Superfood Sprouts

By Kate Hassett

Superfood Sprouts
What are the health benefits of sprouted foods and microgreens?

Sprouting seeds and nuts is an inexpensive and simple way to increase the nutritional value of your food. Unlike most other vegetables or herbs, microgreens and sprouts can be can be cultivated in small spaces, making them ideal for apartments or small spaces without gardens.

What is sprouting?

Sprouting is a process whereby seeds or beans are germinated to create sprouts. These delicious offshoots can be eaten raw or cooked depending on the type of sprout they are.

Similar to the process of activating nuts, sprouting has the ability to make beans and seeds and grains easier to digest and increases the nutritional value. This can help people who might otherwise be sensitive to these ingredients.

What does it do?

Sprouts and microgreens have been labelled a superfood and it is easy to see why. Not only are they easy to grow but they can be added to nearly any food for an added nutritional boost.

Here are just some of the many benefits of incorporating sprouts into your daily diet.

Aid in digestion

Sprouts contain a high amount of enzymes. These can act to boost the metabolic processes and encourage chemical reactions in the body that improves digestion. Sprouts are also great sources of dietary fibre, which stimulates gastric juices and works with the enzymes to break down food.

Boost immune system

High in vitamin c, these sprouted superfoods are a powerful stimulant for white blood cells – helping to fight off disease and infection. They also contain a high amount of vitamin A, a powerful and important antioxidant.

Cancer prevention

The high levels of vitamin C, A and amino acids are integral to the battle against free radicals in the body. Free radicals are responsible for causing otherwise healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells. Sprouts have the ability to counteract the effects of negative cellular metabolism and assist the body in protecting against disease.

Promotes heart health

Sprouts are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. The good cholesterol that comes from these acids is integral to fighting against the harmful cholesterol present within the body. These same fatty acids are also anti-inflammatory and help to reduce the stress on the cardiovascular system.

Improves eye health

Vitamin A helps to protect the eyes’ cells from free radicals and has been known to provide improvement in vision health for many years.

Can inhibit the growth of cold sores 

A specific enzyme in sprouts, called lysine, has been found to inhibit the growth of cold sores and aid in treatment once they appear.

Looking for inspiration? Try these recipes.

Sprout Pancakes

Corned Beef on Brussels Sprout Colcannon

Pea and Sprout Hummus

Minted Peas, Sprout, Quinoa and Radish Salad with Minted Greek Yogurt

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