When a seed germinates or grows a bud or shoot, it’s called sprouting. The process involves placing certain types of seeds in water and leaving them until the outer layer splits open revealing a shoot or bud. These sprouts are then consumed with your meals. This process is becoming very popular due to the many health benefits of eating sprouts. Eating raw sprouts provides the most health benefits.
Sprouted foods include the following: Deluxe Kitchen Crop
4-Tray Seed Sprouter
by VICTORIO VKP1200
- Beans
- Almonds
- Chia
- Apricots
- Barley
- Mustard
- Oats
- Peas
- Celery
- Dill
- Rice
- Wheat
For a complete list of seeds that can be sprouted, visit Seed Seva. Now that you know what seeds you can sprout, here are a few of the benefits that sprouting has to offer.
Want to learn more about sprouting? Amazon has some great books about sprouts and sprouting.
Health Benefits Of Eating Sprouts
Sprouts are high in proteins and other nutrients
Sprouts have a high content of protein that helps the body function better as a whole. Protein is needed to help the body repair organs, regenerate skin cells, improve muscle development and it even helps contribute to healthy bone growth. Sprouts also contain a wide variety of other nutrients and vitamins the body needs to stay healthy. These nutrients help the body fight off viruses and other diseases by strengthening the immune system while helping the body function properly.
Sprouts aid the digestive system
Sprout-Ease – Econo-Sprouter Toppers Set – 3 Piece(s)
The digestive system plays an important role in your overall health. Therefore, anything that aids the digestive system is beneficial to the body. Sprouts are full of enzymes that help your body break down the foods you eat and that increases the nutrients absorbed by the digestive tract. Sprouts also contain a high content of dietary fiber that stimulates the gastric juices and helps prevent or treat diarrhea and constipation.
They may help you maintain a healthy weight
Since sprouts are high in nutrients and have very low calorie content, they can help you maintain a healthy weight. You will get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy without all the extra calories that make you gain weight. The fiber in sprouts may also help to curb hunger, which reduces the amount of foods you eat and discourages snacking.
Eating sprouts may improve blood circulation
Sprouts have a high content of iron and copper, which helps to improve blood circulation. This increases the amount of oxygen sent to the organs and cells within the body, which helps them to perform better. The extra amount of iron can also help prevent anemia 😉
Sprouting Jar Kits
If you eat sprouts regularly (and I suggest that this is a great idea), you might want to get a sprouting jar kit, to make it easier. This way you’re equipped with all you need to start adding this nutrient rich super-food to your daily diet.
SPROUTER KIT WITH 32 OZ BALL BRAND MASON JAR + MICRO GREEN LID. +8 PACKET VARIETY SPROUTING SEED.Sprouting Kit with Three Mason Sprouting Jars, Toppers, Sprouting Cradle and InstructionsSprouting Kit with 2 Sprout Screens, Alfalfa Seeds, Broccoli Seeds, Information Sheet all about Sprouts, Directions
Warnings and Precautions
While eating sprouts provide many benefits for the body, you should be aware that consuming them raw could pose a health risk. According to Foodsafety.gov, raw sprouts could potentially carry foodborne illnesses such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria. Sprouts need a warm and humid environment to grow, which is the perfect conditions for these bacteria to grow, as well.
You can take some basic precautions to protect yourself and reduce the risk of coming in contact with these illnesses. For example, if you buy your sprouts, only shop at reputable businesses that you know you can trust to provide safe food. When growing your own sprouts, start with seeds that have been prepared for sprouting. Whether you buy your sprouts or grow your own, always wash them good before eating.
Sprouting is becoming a popular trend as more people are beginning to understand the importance of eating healthy. They have many health benefits but you do have to take a few precautions to ensure the sprouts you eat are safe to consume.
I enjoy eating sprouts, but I have never tried producing my own. Perhaps I should. Thanks!