Mung Bean Sprouts — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Nutrition facts
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 30 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 6 g | 2.18% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 7.14% |
| Sugars | 5 g | 10% |
| Glycemic Index | 32 | - |
| Protein | 3 g | 6% |
| Sodium | 6 mg | 0.26% |
| Total Fat | 0 | - |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
30
🍏 Low-Calorie Foods
32
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
Did you know?
Health benefits
- High in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate, which support overall health and well-being.
- Rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Low in calories, making them a nutritious option for weight management and overall health.
- Contains enzymes that support digestive health and nutrient absorption.
- High in fiber, promoting digestive health, regular bowel movements, and a healthy gut microbiome.
Health risks
- Risk of contamination with harmful bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella, particularly if the sprouts are not properly washed or grown under sanitary conditions.
- Potential for digestive discomfort such as gas or bloating when consumed in large quantities, particularly for those sensitive to high-fiber foods.
- Short shelf life as mung bean sprouts can spoil quickly, which may lead to foodborne illness if consumed after they have gone bad.
- Risk of allergic reactions in some individuals, though rare, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
How to choose mung bean sprouts
Mung bean sprouts should be crisp and white with a slight translucence. They should be firm to the touch and have a fresh, subtle earthiness. The roots should be small and clean, indicating they are young and tender.
Do not use sprouts that are slimy or have a strong odor, as these are indicators of decay. Quality mung bean sprouts should be crunchy and mild, ideal for adding to salads, sandwiches, and Asian dishes.
How to store mung bean sprouts
Mung bean sprouts should be stored in a breathable bag or container in the refrigerator. Refrigeration keeps them fresh and crisp for up to a week. Rinsing and draining them before storing can help maintain their quality.
Exposure to excess moisture can cause mung bean sprouts to spoil rapidly. Avoid storing them in sealed plastic bags without ventilation, as this can lead to mold growth. Always rinse them thoroughly before use to ensure they are clean and fresh.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
Mung bean sprouts can last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a plastic bag or container. For best results, keep them in the crisper drawer and away from excess moisture.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover mung bean sprouts can be used in a variety of fresh and crunchy dishes. Add them to salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a light, refreshing bite, or mix them into a stir-fry with vegetables and a savory sauce. Mung bean sprouts are also great when added to spring rolls or sushi, where they add texture and nutrition.
Use mung bean sprouts as a topping for soups or noodles, where their crisp texture complements the warm broth. If you have a lot of mung bean sprouts, consider making a batch of sprout salad with carrots, cucumber, and a tangy dressing. Mung bean sprouts can also be used as a filling for lettuce wraps with seasoned meat and vegetables, or mixed into a grain bowl with quinoa or rice. For a quick snack, enjoy mung bean sprouts with a dipping sauce like soy sauce or peanut sauce, or add them to a smoothie for a nutrient boost.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
How mung bean sprouts support specific health conditions
Mung bean sprouts are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in regular bowel movements. They are also a good source of vitamin C, supporting immune health, and plant-based protein, promoting muscle health. Mung bean sprouts contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, supporting heart health. Their crunchy texture makes them a healthy addition to salads, stir-fries, and sandwiches.
Discover products from other categories
Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
Get the top-rated shopping list app
mung bean sprouts
Table of contents