Sprouts – The Tiny Wriggly Foods for Good Health!
Sprouts have long been famous as “health food” but recent research shows that in addition to being a superb source of nutrition, sprouts like alfalfa, radish, broccoli, clover and soybean contain concentrated amounts of photochemical (plant compounds) that can protect us against disease.
Sprouts
Sprouts have an ancient history of being an integral part of diet all over the world. They are wonder foods for sure as the freshest, most nutritious of all vegetables available to the human diet. With the process of sprouting, the grains acquire improved digestibility and enhanced nutritional qualities. There is a substantial increase in nutrients in sprouted foods. They supply food in predigested form that is already been acted upon by the enzymes and made to digest easily.
Grain, seeds and Legumes
All edible varieties of grains, seeds and legumes can be sprouted. 1. Grains - Wheat, maize, ragi, bajra and barley. 2. Seeds - Coriander seeds, alfalfa seeds, pumpkin seeds, muskmelon seeds and fenugreek seeds. 3. Legumes - Green gram, Bengalgram, chickpeas, horsegram, etc.
Sources of protein
Sprouts like radish, alfalfa, clover, soybean, and broccoli are excellent sources of protein and a wide range of nutrients that can help maintain good health, but it was not until recently that they were found to have essential therapeutic benefits. It was discovered that sprouts have the ability to protect us from certain diseases.
High protein content
Sprouts are very high in protein content and quality. Adding sprouts to your diet will give you the necessary protein intake required by your body minus the fat, cholesterol, and calories that typically come with animal meat. It is a super food for vegetarians. On sprouting, the quality of protein increases. The amino acid lysine, for example, which is needed to prevent cold sores and to maintain a healthy immune system increases significantly during the sprouting process.
High in vitamins and minerals
Sprouting seeds, grains and legumes are found to have higher content of vitamins and minerals. These includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin K and minerals such as Iron, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese, and Calcium. Vitamin A is said to increase by 8 folds in sprouts.
Abundant in power packed enzymes
Eating sprouts is an excellent way to ensure a complete supply of powerful enzymes, which can keep our body healthy and fit. Experts estimate that there can be up to 100 times more enzymes in sprouts than uncooked fruits and vegetables. Enzymes are special types of proteins that act as catalysts for all of your body functions.
Good for weight loss
The fiber content of seeds, grains, and legumes increases substantially with sprouting. Thus eating sprouts helps in weight loss as fiber binds to fats and toxins in our body to escort them out there by inhibiting fat absorption. Sprouts also contribute fewer calories with more satiety.
Prevents cancer growth
Plant estrogens are found abundant in sprouts, therefore providing benefit for pancreatic, colon and leukemia cancers. They bring alkalizing balance to the body which helps in preventing cancers.
Excellent for women health
They increase bone formation and density and prevent bone breakdown or osteoporosis. They are also helpful in controlling hot flashes, menopause, PMS and fibrocystic breasts tumors.
Good for heart health
Alfalfa sprouts are one of the finest food sources of saponins. Animal studies prove their benefit in arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Anti-ageing effect
Sprouts contain an abundance of highly active antioxidants that prevent DNA destruction and protect us from the effects of aging.
Easy to digest
With its easy digestibility, sprouts can be enjoyed by all age group from elderly to younger kids.
Inexpensive gift of nature
Sprouts being home grown with minimal cost involved provide maximum benefits to human beings. With an occasional sprinkling of water and no constant care, sprouts are the nature’s cheapest source of nutrition at home. They should form a vital component of our diet.
Healthy food
Sprouts are not only beneficial for your health but also very delicious. Including them in your diet would be very easy. You can add them to your salads, soups, meat dishes, and pasta to make them more scrumptious and appetizing. You can also snack on them fresh.
