Origin: Archaeologists discovered Moong dal in a large number of archaeological sites in India. The eastern zone of the Harappan civilization in Punjab and Haryana have been home to this pulse dating back to 4,500 years. The South of India holds evidence of larger –seeded moong beans dating back to 3,500 to 3,000. It is believed that around 3,500 years ago the cultivation of moong beans had widely spread across India.
From India, it spread to China and Southeast Asia. Archaeobotanical research at Khao Sam Kaeo in southern Thailand signals that moong beans arrived in Thailand approximately 2,200 years ago. The discoveries at Pemba Island indicate that during the era of Swahili trade, around the 9th century, Africa began the cultivation of moong beans.
Moong bean is a plant species in the legume family. It is alternatively titled as green gram, maash, or mung.
Legend has it that the Mughal queen Jodha Bai’s favorite dish contained moong dal. On marrying the Mughal king Akbar, she introduced this dish to this non-vegetarian kitchen. However, everyone loved it. Even the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb fancied this dish.
Another type of dal made from Moong dal titled Moradabadi dal was accidentally discovered by the Mughal kitchen when Prince Murad Baksh (the third son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan) established the city of Moradabad in 1625.
Ayurveda states the qualities of Moong beans as Rasa (Sweet, Astringent), Virya (Cooling), and Vipaka (Sweet). Ayurveda further states that this Sattvic food balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It helps to create peace, clarity, and contentment.
Scientifically: This alkaline food is filled with Vitamin A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fiber, potassium, and sodium. It is very helpful with diarrhea as its fiber and astringency bind up loose stools. It also contains folacin, phosphorous, phytoestrogens and iron.
The bioavailability of nutrients in this lentil is very high. Its antioxidant level reduces chronic disease risk. It contains antioxidants Vitexin and Isovitexin that may prevent heat stroke. It can lower Bad LDL Cholesterol Levels thus reducing the risk of heart diseases. The potassium, magnesium, and fiber inside it reduce blood pressure.
Usage: Moong dal is pregnant with protein, antioxidants, and vitamins that work wonderfully on your hair and skin whitening. This natural ingredient is tremendously effective for addressing skin conditions such as suntan, acne, etc.
This wonderful lentil has about twelve phenolic acids that help enhance the complexion by fighting skin diseases. Face packs for fairness that contain Moong dal powder cater to dry, dull skin and problems such as acne and suntan.
For ages, in India Mooing dal scrub is used as a natural hair remover. Chemical bleach is extremely harmful and a particular school of thought believes that chemical bleach can lead to cancer. Thus, the most natural way to address hair growth is through Moong powder. It effectively eradicates facial hair when it’s mixed with some Green Gram, Orange powder and milk. The vitamin A in this powder ensures that the skin is glowing.
In order to restore shine in dull and damaged hair, use Moong dal paste. When this paste is blended with Apple Cider Vinegar and Rosewater you get the most natural hair pack. This hair pack is the perfect recipe for beautiful tresses.
Ayurveda recommends mung bean soup to loosen deep-seated toxins. It is consumed as dal and vegetable in India. Most natural beauty therapists use moong dal powder to treat dry skin, acne, remove facial hair. Apart from skin, moong dal powder is also used in a hair pack. When used as hair pack it promotes hair growth and lends shine to hair.
Below are some DIY with Green Gram Lentils:
- Soak Moong dal overnight and then grind it. Mix this powder with honey and then cleanse your body with this mixture. Another wonderful DIY moong dal face pack that treats tanned skin is made by mixing chilled curd with moong dal powder. Apply it on the sun damaged skin. Leave it on for a few minutes. Wash it off to discover tan slowly fade away.
- To make a hair growth mask, grind some cooked moong dal. To this powder add one egg yolk, few drops of lemon juice and yogurt. Mix all of this together and apply it on your hair and scalp.
- For facial hair reduction, take some soaked moong dal, grind it along with some sandalwood powder and orange peel. Add 1-2 tablespoon of milk to make a paste. Apply this mixture to the face and gently massage in a circular motion. Rinse after 10 minutes. Repeat this mask twice a week for the desired result.
- For tan removal, take some soaked moong dal paste and add a tablespoon of curd to it. Gently massage this paste on the face or the tanned area and rinse after 10 minutes.