Summer is a season that brings with it scorching heat, leaving us longing for refreshing and cooling foods. One such food that perfectly fits the bill is the mung bean salad. Packed with essential nutrients and boasting numerous health benefits, this salad is not only delicious but also helps in combating the summer heat. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of mung bean salad, its role in detoxifying the liver, and how it can help you stay cool during the hot summer months.
What are Mung Beans?
Mung beans, also known as green gram, are a type of legume that originated in India but are now cultivated worldwide, including in the United States. These tiny, green beans are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Incorporating mung beans into your diet can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.
One of the primary benefits of mung bean salad is its ability to help the body cope with the summer heat. Mung beans possess cooling properties that can lower body temperature and provide relief from heat-related discomfort. Their cooling effect is attributed to their high water content, which helps in hydrating the body and maintaining optimal fluid balance. Including mung bean salad in your summer diet can help you beat the heat and keep you refreshed.
Mung Beans Great for Liver Detoxification
Furthermore, mung bean salad is an excellent choice for liver detoxification. The liver plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins from the body, and during the summer months, when we tend to indulge in more barbecues, ice creams, and alcoholic beverages, our liver may need some extra support. Mung beans contain phytochemicals that aid in liver detoxification, helping to flush out harmful substances and improve liver function. By including mung bean salad in your diet, you can give your liver a much-needed boost and promote overall detoxification.
Nutrition Benefits of Mung Beans
Apart from its liver-detoxifying properties, mung bean salad is also a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Protein is essential for repairing and building tissues, while fiber aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. The combination of protein and fiber in mung beans helps to keep you full for longer, preventing unnecessary snacking and aiding in weight management. Additionally, mung beans are low in fat and calories, making them an ideal food for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Mung Bean Salad You Cool Off During Summer Heat
Incorporating mung bean salad into your summer diet is quite simple. You can start by soaking the mung beans overnight and then boiling them until they are soft. Soaking the mung beans not only makes them softer and easier to cook but also breaks down anti-nutrients making them easier to digest.
Once cooked, you can toss them with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs like cilantro or mint. To add a zing, you can squeeze some lemon juice or drizzle a light dressing made with olive oil and vinegar. The versatility of mung bean salad allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to your summer meals. Check out our recipe for Mung Bean Salad below!
Where to find mung beans?
- Amazon
- Thrive Market (Save 40% OFF your first order!)
- Local grocery stores such as Sprouts or Whole Foods- usually by found by the dried beans
Summary
In conclusion, mung bean salad is a nutritious and refreshing choice to combat the summer heat. Its cooling properties, ability to aid in liver detoxification, and rich nutrient profile make it an excellent addition to your summer diet. So, beat the heat and enjoy the benefits of mung bean salad this summer. Stay cool, stay healthy!
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For more delicious summer recipes check out:
How to Stay Hydrated in Extreme Heat with Watermelon Spritzer
How to Stay Cool (Naturally) in the Summer
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Mung Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mung beans, dried
- ½ cup Fresh tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup Cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup Red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- ½ whole Fresh lemon
- 1 pinch Himalayan Salt
Instructions
- Prepare and cook mung beans as indicated on packaging. Typically, this means simmering mung beans in water for about 30-40 minutes. Cook until soft. If mung beans have been previously soaked in water for 6-8 hours cut cooking time in half.
- While the mung beans are cooking, dice tomato, cucumber, red onion, and dill.
- Once the mung beans are finished cooking, strain and rinse with cold water.
- Add mung beans, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and dill to a large bowl.
- Squeeze 1/2 lemon into the bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Add salt to taste. Add more salt if needed.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This allows all ingredients to cool and flavors to develop!
