School of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion
Become an Ayurvedic Expert: Explore our Certification Courses
Food
Create Your Diet
Recent Articles (Blog)
AYURVEDIC FOODS
How Can This Ayurvedic Food Make You Feel Great?AYURVEDIC ANALYSISCleansingAre you feeling lethargic and tired? Do you feel bloated or have irregular bowel movements? Do you often see a thick white coating on your tongue? These are signs you may need a detoxifying cleanse with mung beans. The pastiness of mung bean is your cue to its cleansing action - a hint of the soluble and insoluble fibers in mung bean that literally scrape your colon clean. But it's not the only sign of mung's cleansing properties. Place a teaspoon of uncooked mung dal on your tongue. Within a minute, you will notice a dry, rough sensation in your mouth. This sensation is called astringent taste in Ayurveda. The astringent taste of mung bean helps tone your digestive organs. Along with fiber, astringency helps to purge mucus from the bowels, rooting out toxins and parasites that may be lodged in your gut.
Want to experience the cleansing and revitalizing properties of mung bean directly? Try kitchari. Simple and easy to make at home, kitchari features rice, a legume, ghee or oil, salt and spices. You may also add greens such as kale, vegetables like potatoes and squashes, or garnish with cilantro and coconut flakes. Popular kitchari spices include ginger, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, fennel and asafoetida. To cook kitchari, boil the mung beans until soft. Fry the spices gently in ghee or oil. Then add all the ingredients to the mung bean broth, simmering until the rice is tender. Add mung beans into your regular meal plan by replacing lunch and dinner with a hearty serving of mung bean kitchari once a week. Monday's are often the most convenient day for a kitchari fast, as you may be more motivated after a weekend of rich and heavy foods. You will benefit from increased energy, improved metabolism, regular and healthy bowel movements and reduced signs of constipation, as well as an overall boost in your immunity and general feeling of wellbeing and vitality. For enhanced cleansing, you can extend your kitchari fast (also called kitchari mono-diet) for 1-10 days. Time any type of cleanse for when you're not too busy or distracted and keep a thermos handy so you can enjoy your kitchari at work. During your cleanse, minimize or eliminate rigorous exercise, refined sugars, alcohol, and cold beverages. Replace rigorous exercise with walking or yoga, and replace beverages with warm water and / or herbal teas. Fresh is Best Sprouted Mung Beans Strengthening and Healing the GutEmotional stress, environmental toxins, harsh seasonal changes, illnesses, extended travel, overworking, and irregular activities can also leave your digestion in a weakened state. A simple mung bean kitchari can help reset your digestion, as well as stimulate your digestive powers so you can feel lively and light. A kitchari fast also gives your digestion a much needed rest from the assault of rich foods characteristic of modern lifestyles. Use dehulled beans whenever digestion is weak, as bean skins are difficult to digest.
Mung beans can help restore your bowels after a bout of food poisoning. Their cooling nature reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. To enhance their cooling effect, garnish with cilantro. Mung bean's fiber and astringency can help bind up loose stools in diarrhea. Mung bean kitchari is a restorative for those recovering from any illness. Literally it is the vegetarian equivalent of Grandma's proverbial 'Chicken-Soup'. Plus, it reintroduces the simplicity and austerity of wholesome, great tasting food. Mung Beans & Weight LossMung beans are a low-calorie, natural choice to help you overcome the hardest challenge of weight loss: curbing your hunger pangs and keeping your cravings quiet. How many other ingredients can boast comfort and satisfaction while restoring lightness to your step and clarity to your mind? The high fiber content in mung beans aids in cholesterol reduction and lowers blood sugar levels. Plus, mung beans are a mild diuretic which helps to reduce excess water weight. They are especially useful for edema in the lower limbs. To enhance their durietic effect, prepare them with diuretic spices like cumin, coriander and fennel, or celery and parsley. Nutritional InformationLike most legumes, mung beans contain difficult to digest saponins. They are also high in potassium, a diuretic and astringent. They contain vitamins A, C and E, folacin, phosphorous, magnesium, iron and calcium. They are also a source of phytoestrogens. ABOUT MUNG BEANBUYING & PREPARATIONLike most legumes, mung beans contain difficult to digest saponins. Fortunately, saponins are water soluble. To reduce saponins, soak the beans overnight then strain the water the following morning. Or, boil for ten minutes until the water turns sudsy then strain. You may also follow these techniques to improve digestibility and reduce gaseyness in beans. COOKING MUNG BEAN Browse RecipesFor the Chinese, drinking a bowl of cold sweet mung bean soup is an every day habit in summer - it's a delicious dessert with medicinal properties that cool down your system in the heat. In China, sweet mung paste is also frozen into an ice-cream. Learn about the health benefits of mung bean for FREEYou'll receive free access to our entire website including healthy recipes, nutritional diet plans, medicinal uses of ingredients, & ayurvedic health tips. Sign in once and you can use our website indefinitely..WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.Is Mung Bean Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?SERVING SIZE: 1/4 c SPECIES: Vigna radiata FAMILY:
