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Green gram sprouts, also referred to as mung beans, are highly versatile foods that find application in a bunch of dishes, including salads and soups. Native to India, these low-calorie and protein-packed foods can also be savoured in dals and with accompaniments such as rice and roti. It is recommended to make these vitamin-rich powerhouses a part of one’s daily diet as they come with a host of health benefits, which include aiding in digestion as well as helping regulate one’s blood pressure.
As these sprouts are abundant in important amino acids, they are considered one of the most powerful plant-based sources of protein. Additionally, as they are consumed in sprouted form, they boast higher levels of amino acids and antioxidants than unsprouted beans, making them healthier than the latter. Green gram sprouts are a favourite among nutritionists as they combine the requisite building blocks of one’s diet into one rich and hearty superfood, acting as a tasty as well as a healthy meal and snack option.
Here are five significant health benefits of green gram sprouts to inspire you to incorporate them into your diet.
Combat Terminal Diseases
As touched on above, green gram sprouts are potent storehouses of healthy antioxidants, namely phenolic acid and flavonoids. These antioxidants help suppress harmful molecules called free radicals, which are linked with terminal conditions such as heart disease and cancer. A 2012 study conducted in the international journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition found evidence of green gram sprouts neutralising the damage caused by free radicals by inhibiting the growth of cancer in lung and stomach cells. In this way, green gram sprouts can help reduce the threat of terminal diseases.
Guard Against Heat Strokes
In addition to being rich in antioxidants, green gram sprouts are also thought to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help guard against heat-related conditions, such as heat strokes. Therefore, green gram sprouts soup is a popular dish in several Asian tropical countries, including India, during the warm and sultry summer months, as it helps keep one hydrated and aids in preventing the occurrence of dangerous incidents, such as heat strokes.
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Help Regulate Blood Pressure
Green gram sprouts are vital sources of potassium, magnesium, and fibre, which have been found to reduce the threat of high blood pressure. Owing to these nutrients, green gram sprouts have the ability to inhibit enzymes that naturally increase blood pressure; therefore, they are recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure. Moreover, a recent survey conducted by the American Journal of Hypertension found that higher intakes of legumes like green gram sprouts helped regulate blood pressure even in people who don’t typically suffer from high blood pressure.
Aid In Digestion
Green gram sprouts are powerhouses of dietary fibre, comprising a staggering 15.2 grams for every cooked cup. These sprouts also comprise pectin, which is a kind of soluble fibre that enables regular bowel movements by ensuring food moves speedily through the gut; this, in turn, helps prevent conditions such as indigestion and constipation. These sprouts are also known to emit a short-term fatty acid called butyrate, which has been found to promote gut health as well as reduce the threat of colon cancer.
Image Credits: By Ivar Leidus - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
Help In Weight Management
Green gram sprouts are natural low-calorie foods; thus, fitness experts and nutritionists often include them in weight management or weight loss diet plans. Owing to their high protein and fibre content, these sprouts have been found to subdue hunger hormones, namely ghrelin. So, by killing hunger pangs and limiting one’s appetite, they help lower one’s calorie consumption, aiding in weight loss and management in the process.
