Beansprout Health Benefits
Beansprouts have many health benefits as well as being rich in essential vitamins. You might have heard of the incredible health benefits of mung beans but did you know that sprouted mung beans (beansprouts) are thought to improve the nutritional and medicinal qualities? It is therefore always advised to eat sprouted mung beans to gain maximum health benefits!
Mung beans are widely grown across Asia, and have been a part of the Asian diet for thousands of years. They are a fantastic source of nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, folate, copper, zinc and various B vitamins. Mung beans can be used in many different forms such as beans, dried into a powder to make bean noodles and sprouted. Due to the mung beans high nutrient and amino acid content, they are thought to be useful in defending our bodies against against illness and disease such as:
Anti-diabetic
Eating beansprouts can lower blood glucose, the body increases glucose tolerance and insulin responsiveness to help control diabetes.
Boosts Immune System
Beansprouts help increase immunity and fights against bacteria, viruses, rashes colds, coughs and many more. Beansprouts are absorbed well in the digestive tract and leaves a balance of good bacteria in the gut. This also helps with immune defence.
Lowers Cholesterol & Risk of Heart Disease
Antioxidants in mung beans act like potent free-radicals scavengers which reverse damaged blood vessels and reduces inflammation. The anti- inflammatory properties help keep arteries clear and maintain circulation.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Peptides found in mung beans stop blood vessels from constricting and therefore lowers blood pressure.
Fights Obesity
Mung beans are high in fibre and protein and therefore is one of the most filling foods. Regular eating of mung beans and beansprouts will therefore reduce food intake and promote weight loss. They help with symptoms of IBS and constipation thanks to their high fibre content.
Source of Folate
One cup of beansprouts can give you your 100% recommended daily allowance of folate. Folate is used in the body to make DNA which is used for cell and tissue growth, hormone balance, cognitive function and reproduction. Keeping folate levels during pregnancy is very important as it aids prevention of early births, neural tube defects and even termination.
Source of Magnesium & B vitamins
Magnesium is needed to control stress, manage pain, maintain digestive processes, maintain heart function and repair muscle tissue. Vitamin B, folate and magnesium help control hormones, they reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, headaches, mood swings, fatigue and muscle pains.
Anti-cancer
Flavonoids (antioxidants) lower oxidative stress which can contribute to cancer formation.