Fabaceae EAT IN: FOR OCCASION: AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICSWhat is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.Here are the herbal actions of Mung Bean: Antacid ANTACIDHerbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular.Constipative , CONSTIPATIVEAn herb that binds stools / stops diarrhea. When used in excess, these herbs and foods can cause constipation.General Laxative , GENERAL-LAXATIVEPromotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives...High Fiber Laxative HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVEA class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools. The size of a stool stimulates peristalsis and the stool passes more easily through the colon. It is important to drink plenty of water when using high fiber laxatives, as they can be dehydrating.Detoxicant DETOXICANTAn herb that eliminates or metabolizes toxins from the body.Nutritive NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Styptic STYPTICA herb that contracts tissue or blood vessels. Generally styptics are astringent. They are often used to stop bleeding.Diuretic DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine. Compare Mung Bean with these FoodsWhite Navy Bean White Navy Bean has these Actions in CommonConstipative, Nutritive, General-laxative, Styptic, High-fiber-laxativeBlack Beans Black Beans has these Actions in CommonHigh-fiber-laxative, Constipative, Nutritive, General-laxative, StypticPinto Beans Pinto Beans has these Actions in CommonGeneral-laxative, Styptic, High-fiber-laxative, Constipative, NutritiveKidney Beans Kidney Beans has these Actions in CommonGeneral-laxative, Styptic, High-fiber-laxative, Constipative, NutritiveFava Beans Fava Beans has these Actions in CommonGeneral-laxative, Styptic, High-fiber-laxative, Constipative, NutritiveButter Bean Butter Bean has these Actions in CommonConstipative, Nutritive, General-laxative, Styptic, High-fiber-laxativeAdzuki Beans Adzuki Beans has these Actions in CommonHigh-fiber-laxative, Constipative, Nutritive, Diuretic, StypticCarrot Carrot has these Actions in CommonGeneral-laxative, Detoxicant, High-fiber-laxative, Diuretic, NutritiveBrown Lentil Brown Lentil has these Actions in CommonHigh-fiber-laxative, Nutritive, Constipative, StypticYellow Lentil (Toor Dal) Yellow Lentil (Toor Dal) has these Actions in CommonHigh-fiber-laxative, Nutritive, Constipative, StypticCompare Mung Bean with these ProductsBrahmi Ghee (9oz) Brahmi Ghee (9oz) has these Actions in CommonConstipative, High-fiber-laxative, Nutritive, StypticHaritaki Haritaki has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, Diuretic, General-laxative, StypticAmalaki Amalaki has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, Nutritive, Styptic, AntacidAgrimony Agrimony has these Actions in CommonConstipative, Diuretic, StypticTriphala Guggulu Triphala Guggulu has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, Diuretic, General-laxativeAshoka Ashoka has these Actions in CommonConstipative, Diuretic, StypticBhumyamalaki Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in CommonGeneral-laxative, Detoxicant, DiureticTriphala Triphala has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, Diuretic, General-laxativeChyavanprash Nutritive Jam Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, General-laxative, NutritiveNeem Leaf Neem Leaf has these Actions in CommonAntacid, Constipative, DetoxicantArjuna Arjuna has these Actions in CommonStyptic, Constipative, DiureticMung Bean Research & Clinical TrialsTEMPERATURE/CIRCULATIONHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your temperature?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your sweat quantity?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the color of your tongue body?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your appetite/hunger?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your digestion speed?
TOXINSHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the amount of gas & bloating?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your stool smell?
Tongue: How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the color of your tongue coating?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your urine smell?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your sweat smell?
HYDRATIONHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your urine frequency/quantity?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the cracks on your tongue?
