If you are on a weight loss journey, you must have received advice to include sprouts in your dietary routine. Sprouts are tiny powerhouses of nutrition that can effortlessly grow in your kitchen with just a soak, rinse, and a few days of patience. Their crunch and freshness make them a delightful addition to salads and snacks, all while being low in calories and aiding in weight loss. The best part is that sprouts are high in fibre, so they can keep you full for a long and curb your hunger pangs. While they are often touted as being high in protein, are they really? If you are wondering the same thing, then you have landed on the right page!
Also Read: This Street-Style Moong Dal Pizza Is Bursting With Cheese - Tried It Yet?
Nutritionist Leema Mahajan (@leemamahajan) shared a video on her Instagram handle answering whether sprouts are really high in protein. Read on to know more.
Watch the full video below:
Sprouts Are Healthy But Lack Protein Quantity
Nutritionist Leema Mahajan demonstrated how sprouts have a lower protein content than regular dal by soaking 100 grams of moong dal. In the first stage, moong dal soaks the water. In the next stage, the dal will use its own carbohydrates, fats, and protein for the germination and sprouting process.
Next, she transferred the sprouts to a container on a weighing scale. Since sprouts are high in water weight, the 100 grams of moong dal sprouts become 300 grams of moong sprouts. This quantity is impossible to consume in a day. So, according to nutritionist Mahajan, if you consume 100 grams of moong sprouts, it will only give you 8 grams of protein.
However, the nutritionist points out that compared to sprouts, moong dal provides 350 calories with 24 grams of protein. So, it becomes easier to consume along with other sources of protein. Talking about the advantages of consuming sprouts, nutritionist Mahajan points out that sprouting increases protein digestibility and quality.
Not All Kinds of Sprouts Increase Protein Content
It's a common misconception that sprouting results in higher protein content. In the description of the video, Nutritionist Leema Mahajan pointed out that not all dals see an increase in protein content during sprouting.
However, this is not the case with chickpeas. Chickpeas, or chole, are known to increase their protein content with sprouting. This process helps enhance the bioavailability of nutrients like Vitamins B and C, reduces anti-nutrients, and increases the volume of food. This way, sprouting can help in weight loss by keeping you full for longer.
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Moong Dal Recipes to Try at Home
If nutritionist Leema Mahajan's video changed your mind about moong dal sprouts, we have some easy recipes for you to try with just-soaked moong dal. These recipes are high in protein and can help you lose those extra kilos.
1. Moong Dal Cheela
Traditionally, cheela is made with besan, but this recipe uses high-protein moong dal as its main ingredient. This recipe has a delicious paneer filling which is also protein-packed. So when these two key ingredients are combined, they can do wonders for your body. Find the full recipe of Moong Dal Cheela here.
2. Oats Moong Dal Tikki
Craving tikki but trying to lose weight? Then this oats moong dal tikki is perfect for you! This recipe is packed with sufficient amounts of fibre and protein without compromising on flavour. So say goodbye to oil-drenched aloo tikki and make yourself this healthier version instead. Find the full recipe here.
3. Moong Dal Chaat
All you need is 10 minutes and some kitchen staples to make yourself a healthy chaat. Moong dal chaat is super light, healthy, and tasty, and can help you lose weight in no time. So, the next time you are craving fried papdis or bhallas, make this recipe instead. Find the full recipe for Moong Dal Chaat here.
4. Moong Dal Uttapam
Increase your protein quotient of the day with this easy moong dal uttapam recipe. Top it up with flavorful veggies of your choice. This recipe is rich in both fibre and protein content, making it wholesome and healthy. But make sure to use less oil to decrease the calorie intake. Click here for the full recipe.
5. Moong Dal Salad
No, we are not talking about sprout salad! Also known as Kosambari salad, this recipe promises to add a kick of new flavours to your palate and health. Just soak moong dal for some time and then combine it with veggies of your choice. Enjoy! Find the full recipe here.
Also Read: High-Protein Diet: How To Make Healthy Moong Dal Fudge To Satisfy Dessert Cravings
Will you try these moong dal recipes at home? Let us know in the comments below!