The dog days of summer have arrived, with unbearable heat. Aunt Qiu wants to make some mung bean soup to cool off. In her eyes, mung bean soup is a great way to dispel summer heat. It tastes fresh, refreshing, and can also clear heat and toxins.
But just a few days ago, when she was chatting with Aunt Wang, Aunt Wang reminded her: “Although mung bean soup is good, drinking too much of it may raise blood sugar levels.” This statement surprised Aunt Qiu because she herself is a diabetic, and blood sugar has always been a major concern for her.
Aunt Qiu began to wonder: How did drinking mung bean soup for so many years suddenly become related to blood sugar?
1. Is drinking mung bean soup in the summer raising or lowering blood sugar levels?
During hot weather, many people like to make a pot of mung bean soup, chill it in the fridge, and enjoy a bowl when thirsty to relieve summer heat. But some say that drinking too much mung bean soup can raise blood sugar levels. Is this true?
Actually, mung bean soup generally has little impact on blood sugar levels, and even tends to slightly lower blood sugar. Mung beans themselves have low sugar content and are rich in fiber, which helps in controlling blood sugar levels and slows down the rise in blood sugar.
In terms of glycemic index, mung beans have a GI value of only 27, making them a low GI food. This means they digest slowly, preventing a sudden spike in blood sugar. If the mung bean soup is cooked lightly without added sugar, it can quench thirst without adding too many calories, making it a great summer drink for diabetics.
Deputy Chief Physician Cao Xuexia of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, advises friends with high blood sugar to enjoy mung beans, but in moderation. Mung beans should not be consumed excessively or treated as a staple food.
As the saying goes, “One green bean is worth a thousand gold prescriptions.” Mung beans are not only good for people with high blood sugar but also bring various health benefits.
Clearing heat and toxins: “A bowl of mung bean soup in the summer, detoxifies and relieves heat like a fairy elixir.” Mung beans can clear heat, quench thirst, and diurese, helping to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. They are suitable for people working in high-temperature environments.
Diuretic and anti-edema: When experiencing edema or difficulty in urination, drinking a bowl of mung bean soup can help relieve body swelling.
Strengthening spleen and stomach: Mung beans are rich in dietary fiber, which can benefit the spleen and stomach, promote intestinal peristalsis, and prevent and improve constipation.
Harmonizing the five viscera: Mung beans can harmonize the internal heat of the body, alleviating problems such as oral ulcers and swollen eyes caused by excessive internal heat.
Although mung beans are good, Dr. Hong Dongxu, a nutritionist at the First Hospital of Jilin University, warns that four groups of people should consume mung beans in moderation: those with a cold constitution, weak constitution, children, and those taking various medications.
2. Is red mung bean soup or green mung bean soup better?
Some say that authentic mung bean soup should be red. However, even though it’s all mung bean soup, why do some turn out red while others remain green? Which color is healthier?
Dr. Zhang Jing, Director of the Nutrition Department at Tongren Hospital, Shanghai, explained this issue on the official “Shanghai Network Rumors” account.
She mentioned that the color difference in mung bean soup is mainly due to different cooking methods and times. If cooked over high heat for a short time, the soup will retain the green color of the mung bean skins; if cooked for a long time or in an iron pot, the soup is more likely to turn red. There is no fixed color standard for mung bean soup; both green and red colors are normal.
So, is green mung bean soup better or red mung bean soup better?
Professor Fan Zhihong from the College of Food Science at China Agricultural University believes that green mung bean soup, with its green color, is more beneficial for health.
Mung bean soup contains polyphenols, a natural antioxidant that is good for the body. Research has shown that if mung bean soup appears yellow or green, the polyphenol content is relatively high, and the antioxidant capacity is stronger.
Although green mung bean soup has slightly stronger antioxidant capabilities, red mung bean soup is also healthy. Therefore, there is no need to be picky about the color; both varieties offer benefits.
3. During the dog days of summer, avoid these 4 taboos
Currently in the dog days of summer, drinking mung bean soup can only help dispel summer heat. To avoid heatstroke, pay attention to avoiding these summer “restricted zones.”
1. Avoid strong air conditioning drafts
During the hottest days of summer, many people run air conditioning all day long, but excessive air conditioning can lead to cervical spondylosis. Additionally, prolonged exposure to air conditioning reduces the body’s ability to adjust, increasing the risk of air conditioning-related illnesses. It is advisable to open windows for ventilation and keep indoor air circulating.
2. Avoid outdoor activities in high temperatures
The high temperatures and intense sunlight during the dog days of summer can easily cause heatstroke. Therefore, try to minimize time spent in direct sunlight, especially around noon. If you must go outside, choose early morning or late afternoon hours and bring sunscreen.
3. Avoid napping for too long
Do not nap excessively because prolonged sleep can push the brain into a deep rest state, leading to slower blood flow and metabolism. Maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, and ensure sufficient sleep to prevent heatstroke. When sleeping, avoid direct drafts from air conditioners or fans to prevent getting chilled.
4. Avoid immediate cold water showers
Although the dog days of summer are particularly hot, do not rush to cool down quickly upon returning home. Dr. Huang Li from Zhongri Hospital warns that after sweating in the summer, the pores are open, and showering with cold water at this time can easily cause a cold. Cold water can cause blood vessels to suddenly contract, leading to increased blood pressure and insufficient blood supply to the heart, posing a greater risk for elderly people with hypertension.
“Summer can’t do without mung bean soup; with a clear head, there will be no harm,” Mung bean soup not only does not raise blood sugar, but also clears heat, detoxifies, strengthens the spleen and stomach, offering numerous benefits. A bowl of it is just right for summertime.
References:
[1] “Will mung bean soup turn red? Experts: The murky green mung bean soup is even better!” Health Times. July 13, 2024
[2] “Follow the old saying to learn health preservation: Summer can’t do without mung bean soup; with a clear head, there will be no harm!” People’s Health. July 12, 2024
[3] “Is the mung bean soup you drink green or red?” Popular Science China. July 27, 2022
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