Considered a superfood particularly among vegetarians, Moong Dal is an excellent source of protein. This humble Indian staple also goes by the names green gram, split pulses or yellow lentils. Lentils are known to be a filling and easily adaptable food item, packed with a number of essential nutrients. Due to its high protein content, it is often recommended to people who are following a demanding fitness regimen. Moong Dal is believed to be helpful in building and repairing muscles, tissues, cartilage, bones and skin. The nutrients and calories per 100g of Moong Dal can be a great contribution to your daily lunch or dinner. Read on to find out more about the health benefits, nutrients and calories in cooked Moong Dal.
A single cup or one bowl of cooked moong dal carries 147 calories, 28 mg of sodium, 1.2 g of total fat, 12 g of dietary fiber, 25 g of protein and 3 g of sugar. Relatively low in carbs and high in protein, Moong Dal is a fantastic dietary inclusion for anyone looking to lose weight while simultaneously building muscle.
Moong Dal features in many dishes in Indian cuisine. This table lists a few common Moong Dal dishes and the calories they contain to make it easier for you to plan your meals.
Moong Dal Dish and Portion Size |
Calories |
Spicy Yellow Moong Dal (1 serving) |
72 |
1 Moong Dal Chilla |
128 |
Moong Dal Khichdi (1 serving) |
342 |
Moong Dal Halwa (1 serving) |
212 |
Health Benefits of Eating Moong Dal
Moong dal offers a range of health benefits that can help you in modifying your dietary patterns and overall health. Here are a few reasons why Moong dal will be an invaluable addition to your diet:
1.Moong Dal Aids in Weight Loss
By improving the cholecystokinin hormone’s functioning, Moong Dal boosts feelings of satiety and stimulates your metabolism. Hence, it helps you avoid overeating and keeps your weight in check.
2.Moong Dal May Improve Cardiovascular Health
Moong Dal is rich in iron and potassium. These nutrients help in regulating blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and preventing muscle cramps. A light and easily digestible lentil, moong dal is a good option for those with heart disease or hypertension problems.
3.Moong Dal Has High Nutrient Concentration
Moong dal contains minerals like iron, potassium, copper magnesium, as well as fiber, vitamin B6, and folate. B complex vitamins help in the breakdown of carbs and give you an energy boost, folic acid contributes to brain function, dietary fibre lowers cholesterol levels, and this dal is a rich source of amino acids. The iron content also promotes the production of red blood cells and can prevent anemia.
4.Moong Dal May Help Prevent Diabetes
Since it has a low glycemic index, Moong Dal can bring down blood glucose, insulin and fat levels, thus maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of diabetes.
5.Moong Dal Improves Digestive Health
Moong Dal produces a short-chained fatty acid called butyrate, which is key in maintaining the condition of the intestinal walls. As it has anti-inflammatory properties, moong dal can keep your digestive system running smoothly.
How Much Moong Dal Can You Consume Every Day?
A highly nutritious and easily available food item, Moong Dal can be safely consumed on a daily basis in the form of dal, khichdi or even dessert. As a highly versatile ingredient, dal can even be incorporated in dishes like Moong Dal sprouts salad, sabzi, paratha, stuffing for roasted vegetables, halwa, or hearty soup. One cup of Moong Dal for lunch and dinner can easily supply your body with important nutrients, protein and energy.
Conclusion
Keeping in mind the nuances of a balanced lifestyle and eating habits, tracking your health progress can also come in handy. Knowing your BMR and BMI can help you get great health insurance coverage at very affordable premium rates. Insurance providers hesitate to give health insurance to those with pre-existing health conditions or health issues like obesity due to the high risk involved. So maintain a healthy BMI and BMR to get the best health insurance offer available.
