Moong dal halwa is a classic Rajasthan dessert had in the winter months and keeps the body warm to protect against the bitter cold. The halwa is popular at weddings.

Is Moong Dal Halwa healthy?

No, moong dal halwa is not healthy. Made from yellow moong dal, milk, ghee and sugar.

What's good?

Milk and Low Fat Milk : 1 cup of milk provides 70% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of Calcium. Milk promotes strong bones. Milk low in carbs and therefore does not raise blood glucose levels. One cup of Milk gives 10 grams of carbs. Low fat milk has lower fat and the same benefits of milk. 

Yellow Moong Dal : The fibre (4.1 g in ¼ cup) present in yellow moong dal prevents the deposition of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the arteries which promotes a healthy heart in turn. Packed with nutrients like zinc (1.4 mg), protein (12.2 mg) and iron (1.95 mg), yellow moong dal helps to maintain the elasticity of your skin and help to keep it moist.  

Fiber, potassium and magnesium from yellow moong dal will work together to regulate blood pressure and soothe the nerves and is diabetic friendly. See here for details of 7 amazing benefits of yellow moong dal. 

Let's understand what the big issue is?

Sugar : Sugar is also called white poison. It is a simple carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. On intake, sugar will cause inflammtion of the body which will last for many hours. It will spike your blood sugar level and shut down the fat burning process. To live a healthy life, try and cut sugar which from your diet. It requires a slow and deliberate attempt to do it. Find hidden sugar in packaged foods and drinks and stop having those products. Did you know that a can of your favourite soft drink is estimated to have 1/2 cup of sugar. 

Ghee : this recipe uses 1/2 cup of ghee. 

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have moong dal halwa?

No, this is not safe. As there is lots of sugar used in this recipe + some ghee. That would lead to weight gain which is not what you want. For a cheat meal, just have a small teaspoon of it. 

Is moong dal halwa suitable for a healthy life style?

You may argue that the moong dal halwa is only 212 calories. What we must be careful is the quality of calories we have.

Does it have fibre, sugar, is the food using refined products. So the decision is yours. As you understand what goes into the food and the reason its not good, you will slowly change your food habits to a much healthier option.  

What is a healthy alternative to Moong Dal Halwa?

We suggest you do a low fat gajjar ka halwa recipe made from carrot, low fat milk and dates. Only 48 calories for low fat gajjar ka halwa compared to 212 bad calories of moong dal halwa. You decide what is best! 

Low Fat Carrot Halwa, Healthy Gajar Halwa

How to burn 212 calories that come from Moong Dal Halwa?

Walking (6 kmph) = 1hr 4 mins

Running (11 kmph) = 21 mins

Cycling (30 kmph) = 28 mins       

Swimming (2 kmph) = 36 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.