Stay Cool this Summer with Mung Beans

Food as MedicineFood plays a central role in health when looking at the body holistically. During the hot summer, there are certain foods we can eat to help cool our systems from the inside out, helping maintain balance within our bodies.One such food, which may not be well-known here in the United States, is the mung bean. Mung beans are classified as legumes and can be delicious in sweet or salty recipes! According to traditional Chinese medicine, they are particularly helpful when it comes to cooling the heart, which rules the summer season, and treating conditions of overheating in the summer. Read on for a delicious, nutritious and cooling recipe for mung beans!Slow Cooked Mung Bean SoupIngredients:2 cups of raw mung beans, soaked overnight and drained1 cup shredded kale1 sweet potato, chopped2 shallots, chopped3 cloves of garlic, chopped2-3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth1 cup light coconut milk1 tsp cinnamon1 tsp nutmeg1 tsp turmeric1 tsp ground black pepper Preparation: Place all ingredients into the slow cooker, ensuring the beans are covered by at least 2 inches of liquid. Cook on low overnight or for 8-10 hours or until beans are soft. Enjoy alone or with a seasonal salad and bread!