NERVOUS-SYSTEMHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your energy levels?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your muscle tension?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your anxiety?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the stillness of your tongue?
DIGESTIONHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your digestion speed?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the amount of gas & bloating?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your appetite/hunger?
TONGUEHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the color of your tongue coating?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the cracks on your tongue?
Tongue: How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the color of your tongue body?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the stillness of your tongue?
STOOLHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your stool smell?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your stool consistency?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your stool frequency/quantity?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your stool color?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your stool lightness?
URINEHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your urine smell?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your urine lightness?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your urine frequency/quantity?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your urine clarity?
SWEATHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your sweat smell?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your sweat quantity?
SYSTEMICHow did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your muscle tension?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your anxiety?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your temperature?
How did Whole Green Mung Beans affect your energy levels?
HEALTH & WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS!(Not you? Keep scrolling!) HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.View Other Ingredients for SummerMung Bean is recommended for Summer. Check out these other Summer foods here.Comments & Impressions of 'Mung Bean'Do you like 'mung bean'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'mung bean'?  (4.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 393 likesSign in to review this food
I just received a 25 pounds order of split mung beans from my local co-op. The color is a green/yellow mix since some of the skins are still on. So, even though these beans are split, there is still alot of green and skin. Will they still make a healing ayurvedic food?
They are still healing but the skins are harder to digest (ie. gasey).
Often time when I soak split yellow mungs over night - next day they appear sticky and hard and are harder even after boiling. Not soaked are OK. It looks like theyr astringency increase and they stick together. What can be wrong?
Is it ok to use sprouted mung beans in kitchari? What is hing and where do you get it?
Same question as above. Is it OK to use sprouted mung beans & if so do you need to soak them? Also the same question for nuts. If they are sprouted is there a need to soak them?
Hing can be found at the Joyful Belly Store, or any Indian grocery stores. You can find them here:
Cooked sprouted mung bean is better digested than their hardened versions. Sprouting activates digestive enzymes in that are otherwise not available when we cook the hardened ones directly after soaking.So yes, sprout mung beans are easier to digest. But make sure even sprout mung beans are cooked. Eating them raw regularly might constitute even those with agni!
TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMSMung Bean may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.Bowel, Poop Elimination1-2 bowel movements a day ,  How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. 3+ bowel movements a day , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Alternating Diarrhea / Constipation , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Constipation , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Diarrhea , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Diarrhea quickly after eating , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Explosive elimination , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Frothy Stool / with Bubbles , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Fullness below belly button , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Green stool , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Less than 1 elimination a day , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Mucus on stool , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Rabbit pellet / Hard lumpy stool , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Sinking stool , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Stool entirely liquid, no solid pieces , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Stool formed, but porous & airy , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Stool in mushy pieces mixed with liquid , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Stool thick mud , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Straining to eliminate , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Yellow stool How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Skin CareAcne - painful , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Bruise easily , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Easily hot , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Puffy / swollen skin , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Red/flushed skin , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Sensitive to Poison Ivy How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. DietAlcohol 2+ times / week , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Vegetarian How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. DigestionAnal Itching , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Appendicitis , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Crohn's Disease , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Gastritis , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Hyperacidity , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Large portions , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Leaky Gut Syndrome , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Malabsorption , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Pain right lower abdomen , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Smelly Gas , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Strong food cravings , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Traveler's Diarrhea , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Wheat Intolerance How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Kidney, Bladder & UrinaryBladder / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Heart, Blood & CirculationBloodshot Eyes , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Chronic Fungus infection , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Feet or Ankles Swelling , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. High Cholesterol , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Strong body odor , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Teeth marks on tongue edges , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Thick coating tongue , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Varicose Veins , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Water Retention , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. White tongue coating How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Bones, Muscles & TendonsFibromyalgia How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Cleanse-and-DetoxGeneral Malaise How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Mind, Stress & SleepMigraines How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. 
About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. |
Save
Print
On MeWe
On Pinterest
On Facebook
On Twitter
On WhatsApp
On Email
RESEARCH DATA
COMPARE IT
BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY
Get Ayurveda's approach to food cravings & emotional eating for balanced weight and health.
Join Joyful Belly.
Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips?Subscribe to our free newsletter!
If you are already a member please sign in here. Forgot your password?
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.