Is Moth Bean High in Protein? Unveiling Its Nutritional Profile

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Raw moth bean seeds, also known as matki, boast a significant protein content, with various studies confirming a range of 20 to 24% by weight. This high percentage makes it a formidable plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Quick Summary

Moth bean is a high-protein legume, with its raw seeds containing 20-24% protein, and is also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Proper preparation like sprouting or cooking enhances its nutritional bioavailability, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Key Points

Significant Protein Source: Moth bean seeds contain a high concentration of protein (20-24% dry weight), making them an excellent plant-based option.
Enhanced by Sprouting: Sprouting moth beans increases their nutritional value and improves the digestibility of their protein.
Fiber-Rich Legume: High in dietary fiber, moth beans aid in digestion, promote gut health, and contribute to weight management.
Packed with Micronutrients: They provide essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, along with key vitamins like folate and thiamine.
Blood Sugar Management: The low glycemic index and high fiber content make moth beans beneficial for regulating blood sugar levels.
Supports Overall Wellness: Consuming moth beans can boost immunity, strengthen bones, and support cardiovascular health.

Understanding Moth Bean's High Protein Content

Yes, moth bean (or Vigna aconitifolia) is high in protein, establishing its reputation as a powerhouse legume, especially for those following a plant-based diet. Research on the seeds reveals a protein content typically ranging between 20% and 24% on a dry matter basis. A 100-gram serving of raw, mature moth beans contains approximately 22.9 grams of protein, making it a valuable and affordable source, particularly when combined with cereals to improve amino acid balance.

Raw vs. Cooked Protein Levels

Preparation affects the nutritional profile. Cooking causes water absorption, lowering the protein percentage by weight. A 1-cup serving of cooked, boiled moth beans has about 13.82 grams of protein. However, cooking, sprouting, and fermentation are beneficial processes that reduce anti-nutritional factors, making protein and other minerals more digestible and bioavailable. Sprouting is particularly effective for enhancing nutritional value and digestibility.

The Complete Nutritional Profile of Moth Bean

Beyond protein, moth bean offers a rich nutritional profile. Per 100 grams of raw, mature seeds, it provides:

Dietary Fiber: Approximately 15.12g per 100g (dry basis). This aids digestion, supports gut health, and assists in weight management by promoting fullness.
Vitamins: Rich in B-complex vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin) crucial for energy metabolism. It is also high in folate (B9), providing 162% of the daily value per 100g.
Minerals: A good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These minerals support various bodily functions, including preventing anemia (iron) and muscle/nerve function (magnesium).
Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Moth Bean vs. Other Protein-Rich Legumes

Comparing moth bean to other legumes highlights its value. The table below shows the protein content of moth bean alongside common alternatives, based on average dry matter percentages.


Legume	Protein (% Dry Matter)	Key Features	Primary Use
Moth Bean	21-28%	Drought-resistant, rich in folate and minerals	Sprouted salads, usal, curries
Green Gram (Mung Bean)	~22.5%	Balanced nutrient profile, quick-cooking	Dals, sprouts, light curries
Black Gram (Urad Bean)	~22%	High fiber, iron, complementary amino acids	Dals, batters for dosas and idlis
Red Lentils	~26%	High protein, rapid cooking time	Soups, curries, purees
Chickpea	~19%	High fiber, versatile, good for weight loss	Hummus, curries, roasted snacks
Kidney Bean	~20%	High in resistant starch and folate	Chili, stews, salads

Moth bean stands as a competitive and nutrient-dense option, particularly notable for its resilience in dry climates.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Moth Bean

To get the most nutritional value, proper preparation is important:

Soaking: Soaking reduces cooking time and helps mitigate anti-nutritional factors.
Sprouting: Sprouting is key to unlocking full nutritional potential, increasing vitamins and antioxidants while improving digestibility.
Cooking: Always cook thoroughly until tender.

Popular dishes include Matki Usal (spicy curry), adding sprouted beans to salads, incorporating them into soups or stews, and using moth bean flour for snacks like bhujia.

Conclusion

Moth bean is a high-protein legume, providing a valuable plant-based protein source. Its extensive nutritional profile, including fiber, minerals, and vitamins, offers numerous health benefits. Incorporating properly prepared moth beans into your diet is a simple way to boost nutrient intake. For more on health benefits, refer to resources like this article: Moth Dal: Essential Health Benefits - ICICI Lombard.

Moth Bean's Impact on Different Body Systems

Supports Muscle Growth: High protein aids muscle repair and building.
Aids Digestion: Fiber promotes a healthy digestive tract.
Manages Blood Sugar: Low glycemic index and fiber help stabilize blood sugar.
Enhances Immunity: Zinc strengthens the immune system.
Boosts Cardiovascular Health: Minerals like potassium and magnesium support heart health.
Strengthens Bones: Calcium and phosphorus contribute to bone density.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, moth bean is not a complete protein on its own. While rich in some essential amino acids like lysine, it lacks sufficient amounts of others, such as methionine, which is common for many legumes.

Sprouting moth beans enhances their overall nutritional profile by increasing vitamins, antioxidants, and improving the bioavailability of existing nutrients while making them easier to digest.

A 1-cup serving of cooked, boiled moth beans contains approximately 13.82 grams of protein. The protein percentage decreases by weight compared to raw beans due to water absorption during cooking.

Yes, moth beans can be effective for weight loss. Their high protein and fiber content promote a feeling of fullness, which helps curb appetite and reduce overall caloric intake.

Moth beans have a comparable protein percentage to many other legumes, and their nutritional profile is competitive. When compared on a dry basis, moth bean protein is on par with, or in some cases, higher than chickpeas.

Yes, moth beans offer many health benefits, including improved digestion due to high fiber, better blood sugar control, boosted immune function from zinc, and stronger bones from calcium and phosphorus.

To maximize the nutritional benefits and improve digestibility, it is best to soak the moth beans before cooking and consider sprouting them. Sprouting further enhances nutrient bioavailability.