Moong Dal During Pregnancy – Benefits and Tips

The internet is brimmed with the health benefits of moong dal during pregnancy, but is it validated? If you are not aware of this type of legume, let us tell you that moong dal, mung beans, and green gram beans are all the same. Yellow moong dal is made from moong beans that are hulled and split. This results in some lentil-like and delicate legumes. It is known to promote the health of pregnant women helping with the development and growth of the foetus. Is moong dal during pregnancy really successful in ensuring a healthy and safe pregnancy? Let’s find out!

Nutritional Profile of Moong Dal

Moong dal has so many nutritional benefits. The below nutritional value is per 100 g of moong dal.

Nutrient	Value (per 100 g)
Calories	347 kcal
Total Fat	1.15 g
Saturated Fat	0.348g
Trans Fat	–
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.384g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.161g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	15mg
Total Carbohydrate	62.62g
Dietary Fiber	16.3g
Sugars	6.6g
Protein	23.86g
Calcium	132mg
Iron	6.74mg
Potassium	1246mg
Vitamin A	6mcg
Vitamin C	4.8mg
Vitamin D	–

Reference: fatsecret.com

Top Benefits of Moong Dal in Pregnancy

Here are some amazing and unheard-of health benefits of moong dal or mung beans during pregnancy and in general.

1. The Protein is Important for Mom’s and Baby’s Tissue Repair and Muscle Building

Pregnant women can consume moong dal as it is very good for them. It is rich in carbohydrates and proteins, which will provide you with enough energy and nutrition that is needed to get through your day. Protein is a very important nutrient that has a role in renewing the broken cells present in the body with better and new ones. Protein is good at building the muscles in the body. While meat is a good source of protein, legumes and beans also provide enough sources of protein.

2. The Fibre Helps in Avoiding Constipation and Other Pregnancy Side Effects

The presence of fibre in the yellow moong dal makes it another healthy option for pregnant women to consume. Fibre helps to reduce the risks of gastric ulcers and constipation. Also, fibre is great at reducing feelings of bloating, nausea, cramping, and morning sickness. Moreover, you could consume moong dal along with other fibre foods such as green vegetables and fruits to promote the health of the digestive system.

3. Iron is Important for Haemoglobin Production

Another reason why moong dal is good for pregnancy is because of the iron it provides to the body. Iron is an important mineral that is good at helping the body maintain and regulate its functions. Yellow moong dal is good at promoting haemoglobin and red blood cell production. Therefore, you can fulfil the iron needs in your body by consuming moong dal together with other iron-rich foods like seafood. If you do not have enough iron in your body, it might lead to a few health problems like chronic fatigue and anaemia, which are harmful to the baby.

4. Folate Prevents Birth Defects Like Spina Bifida in the Baby

Consuming mung beans during pregnancy is great due to the presence of folate. The folate in the moong dal is very helpful for promoting the optimal development and growth of the baby. Mung beans are good for the brain cells of the baby. The folate also prevents birth defects like spina bifida in the baby. The baby’s memory cells grow very well, and it increases intelligence. When there is lack of folate in pregnant women, there is a higher risk of birth defects.

5. The Antioxidants Fight Free-Radical Damage

The antioxidant present in the moong dal is good for providing protection to the body during pregnancy. Research has shown that antioxidants prevent miscarriage in the first trimester by protecting cells from oxidative damage. It protects the body against free-radical damage. It is also good at preventing serious diseases like cancer.

6. Good for Heart Health

The potassium, magnesium, and fibre in moong dal reduce the risk of diseases related to the heart. A dangerous side-effect of pregnancy is preeclampsia, which is characterised by high blood pressure. Research shows that the nutrients in moong dal can lower blood pressure. Research also shows that mung beans can reduce the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood and protect these particles from connecting with unstable free radicals. Moreover, the fibre in the moong dal absorbs fat so that the blood vessels work normally. Heart diseases such as stroke can be prevented this way.

7. Overall Health Treatment

A pregnant woman should take care of her overall health as it has an effect on the foetus. This is why mung beans can provide the body with the right amount of nutrients for maintaining the health of the pregnant mother. Overall health is promoted because of the high content of minerals, vitamins, folic acid, protein, and fibre in the moong dal. Also, pregnant women can drink mung bean extract to keep their bodies fit.

8. Nutrient Source for the Baby

There are so many moong dal benefits for fetuses, and one of them is preventing the disability of the baby. Nutrients are very important for intelligence, cell growth, and the entire health of the baby. Mung beans are a rich source of vitamins like omega 3 and omega 6, which are good for the production of cells in the brain. These nutrients work great at promoting the intelligence of the baby when they are born.

9. Vitamins

Mung beans contain vitamin B1 and vitamin B2. These vitamins are beneficial for the absorption of protein in the organs. It contains vitamin B6, which helps to fight free radicals and vitamin A for better health of the eyes. It contains essential minerals, carotenoids, and low calories. These nutrients are good for the baby’s growth and the health of pregnant women.

10. Potassium

Moong dal provides a good source of potassium. Potassium is good at promoting blood circulation and maintaining the health of the heart, and controlling the level of the body’s blood pressure.

Tips to Consider While Consuming Moong Dal While Pregnant

• Grocery stores will have pre-packaged moong dal or even stored in bulk containers. Store it for 3-4 months in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Strictly avoid moong dal sprouts during pregnancy, as they may contain the bacteria salmonellosis, which in the worst cases, may trigger miscarriage.
• After this, the moong dal can be cooked with some onion, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, and some cumin seeds. With this, you can make stews, purees, and delicious soup.
• You can combine moong dal with many other beans to make ice creams, ice pops, cakes, and other such desserts.
• You can consume it with other nutritious foods like eggs, yoghurt, cheese, and peanut butter.
• Make sure you also eat calcium-rich, protein-rich, iron-rich, and fibre-rich foods, whole grains, and fruits like figs, bananas, apples, pears, and vegetables.

Moong dal is very beneficial for pregnant women as it has so many minerals and vitamins. These green gram benefits during pregnancy are many, and after knowing how beneficial it is, do not hesitate to eat moong dal when you are pregnant.

If you are doubtful about the consumption, do not hesitate to consult with your doctor, as they will be able to provide you with a tailor-made diet for you based on your needs.

References/Resources:

1. Diet Chat for Pregnant Women in West India; https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/Diet%20Chart%20For%20West%20India.pdf

2. Hou. D, Yousaf. L, Xue. Y, et al.; Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.): Bioactive Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, Peptides, and Health Benefits. Nutrients.;PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627095/; June 2019

3. Food Safety During Pregnancy; NSW Food Authority; https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-07/Pregnancy_brochure_21_0.pdf

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