Mung Bean Jelly Magic: A Delicious Solution for Menopause Relief

Here I am again, with mung beans in hand, ready to share some info. A recent study published in the journal Menopause, conducted by the North American Menopause Society, reveals an unexpected ally: mung beans.¹ Yes, I'm really trying to get you into mung beans. Especially after you taste these cold jelly noodles with THE sauce! 

This research, known as the WAVS trial, found that a plant-based diet rich in soy, combined with a daily dose of half a cup of ordinary soybeans, significantly reduced moderate-to-severe hot flashes by a staggering 84%, with nearly 60% of women experiencing total relief.¹

Lead researcher Neal Barnard, MD, hailed these findings as a "game changer" for women aged 45 and over, offering an alternative to hormone medications and extracts.¹ Postmenopausal women who followed the intervention diet reported improvements not only in hot flashes but also in sexual symptoms, mood, and overall energy.¹

Mung beans, often overlooked in Western diets, pack a nutritional punch that can benefit menopausal women.² With their high protein content, mung beans support muscle health and hormone production, while their phytoestrogens help balance hormone levels naturally.

Now, let's harness the power of mung beans with a simple yet delicious recipe for mung bean jelly. Here's how to make it:

Mung Bean Jelly Recipe: Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mung bean starch
• 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. Whisk the mung bean starch and 1 cup of water in a small bowl (you’ve just made a slurry).
2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a slight bowl, remove from heat
3. Gradually whisk in the mung bean slurry, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool.
6. Once cooled, refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set.
7. Slice the chilled jelly into strips and serve chilled.

Black Bean Sauce with Mirin and Chili Oil: Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black beans
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili crisp oil
• *Sweeter, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the black beans and soak them in water for 2-3 hours.
2. Drain the beans and place them in a saucepan with enough water to cover them.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender.
4. Drain the beans and transfer them to a blender.
5. Add mirin, soy sauce, chili crisp oil, and a pinch of salt to the blender.
6. Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the black bean over the mung bean jelly.

Incorporating mung beans and black bean sauce into your diet can provide a flavorful and nutritious boost, helping to alleviate menopausal symptoms and support overall health. Give these recipes a try and embrace the power of plant-based nutrition during menopause.

References

1. Barnard ND, Kahleova H, Holtz DN, et al. The Women’s Study for the Alleviation of Vasomotor Symptoms (WAVS): a randomized, controlled trial of a plant-based diet and whole soybeans for postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2021;28(10). https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001812
2. Tang S, Du Y, Oh C, No J. Effects of Soy Foods in Postmenopausal Women: A Focus on Osteosarcopenia and Obesity. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):180-187. doi:10.7570/jomes20006