The objectives of this research were to systematically assess the functional values of germinated soybean
and mung bean, and to determine the optimal germination time for yielding functional substances.
Changes in phenolics, ascorbic acid, isoflavone, as well as antioxidant capacities of soybean and mung
bean during germination were investigated. Results showed that germination had positive enhancement
effects on bioactive compounds in beans. Both compositions and contents of isoflavones in soybean were
influenced by germination, three-day germination was optimal time for production of germinated soybean
with the highest total isoflavone content (4.68 mg/g dry product), the contents of genistein, daidzein,
total aglycone in germinated soybean were increased 3, 2.4, and 2.5 folds, respectively, as compared
to non-germinated soybean. Current results indicate that germinated beans are better raw materials than
non-germinated beans for gaining health beneficial substances.