The effect of germination on chemical composition, nutritional properties and antioxidant activity of mung bean (vigna radiata) seed

Mung bean (vigna radiata) is an annual crop belonging to Fabaceae family. Germination process is a conventional and inexpensive way to improve nutritional value of legumes. Mung bean sprout is one of the popular products. It is rich in protein (20-33%) and is excellent sources of essential fatty acids, tocopherols, esterols, sugars and organic acids. In this study, the change of chemical composition, antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, minerals, ascorbic acid and organic acids content were determined in raw, soaked and germinated mung bean. Also, the profile of fatty acids was recognized. The results showed an increase in moisture, protein and ash and a reduction in fat and carbohydrate due to the energy consumption during 4-day germination, significantly. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity indicated 2.5 and 1.5 fold increase in mung bean sprout compared to raw seed. Ascorbic acid content varied from 8.9% to 19.6% and organic acids increased significantly during germination process. Analysis of fatty acids composition showed that mung bean sprout contained 17% and 36% linolenic and linoleic acids, respectively and so, this product can be introduced as an excellent source of omega-3. The results of this work revealed the high nutritional value and consumption importance of mung bean sprouts.