Exploring the Health Benefits and Recipe Ideas for Mung Bean Tea

Mung Bean Tea, also known as Mung Bean drink or Mung Bean soup, is a refreshing Chinese beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold. This tea is rich in nutrients and helps keep the body hydrated. In traditional Chinese medicine, Mung Bean tea is often used to treat various ailments, with ginger commonly added for extra flavor and benefits.

Due to its high nutrient and antioxidant content, Mung Bean tea offers several health advantages. It aids in protecting the body against heat stroke, supports digestive health, lowers bad cholesterol levels, promotes weight loss, and helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Particularly popular during hot weather, Mung Bean tea effectively helps to cool and regulate body temperature. For optimal freshness and health benefits, it's recommended to store Mung Bean tea in the refrigerator.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Mung Beans

Nutrient Profile of Mung Beans

Mung Beans are an excellent plant-based source of protein, rich in essential amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the key amino acids include phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, and arginine.

According to a study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of boiled Mung Beans contain 19.15 grams of carbohydrates, 7.60 grams of dietary fiber, and 7.02 grams of protein. Additionally, Mung Beans are a good source of B vitamins, which are essential for various bodily functions and maintaining brain health. The folate (Vitamin B-9) in Mung Beans is particularly important for DNA synthesis.

Health Benefits of Mung Beans

1. Good Source of Antioxidants: Mung Beans contain beneficial antioxidants such as phenolic acid, flavonoids, and cinnamic acid, which play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals. Free radicals can damage cellular components, potentially leading to chronic inflammation, heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.
2. Lower LDL Cholesterol and Reduce Heart Disease Risk: LDL cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart disease. However, Mung Beans have properties that help lower LDL cholesterol levels, thereby reducing this risk.
3. Reduce Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a common health issue worldwide and a significant risk factor for heart disease. Mung Beans are rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which are known to help lower high blood pressure.
4. Lower Blood Sugar Levels: The fiber and protein in Mung Beans help slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
5. Support a Healthy Pregnancy: During pregnancy, consuming foods rich in folate is crucial for the baby's growth and development. Mung Beans are an excellent source of folate, supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Exploring the Health Benefits of Mung Bean Tea

1. Antioxidant Properties: Mung Beans are rich in antioxidants like phenolic acids, flavonoids, cinnamic acid, and caffeic acid. These antioxidants help neutralize potentially harmful free radicals, which can otherwise damage cellular components and lead to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Sprouted Mung Beans are particularly potent, containing up to six times more antioxidants than regular Mung Beans.
2. Digestive Health Support: Mung Beans are beneficial for digestive health due to their high nutrient content. They contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that promotes regular bowel movements by speeding up food transit through the gut. Additionally, the resistant starch in Mung Beans functions similarly to soluble fiber, nourishing healthy gut bacteria.
3. Weight Management Aid: The protein and fiber in Mung Beans assist in weight management by suppressing hunger hormones and increasing fullness hormones. By controlling appetite, Mung Beans help reduce calorie intake, aiding in weight loss.
4. Detoxification Benefits: Mung Beans support the detoxification of the digestive system by aiding in the removal of toxins from the bowels and intestines. Modern research indicates that Mung Beans can help eliminate environmental toxins and chemicals from the body.

How to Make Mung Bean Tea: Step-by-Step Guide

Traditional Brewing Method

Drinking two to three cups of Mung Bean Tea can help alleviate summer heat by cooling the body and preventing heat stroke.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup of Mung Beans
2. 8 cups of water

Preparation Method:

1. Wash and drain 1 cup of Mung Beans.
2. Boil 8 cups of water separately.
3. In a large pot, submerge the Mung Beans in water and bring to a boil over high heat until the water evaporates.
4. Pour the previously boiled 8 cups of water into the pot with the Mung Beans. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, the Mung Beans should be softened and opened.
6. If desired, add ¼ cup of sugar for sweetness. Stir well and turn off the heat.
7. Serve the tea hot or cold.

Quick and Easy Recipe Ideas

Mung Bean  Tea with Ginger and Lemon

Ingredients:

1. ½ cup of Mung Beans
2. 5-8 slices of ginger
3. 12 cups of water
4. Lemon juice, to taste

Preparation Method:

1. Add the Mung Beans and ginger to 12 cups of water and bring to a boil.
2. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, allow to cool, and add lemon juice to taste.
4. Enjoy the tea, hot or cold.

Mung Bean Tea Latte

Ingredients:

1. 1/3 cup of mung bean splits, soaked in water overnight
2. Few pandan leaves
3. Jasmine tea (loose-leaf or tea bags)
4. Whole milk
5. ½ cup of coconut cream
6. Sugar, to taste

Preparation Method:

1. Cook the soaked mung beans with ½ cup of water. When it boils, reduce the heat to a low simmer for 12 minutes.
2. Put 3 tablespoons of jasmine loose tea into a pot and add 3 cups of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the tea and transfer it to a large cup.
4. Cut the pandan leaves into small pieces and put them into a blender cup. Add one cup of tea to the blender cup and blend it.
5. Strain the pandan tea using a wet paper towel.
6. Add the cooked mung beans to the blender cup with ½ cup of milk. Blend well.
7. Place a large pot on heat and add one cup of milk, 5–6 pandan leaves, and ½ cup of coconut cream. Cook for 5–10 minutes.
8. Combine the mung bean puree, jasmine tea, pandan tea, and sugar to taste.

Conclusion

Mung Beans are one of the healthiest grains, rich in numerous nutrients and antioxidants. This nutritious grain can help maintain a healthy body by protecting against heat stroke, aiding in weight loss, lowering bad LDL cholesterol levels, supporting digestive health, and maintaining blood sugar levels.

Enjoy your meal with this nutritious addition to stay happy and healthy!