Are Mung Bean Threads A Healthy Food?

Mung bean threads are derived from the mung bean, a type of green bean often used in Chinese cuisine. The threads are produced by combining mung bean flour and water and have a nearly translucent color and stringy shape. Mung bean threads are also known as glass noodles because of their color and shape and can be used to top soups and other dishes. Unlike traditional noodles, Mung bean threads are gluten free.

Calories

Mung bean threads can be a healthy food if you are trying to gain weight, as they are calorie-dense. Each cup of threads provides 260 calories, which comprises 13 percent of the daily suggested intake of 2,000 calories. If you're dieting, Mung bean threads can be a poor choice, as it would take 53 minutes of water aerobics or an hour and 11 minutes of weightlifting to burn 260 calories.

Carbohydrates

Mung bean threads are rich in carbohydrates, with 65 g in each cup. This makes mung bean threads a healthy choice if you are an athlete, as carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy. In addition to providing energy for exercise, research suggests that carbohydrates can aid in muscle recovery. Research from the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" suggests that consuming carbohydrates after exercise is "the most important determinant" of the restoration of muscle energy.

Fiber

Although Mung bean threads are high in carbohydrates, they are not rich in fiber, with just 2 g per cup. Dietary fiber promotes colon health, can keep your blood sugar levels in check and may aid in weight loss because it promotes feelings of fullness. Thus, Mung bean threads are a poor choice for weight loss.

Protein

Mung bean threads do not contain any protein, a vital nutrient that your body uses to build and repair tissues including hair, bone and muscle.

Fat

Mung bean threads do not contain any dietary fat. While dietary fat is calorie-dense, it provides many nutritional benefits, such as fueling long bouts of exercise, aiding in the absorption of vitamins and maintaining the health of your hair and skin.