If you are trying to lose weight, you must have come across the advice to include sprouts in your diet. Sprouts are little storehouses of nutrition that can easily grow in your kitchen, just soak them, wash them and be patient for a few days. Their crunch and freshness makes them a great option to add to salads and snacks, as well as 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 longer and curb your appetite. While they are often described as rich in protein, are they really rich in protein? If you are wondering the same, you have come to the right place!
Also read: This street-style moong dal pizza is loaded with paneer – have you tried it?
Nutritionist Leema Mahajan (@leemamahajan) has shared a video on her Instagram handle that explains whether sprouts are really high in protein. Read on to know more.
Watch the full video below:
Sprouted grains are healthy but have low protein content
Nutritionist Lima Mahajan soaked 100 grams of moong dal and showed that sprouted lentils have less protein content than normal lentils. In the first stage, moong dal absorbs water. In the next stage, the lentils will use their carbohydrates, fats and proteins for the process of germination and sprouting.
Next, she put the sprouts in a container on a weighing scale. Since sprouts have more water weight, 100 grams of moong dal sprouts become 300 grams of moong sprouts. It is impossible to consume such a quantity in a day. So, according to nutritionist Mahajan, if you consume 100 grams of moong sprouts, you will get only 8 grams of protein from it.
However, nutritionists point out that moong dal contains 350 calories and 24 grams of protein compared to sprouted grains. Therefore, it becomes easier to consume it along with other sources of protein. Talking about the benefits of eating sprouted grains, nutritionist Mahajan explains that eating sprouted grains increases the digestibility and quality of protein.
Not all sprouted grains increase protein content
It is a common misconception that sprouting pulses increases the amount of protein. In the description of the video, nutritionist Lima Mahajan explains that sprouting pulses does not increase the amount of protein.
However, this is not the case with chickpeas. Sprouting chickpeas or chickpeas increases their protein content. This process helps increase the bioavailability of nutrients such as vitamins B and C, reduces anti-nutrients and increases food volume. In this way, sprouting can help in weight loss by making you feel full for a longer period of time.
Photo Credit: iStock
Try Moong Dal recipe at home
If nutritionist Lima Mahajan’s video has changed your mind about moong dal sprouts, we have some easy recipes for you that you can try with just soaked moong dal. These recipes are rich in protein and can help you shed those extra kilos.
1. Moong Dal Cheela
Traditionally, chilla is made with gram flour, but this recipe uses high-protein moong dal as the main ingredient. This recipe is filled with delicious paneer which is also rich in protein. So when these two main 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 tikkis but trying to lose weight? Then this Oats Moong Dal Tikki is perfect for you! This recipe is packed with ample amount of fibre and protein without compromising on the taste. So say goodbye to the oil-soaked aloo tikkis and make this healthy version for yourself instead. Find the full recipe here.
3. Moong Dal Chaat
All you need is 10 minutes and a few kitchen ingredients to whip up a healthy chaat for yourself. Moong dal chaat is very light, healthy and delicious, and it can help you lose weight in no time. So, the next time you crave for fried papdi or bhalla, try this recipe. Find the full recipe of moong dal chaat here.
4. Moong Dal Uttapam
Increase your day’s protein intake with this easy Moong Dal Uttapam recipe. Serve it with delicious vegetables of your choice. This recipe is rich in both fibre and protein, making it nutritious and healthy. But make sure to use less oil to reduce the calorie count. Click here for the full recipe.
5. Moong Dal Salad
No, we are not talking about sprouts salad! Also known as Kosambari salad, this recipe promises to add a new flavour to your taste and health. Simply soak moong dal for some time and then mix it with vegetables of your choice. Enjoy! Find the full recipe here.
Also read: High Protein Diet: How to Make It Healthier Bean lentil Fudge to satisfy sweet cravings
Will you try these moong dal recipes at home? Let us know in the comments below!
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