Why Eat Sprouts?

Sprouting has been recognized throughout history for assisting in the healing of many disorders and most Eastern Asian and Europeans countries have been sprouting grains, nuts, beans and seeds for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese physicians have been prescribing sprouts for their health benefits throughout history and different forms of sprouting, soaking and fermenting seeds have been a staple component in almost every culture.

Sprouts provide the body with essential nutrients and digestive enzymes while also detoxifying the body and reducing inflammation. This method of soaking seeds in water softens the outer membranes which makes them easier to digest and disables the anti-nutrients that serve to protect the seeds but can be problematic once they are consumed. The enzyme content in sprouts is up to 100 times higher than raw vegetables.

For most people, eating grains and beans can cause adverse reactions and sprouting allows these foods to become easier to digest. Even people with gluten sensitivities are able to consume sprouted grains because the gluten content is decreased. Sprouts also have high levels of concentrated phytochemicals that can protect against disease. Sprouts are alive and this makes them a true super food.

Sprouting is a simple way to boost your nutrient content and growing your own sprouts is an affordable and easy way to connect with your food from the beginning initial sprout to your dinner plate and it can all be done in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Here are some of the most popular seeds to sprout and a few of their benefits:

• Alfalfa: High in antioxidants, vitamin K and vitamin C and combat cholesterol
• Broccoli: Support strong bones, detoxify the body, improve respiratory function
• Clover: Help in weight loss, prevent anemia, detoxify the body
• Green Lentil: High in protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, zinc and copper
• Mung Bean: High in protein, dietary fiber and nutrients including copper, C & B vitamins
• Radish: Excellent source of folate, aids in weight loss and high in vitamin C
• Sunflower: High in protein, natural expectorant, high in zinc & B vitamins
• Pea: High in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, weight loss and protect against diabetes
• Microgreens: High in nutrients, improve heart health and overall wellbeing

There are many other seeds that can be used for sprouting, including grains like quinoa, buckwheat and rye, and finding a few staples to start growing yourself and adding to your diet will help boost your wellness journey to the next level. Trying adding sprouts to your salad, green juices or eat them on their own to obtain the abundance of nutrients and enzymes that that sprouted seeds, nuts and grains possess.

Article by Andrea Nison