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Sprouted Moong Beans: Calories, Nutrition and Health Benefits

Nature's superfood—sprouted legumes with enhanced protein, digestibility, and nutrient bioavailability packed into every handful.

Fresh sprouted moong beans with tender green shoots - 35 calories per cup

Quick Nutrition Facts

Per 1 Cup Raw Sprouted Moong Beans (105g)

NutrientAmount
Calories35 kcal
Protein3.0g
Carbohydrates6.4g
Fiber2.2g
Sugars1.2g
Fat0.2g
Vitamin C13.3mg
Iron1.5mg
Folate160 mcg
Potassium196mg

Macronutrient Breakdown

NUTRITIONIST INSIGHT

Sprouting moong beans increases enzyme content, improves mineral bioavailability, and reduces anti-nutrients like phytic acid by up to 50%. This process transforms already-healthy legumes into nutritional powerhouses with superior digestibility and nutrient absorption compared to cooked beans.

Myth Busters

MYTH #1: Sprouts Are Just Raw Beans With Minimal Nutritional Change

TRUTH: Sprouting significantly increases nutrient density and bioavailability. Vitamin C increases 5-fold, folate becomes more accessible, and enzyme activity rises dramatically. The sprouting process unlocks nutrients trapped by anti-nutrient compounds in raw beans.

MYTH #2: Raw Sprouts Are Unsafe to Eat

TRUTH: Raw sprouted moong beans are staples in Indian cuisine (sprouts salad, salads, dal sprouts). When sprouted hygienically with clean water and proper drainage, contamination risk is minimal. Cook if immunocompromised or for extra safety margin.

MYTH #3: Sprouted Beans Cause Bloating Like Cooked Beans

TRUTH: Sprouting reduces oligosaccharides and phytic acid responsible for bloating and gas. Most people find sprouted moong beans easier to digest than cooked beans, with minimal digestive distress.

MYTH #4: You Need Meat to Get Protein from a Legume-Based Meal

TRUTH: Pairing sprouted moong beans with whole grains (roti, rice, quinoa) creates a complete amino acid profile. This plant-based combination provides all 9 essential amino acids comparable to animal protein.

MYTH #5: Sprouted Beans Have No Iron Due to Phytic Acid

TRUTH: While unsprouted beans contain phytic acid that inhibits iron absorption, sprouting reduces phytic acid by 30-50%, dramatically improving iron bioavailability. Sprouted moong beans provide 1.5mg iron per cup with superior absorption.

NutriScore by Health Goals

Health GoalNutriScoreWhy This Score?
Weight LossNutriScore AOnly 35 calories, 3g protein for satiety, 2.2g fiber. Sprouted form is more digestible. Can eat 2-3 cups daily as salad base without exceeding calorie goals.
Muscle GainNutriScore B3g protein per cup (combine with grains for complete amino acids), 6.4g carbs for energy. Pair with paneer or lean protein for 20+ grams total protein.
Diabetes ManagementNutriScore ALow glycemic index (15-20), high fiber, improved insulin sensitivity from sprouting. Resistant starch in sprouts stabilizes blood glucose.
PCOS ManagementNutriScore ALow glycemic load, high folate for hormonal health, improved insulin sensitivity. Plant-based protein supports lean mass without excess calories.
Pregnancy NutritionNutriScore A160 mcg folate per cup supports fetal neural tube development. Plant-based iron with improved bioavailability. Ensure safe sprouting hygiene.
Viral/Flu RecoveryNutriScore B13.3mg vitamin C per cup boosts immunity. Light, easily digestible protein aids recovery. Can be served raw in salad or cooked for extra safety if immunocompromised.

PERSONALIZED NUTRITION

Track your meals with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!

Blood Sugar Response to Sprouted Moong Beans

Sprouted moong beans have minimal glycemic impact due to low carbohydrates, high fiber, and resistant starch created during sprouting—making them excellent for blood sugar stability.

Typical Glucose Response Curve

*This chart shows typical blood glucose response for general healthy individuals. Individual responses may vary. Not medical advice.*

How to Maximize Sprouted Moong Bean Benefits

Combining sprouted legumes with whole grains and fats optimizes nutrient absorption and glucose response:

  • 🌾 Pair with whole grains (brown rice, roti, quinoa) - Creates complete amino acid profile
  • 🧈 Add healthy fats (sesame oil, coconut oil, nuts) - Aids fat-soluble vitamin absorption
  • 🍋 Include citrus or tomatoes - Vitamin C enhances iron absorption
  • 🧄 Combine with spices (turmeric, ginger) - Enhances anti-inflammatory benefits

Eating sprouted moong beans with whole grains transforms a light snack into a muscle-building, nutrient-complete meal.

