Potential of Mung Beans in Obesity Management: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Obesity is a growing global health concern, associated with various metabolic disorders and a reduced quality of life. The aim of this narrative literature review was to summarise the current scientific evidence regarding the potential of mung beans (Vigna radiata) as an alternative snack for managing obesity. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 were identified in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, MDPI, and Google Scholar databases. Following a screening process based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, six articles were included in the final analysis. The reviewed studies suggest that mung beans have considerable potential to support weight management and metabolic health thanks to their high dietary fibre, plant-based protein, and bioactive compound content. These components contribute to increased satiety, improved lipid profiles, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and better glucose regulation. Mung bean-based products, including whole beans, flour-based foods, extracts, and functional snack formulations, may provide healthier alternatives to conventional snacks. However, variations in study design, intervention form, and outcome measurements limited direct quantitative comparisons between studies. Overall, mung beans show promise as an affordable, functional food for obesity management, although further clinical studies are required to determine the optimal dosage and frequency of consumption, as well as long-term effectiveness.