Mung Bean Sprout Nutrition Information

Mung bean sprouts are used frequently in Asian cuisines. Inexpensive and nutritious, they are becoming more mainstream and are common in salad bars and in many kitchens throughout the country. Like other legumes, they are relatively high in protein and low in fat, with fiber, vitamin and mineral components that make them a worthy addition to salads, soups and sautes.

Macronutrients

Mung bean sprouts are predominantly carbohydrate, deriving 70 percent of their calories from carbohydrate, most of it in the form of starch, which are long chains of sugar molecules as opposed to simple sugars. Like most legumes, they are high in protein relative to other plant-based foods such as fruits and nongreen vegetables, with 25 percent of their calories from protein. They are only 5 percent fat.

Vitamins

A 100-calorie serving of mung bean sprouts, or approximately 3 cups, supplies 50 percent of the requirement for vitamin C. Additionally, one such serving provides 25 percent or more of the daily requirements of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, and 15 percent of the recommended intake for niacin, or vitamin B3. Mung bean sprouts are not a significant source of other vitamins.

Minerals

Mung bean sprouts are abundant in minerals, containing 10 percent or more of the daily value for zinc, potassium and magnesium, 25 percent or more of phosphorous, manganese and iron, and more than 50 percent of the daily value for copper. However, they contain relatively less amounts of the minerals calcium and selenium. They are also low in sodium.

Glycemic Values

Mung beans are a low glycemic food. One serving has a glycemic index of 25 and a glycemic load of 4. Glycemic values measure a food's impact on blood sugar and on insulin. Foods with low glycemic values have little effect on blood sugar and do not significantly increase insulin levels, which is especially important for diabetics and those wishing to lose weight.

Fiber

Fiber helps regulate intestinal function and maintain normal cholesterol levels. Because it increases the sensation of fullness, fiber may also aid with weight loss. The recommended daily amount of fiber is 25 g for adult females and 38 g for adult males. Like other legumes, mung bean sprouts offer a significant amount of fiber. One hundred calories provides 6 g of fiber, or roughly 25 percent of an adult female's daily requirement.