The mung bean is a legume native to East and Southeast Asia that is cultivated all over the world for bean sprouts and mature beans. Mung beans are a rich low-calorie, low-fat source of vegetable protein and fiber.
Calorie Breakdown
A 1-cup serving of boiled mung beans contains 212 calories, 38.68 g of carbohydrate, 15.4 g of fiber, 14.18 g of protein, 0.77 g of fat, 0.23 g of saturated fat and 4 mg of sodium, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database. The calorie composition is roughly 70 percent carbohydrate, 27 percent protein and 3 percent fat.
Vitamins and Minerals
One cup of boiled mung beans provides 80.3 percent of the folate, 28.6 percent of the phosphorus, 27.6 percent of the thiamine, 23.1 percent of the magnesium, 16.6 percent of the pantothenic acid, 15.7 percent of the iron, 15.5 percent of the zinc, 11.4 percent of the potassium, 9.5 percent of the riboflavin, 9.1 percent of the selenium, 7.9 percent of the vitamin B-6 and 7.3 percent of the niacin adults should consume daily, according to the Institute of Medicine.
Serving Suggestions
Add mung beans to salads and soups to increase protein content. Serve mung beans dressed lightly with butter, salt and pepper as a healthy side dish.
References
- Epicurious: Food Dictionary: Mung Bean
- Alternative Field Crops Manual: Mung Bean
- Council for Responsible Nutrition: Vitamin and Mineral Recommendations: Minerals
- Council for Responsible Nutrition: Vitamin and Mineral Recommendations: Vitamins
- Colorado State University Extension: Potassium and Health
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