Why Should I Eat More Sprouts?
March 17, 2017Sprout it from the mountain tops, er . . . shout it, we mean. We’re just really excited to talk to you today about the many health benefits of sprouts!
If you don't already include sprouts in your diet, you definitely should be. Sprouts are germinated seeds of different types of foods. Sprouting results in many health benefits and they are quick, easy, and inexpensive. Grains, legumes, radish seeds, broccoli seeds, nuts, and beans can all be sprouted, and the nutrition content of these foods will increase from their previous state. You should eat them raw, but if you would like to cook them, sauté them very lightly, fast blanch or stem, as nutrients will be lost if overcooked. They can be added to many dishes: salads, stews, soups, and chilies. Don’t forget that they can be juiced as well and are a great additional ingredient to any juice.
Nutrient Dense
The words nutrient dense mean that there is a concentrated amount of nutrients in a low-calorie food. Sprouts are nutrient dense as they are high in fiber, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and are also low in calories. Vitamin E, potassium, iron, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids are all examples of nutrients found in sprouts, and they have many health, skin, and hair benefits.
The process of sprouting increases all of these beneficial nutrients for your consumption. For instance, there are a hundred times more enzymes in sprouts than in uncooked foods.
Health Benefits
As sprouts are extremely nutrient dense, you don’t need a large quantity to take advantage of the nourishing properties. Some of the health benefits of sprouts are increased immunity, decreased chance of anemia as they’re high in iron, reduced level of LDL-cholesterol due to the fiber which will help prevent cardiovascular disease, and less chance of constipation as they are high fiber. In addition, you are likely to have more energy, lose weight, and have fewer symptoms of menopause, as they are rich in phytoestrogens, which produce weak estrogen-like activity.
Skin Benefits
Sprouts can change the appearance of your skin significantly. By consuming them on a regular basis, your skin will glow, be hydrated, and free of acne or other skin problems. The high levels of omega 3 fatty acids in sprouts are a significant factor in decreasing inflammation of the skin and the development of acne and other skin problems. Your skin will be protected from skin cancer as the antioxidants in sprouts kill the free radicals and protect the skin from damaging UV rays.
Hair Benefits
Someone struggling with hair loss should certainly be eating sprouts especially Brussels sprouts and Alfalfa sprouts. This is because they are rich in vitamins and minerals such as A, B, C, K, E, folic acid, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, and iron which help with hair growth. In addition, the omega 3 fatty acids in sprouts nourish the hair follicles and will prevent your hair from being dull and brittle. Further, 75% of your hair is made up of protein, and all sprouts are good sources of protein.
High in Protein
Sprouts are always a good idea for consumption, but they are most especially pertinent if you worry about getting enough protein. This is because sprouts contain a high concentration of protein and the quality of the protein increases in the sprouting process.
Bioavailability of Minerals and Protein Increase
The body can more easily absorb and utilize the minerals and protein of sprouted foods than ones that are not sprouted. The minerals bind to the protein in the seed, which makes them easier to absorb in the body. For instance, the body can utilize iron, zinc, and vitamin C from sprouts with little difficulty compared to unsprouted foods.
Digestion
You will be able to digest your food at almost half the time of cooked foods! How great is that? This is because sprouting breaks down a seed and it is less work for your body to digest.
Also, the protein denatures into amino acids when sprouted which makes the seeds easier to digest. For someone with digestive problems and food intolerances, sprouting may be better for their digestion and make consuming foods they love easier.
Locally Grown
It does not get more locally grown than sprouting your own foods in your home. You are helping the environment, and you can be certain that you are not consuming pesticides, food additives, or other unwanted chemicals and additives.
Quick and Easy
Unlike gardening, you can harvest your seed sprouts within 3 to 7 days, which allows you to eat them frequently.
Include sprouts in your diet as much as possible. Consume a variety of different sprouts to take advantage of the numerous vitamins and minerals in each type.