The benefits of bean sprouts
Bean sprouts are rich in vitamins, provide protein and antioxidants that support health, and are good for men.
According to physician Bui Dac Sang of the Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association, bean sprouts are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, along with minerals, amino acids, protein, and phytochemicals (beneficial plant compounds). The nutritional composition of 100g of mung bean sprouts includes: 5.5g protein, 5.3g carbohydrates, 38mg calcium, 91mg phosphorus, and 1.4mg iron.
The important vitamins include B1 (0.2 mg), B2 (0.13 mg), B6 (0.09 mg), PP (0.75 mg), C (10 mg), and E (15-25 mg). Compared to whole mung beans, when sprouted into bean sprouts, the nutritional content increases significantly: Vitamin B2 increases 2-4 times, carotenoids double, vitamin C increases 40 times, vitamin B12 increases 10 times, and the total B vitamins increase 30 times.
Uses of bean sprouts
Easy to digest, detoxifying, good for cardiovascular health.
Bean sprouts are easier for the body to digest than whole mung beans. The plant-based fats in bean sprouts help regulate cholesterol, which is good for people with cardiovascular disease or those on a weight-loss diet.
Rich in vitamins, bean sprouts help to cool the body, detoxify, reduce fever, promote urination, and relieve bloating. They are especially suitable for people who frequently work outdoors in hot weather.
Supports and enhances male sexual function.
Bean sprouts are very good for men due to their high content of vitamins E and C. Vitamin E helps maintain healthy sperm; Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, prevents sperm clumping, increases motility, stimulates libido, and improves fertility; Vitamin B12 is important in cell maturation and DNA synthesis, and a deficiency can reduce sperm count and motility.
Men can eat boiled bean sprouts, stir-fried bean sprouts with heart and kidneys, or pickled bean sprouts. Among these, stir-fried bean sprouts with heart and kidneys is considered beneficial in overcoming premature ejaculation. Men undergoing treatment for sperm disorders can eat 550g of bean sprouts per day.
Improves skin appearance and supports female hormones.
Bean sprouts contain many antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, which help absorb ultraviolet rays, reduce dark spots, minimize wrinkles, make skin firm and smooth, retain moisture, and make skin brighter and healthier.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, to improve dry skin and wrinkles, one can use 500g of roasted, finely ground dried soybean sprouts, mixed with white wine, and drink 3g at a time, three times a day, continuously for three months to help the skin become brighter and smoother.
In addition, trace elements such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in bean sprouts help regulate female hormones and boost estrogen. Women who eat bean sprouts regularly may experience reduced menstrual irregularities, slowed menopause, and improved overall health and vitality.
Supports cancer prevention
Bean sprouts help cleanse the body and support the elimination of toxins, including arsenic. They are a good food for people with cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. In particular, bean sprouts are beneficial in supporting cancer prevention, especially breast and colorectal cancer.
With its high nutritional content and numerous health benefits, bean sprouts are easy to prepare and should be included in daily meals. However, it's important to choose clean bean sprouts that haven't been treated with chemicals, and avoid eating them raw if hygiene isn't guaranteed to prevent bacterial contamination.