how much protein does moong dal have - #23321
I am really puzzled about moong dal and its protein content. I started incorporating it into my diet because I heard it's a great source of protein, especially since I’ve been trying to bulk up for fitness stuff. Last week, I cooked a big batch of moong dal, and I thought, like, wow, I’m eating healthy! But then I wondered, how much protein does moong dal have exactly? I mean, I saw online that it can be anywhere from 23 to 25 grams per 100 grams, but does it depend on how it's cooked or maybe which type of moong dal it is? I usually use split green moong dal, and I’m not sure if that’s the same as whole moong beans. I’ve been tracking my protein intake closely, and I’m just a bit worried that I might not be getting enough protein if I'm relying too much on moong dal. Some days, I eat a lot, and others, not so much. Plus, I heard people say cooking can change the nutritional value. Like, if I boil it versus making dal from scratch, how does that even work? Would it still have the same protein count? Any insights about how much protein does moong dal have or tips on balancing it with other protein sources would be super helpful. Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Moong dal is indeed a good source of protein. For dry, uncooked moong dal, the protein content is approximately 23 to 25 grams per 100 grams, hitting that range pretty accurately. Now, when you cook it, the protein content per 100 grams drops significantly, mainly because cooking involves water absorption, making the dal heavier and less dense per gram of protein. This dilution effect means that when cooked, moong dal may have closer to 7-9 grams of protein per 100 grams. In terms of types, split green moong dal and whole moong beans are similar in protein content; however, minor variations might occur due to the presence of the skin in whole beans which can influence fiber content. Boiling or making dal doesn’t significantly alter its protein content—cooking makes it easier to digest and doesn’t strip protein. For your fitness regimen, it would be wise not to rely solely on moong dal. Consider balancing it with other protein sources like lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, nuts, seeds, or lean meats if you’re not vegetarian. Plant-based proteins often lack in certain amino acids when consumed in isolation, so combining them (for example, with rice or wheat) can give a more complete protein profile. Keeping track of not just the quantity, but the diversity of protein sources, helps in achieving a balanced diet. Because your intake can vary day by day, monitoring overall dietary intake through apps or a food diary may be helpful in assuring that you’re meeting your nutritional goals regularly.
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