces high blood pressure[11].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Mung Beans in patients with kidney problems.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal is beneficial for people suffering from obesity as it has low fat and high fiber content. It induces a feeling of fullness and reduces cravings. It is also low in calories and contains certain constituents that help in burning more calories, thereby helping with weight management[7][13].
Ayurvedic View
Excessive increase in weight (or obesity) results because of unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. An aggravated Kapha dosha contributes to unhealthy weight gain. Weak or poor digestion leads to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of fats and Ama. Mung Daal helps prevent the formation of toxins in the body, thereby managing obesity due to its Kapha balancing and Deepan (appetizer) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal might help reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the activity of certain mediators that cause inflammation, thereby reducing pain and inflammation in the body[5].
Ayurvedic View
Inflammation generally occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Mung Daal helps prevent as well as reduce inflammation due to its Pitta balancing property.
Modern Science View
Mung Daal might help manage gastrointestinal disorders due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Certain constituents present in Mung Daal inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections[7].
Ayurvedic View
Gastrointestinal disorders generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha which also leads to indigestion. Incorporating Mung Daal in your regular diet improves digestion which in turn helps manage gastrointestinal disorders due to its Pitta balancing and Deepan (appetizer) properties.
Modern Science View
Sepsis is the condition that occurs as a result of the body’s response of the body to an infection. It has antimicrobial property that inhibits the growth of microbes and also releases chemicals to fight with the infection, thereby preventing sepsis[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal might cause allergies in some individuals. Consumption of Mung Daal might increase the release of certain mediators responsible for stimulating allergic response in people allergic to Mung Daal[12].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Mung Daal in causing inflammation.
Modern Science View
Mung Daal is rich in protein and other important nutrients. But, adding mung beans to a bowl of cereal can significantly increase the quality of the protein. This is because cereals are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids but deficient in lysine, which can be added by Mung Daal[14].
Modern Science View
No, Mung Daal doesn’t cause gas. Cooked Moong Daal is light on the stomach. You can either use it after soaking or cook it to ensure better digestion. Mung bean protein is easily digestible, as compared to protein in other legumes.
Ayurvedic View
No, Mung Daal doesn’t cause gas when used after soaking in water. As per Ayurveda, it is Laghu (light to digest) in nature that means it is easy to digest and doesn’t cause gas or stomach upsets.
Ayurvedic View
Generally, Legumes in the form of Daal are advised to be consumed during the day time. This is to avoid any indigestion at night time as a weak digestive system may find daal heavy at night. Moreover, Moong dal is light on the stomach and can be taken at night because it is Laghu (light to digest) in nature.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can eat Mung Daal daily. It is a rich source of protein and fiber. The fiber present in Moong Daal promotes healthy digestion. Mung Daal also keeps cholesterol levels in check, keeping heart health in check.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal might be good for the skin as it contains certain components (flavones) that possess skin whitening property. It is used as an ingredient in cosmetics due to the presence of flavones[9].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Mung Daal is beneficial for the skin. It gives a healthy glow to the skin and also keeps it free from acne/pimples due to its Pitta-Kapha balancing, Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal is considered to be good in case of eczema due to its anti-inflammatory property. It reduces pain and inflammation associated with eczema when applied to the skin. It also helps in relieving itchiness[7].
Ayurvedic View
Eczema is a skin problem that occurs mainly due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. It leads to certain symptoms like itching, inflammation and sometimes even pain. Mung Daal might help reduce the symptoms of eczema like itching, inflammation or pain due to its Pitta balancing, Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties. It also helps in providing a cooling and calming effect at the affected area.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the benefits of Mung beans for hair.
Ayurvedic View
Green gram flour is Kashaya (astringent) in nature which means it removes oil from the skin. So, if you have dry skin then try to make a paste by mixing gram flour with milk, otherwise using Green gram flour daily on your skin may cause excessive dryness.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mung Daal is good for oily skin due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to absorb extra moisture or oil from your skin and make it oil-free and fresh.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
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- Dongyan T, Yinmao D, Hankun R,et al.A review of phytochemistry, metabolite changes, and medicinal uses of the common food mung bean and its sprouts (Vigna radiata).Chem Cent J.2014;8:4.
- Kavya N, Kavya B, Ramakrishna KK. Nutritional and therapeutic uses of mudga [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek]: A potential interventional dietary component.Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm.2014;5(2):238-241.
- Yeap SK, Ali NM, Yusaof HM, et al. Antihyperglycemic effect of fermented and non-fermented mung bean extracts on alloxan-induced diabetic mice.J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012;(2012):1-7.
- Venkateshwarlu E, Reddy KP, Dilip D.Potential of Vigna radiata (L.) sprouts in the management of inflammation and arthritis in rats: possible biochemical alterations.Indian journal of experimental biology.2016;54:37-43.
- Ganesan K, Xu B.A critical review on phytochemical profile and health-promoting effects of mung bean (Vigna radiata).Food science and human wellness.2018;7(1):11-33.
- Verma A, Kumar S, Das M, et al.lA comprehensive review of Legume Allergy.Clinical reviews in Allergy and Immunology.2013;45(1):30-46.
- Jeong YM, Ha JH, Noh GY, et al.Inhibitory effects of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) seed and sprout extracts on melanogenesis.Food Sci Biotechnol.2016;25(2):567-573.
- Kohno M, Sugano H, Shigihara Y, et al.IMprovement of glucose and lipid metabolism via mung bean protein consumption: clinical trials of GLUCODIA isolated mung bean protein in the USA and Canada. J Nutr Sci.2018;7(2):1-11.
- Viernes LBG, Garcia RN, Torio MAO, et al.Antihypertensive peptides from vicilin, the major storage protein of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)R Wilczek). Journal of biological sciences.2012;12(7):393-399.
- Kumar S, Sharmaa A, Neelabh, et al. Allergenic responses of green gram (Vigna radiata L. Millsp) proteins can be vitiated by induction of oral tolerance due to single acute dose in BALB/c mice.2014.Food Research International. 57. 10.
- Dahiya PK, Linnemann AR, Boekel V, et al. Mung bean: Technological and nutritional potential. Taylor & Francis.2015; 55:670–688.
- Hou D, Yousaf L, Xue Y, et al. Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.): Bioactive Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, Peptides, and Health Benefits. Nutrients. 2019 Jun; 11(6): 1238.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.