Cultural Significance

Sprouted moong beans hold deep roots in Indian nutrition and culinary traditions, considered a superfood in traditional medicine and modern wellness.

In India:

  • Moong sprouts eaten as light, digestible breakfast since ancient times
  • Traditional "sprout salad" (ankurit moong) served during fasting for nutrition without heaviness
  • Ayurveda considers sprouted beans balancing for all three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha)
  • Popular superfood in North Indian cuisine; served in salads, dal preparations, and stir-fries
  • Sacred in vegetarian diets as superior plant protein source

Global Impact:

  • Asian cuisines incorporate sprouted legumes as nutritional staples
  • Sprouting movement growing globally for increased nutrient density and bioavailability
  • Athletes and health-conscious consumers adopting sprouted foods for superior digestibility

Compare & Substitute

Sprouted Moong Beans vs Similar Legume Sprouts (Per 100g)

Nutrient🌱 Moong Sprouts🌱 Chickpea Sprouts🌱 Lentil Sprouts🌱 Alfalfa Sprouts
Calories33 kcal120 kcal32 kcal23 kcal
Protein2.9g8.3g2.6g2.2g
Carbs6.1g12.5g6.0g2.2g
Fiber2.1g2.2g2.0g1.3g
Fat0.2g4.3g0.2g0.1g
Vitamin C12.7mg28.1mg4.6mg8.4mg
Iron1.4mg1.2mg1.8mg0.96mg
Best ForLow-cal weight loss, light mealsHigh-protein muscle gainIron absorption, pregnancyUltra-low calorie, raw salads

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sprouted moong beans good for weight loss?

Yes. With only 35 calories per cup and 3g of protein, sprouted moong beans provide excellent satiety without excess calories. You can eat 2-3 cups daily as a salad base while maintaining a calorie deficit. The sprouting process improves digestibility, reducing bloating associated with dried beans.

Best practices: Eat raw in salads for maximum enzyme content; pair with lemon for enhanced iron absorption; combine with whole grains for complete meal.

Can diabetics eat sprouted moong beans?

Absolutely. Sprouted moong beans have a low glycemic index (15-20) with minimal blood sugar impact. The sprouting process increases resistant starch and reduces anti-nutrients, improving insulin sensitivity. Safe for diabetics in any quantity; sprouts lower glycemic load compared to cooked beans.

Tips for diabetics: Eat with whole grain bread or roti; include protein and fat for slower glucose absorption; monitor portion sizes when mixing with rice.

How much protein is in sprouted moong beans?

Sprouted moong beans contain 3.0g of protein per cup, higher than raw vegetables but lower than animal protein. However, pairing sprouted moong beans with whole grains creates a complete amino acid profile containing all 9 essential amino acids. This combination rivals animal protein for muscle building.

What are the main health benefits of sprouted moong beans?

Key Benefits:

  1. Improved Digestion: Sprouting increases enzyme content 5-fold
  2. Better Nutrient Absorption: Reduces phytic acid by 30-50%
  3. Immune Support: 13.3mg vitamin C per cup
  4. Bone Health: Bioavailable minerals and calcium
  5. Blood Sugar Control: Low GI, high fiber, resistant starch
  6. Pregnancy Support: 160 mcg folate for fetal development

How do I sprout moong beans at home?

Simple 4-step process:

  1. Soak dried moong beans in water overnight (8-12 hours)
  2. Drain completely and place in jar/sprouting cloth
  3. Rinse twice daily with fresh water, ensuring good drainage
  4. Harvest when sprouts reach ½-inch tails (3-4 days)

Store sprouted beans in refrigerator (up to 5 days). Use cloth with good air circulation to prevent mold.

Are raw sprouted moong beans safe to eat?

Yes, raw sprouted moong beans are safe when sprouted hygienically. Standard Indian practice involves eating raw sprouts in salads. Use clean water, ensure proper drainage, discard any sprouts with odor or visible mold. Cook if immunocompromised or for additional safety margin.

Safety tips: Use filtered water for sprouting; maintain clean container; rinse twice daily; avoid stagnant water; store in cool place.

Science-based nutrition recommendations
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