Nutritional Value of Sprouts

Sprouts are sprouting seeds that have been left to germinate. Eating sprouts is something done by health-conscious people because sprouts have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and antioxidants. Some of the major nutrients in sprouts are:

• Complete protein
• Antioxidants
• Fiber
• Vitamins A, C, E and K
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium

Most of the benefits of sprouts are related to antioxidants, fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins. Sprouts are rich in Vitamin C which is required for the immune system to work efficiently. All sprouts are rich in zinc, an essential constituent of enzymes.

Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine native to India, recommends eating some sprouts on an empty stomach for better digestion.

Sprouts are fast, cheap and easy to grow, and they offer an alternative to buying greens from the store or fancy juice bar, which can be expensive and more time-consuming than it first seems. 

Sprouts essentially let you create your own salad bar: you can mix and match different kinds of microgreens and play with their presentation and serving size. They take up little space in the refrigerator. You can grow them in jars or large pots, in your kitchen or in your yard. Use your imagination when you shop for sprouted seeds (for example, adzuki beans make tasty sprouts) and you'll never get bored with the food you eat again.

Sprouts are an easy and nutritious way to add variety to your diet. On a sprout-rich diet, you'll feel good, have plenty of energy, and with an ever-strong immune system. It works so well that some nutritionists believe that everyone should be eating more sprouts.

Sprouts, never cooked, are high in vitamin C, B complex vitamins, dietary fiber, certain minerals and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll can act as an antibiotic, antiseptic and disinfectant. It is also known to decrease body odour. 

10 Benefits of Eating Sprouts

A lot of people think that eating raw sprouts is a very boring and tiresome thing to do. But you will be surprised to see how delicious and versatile these veggies can be.

There is a very popular saying that "You are what you eat". Eating sprouts will ensure that most of your diet is full of nutrients, vitamins and fibers.

Here are some of the benefits of eating sprouts: 

1. Helps in Weight Loss

Sprouts are an extremely nutrient-dense food, containing all the essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that the body requires. People who want to increase their heart health or lose weight can find many benefits from consuming sprouts daily. Moreover, sprouts contain a high quantity of fiber that can make a person stay full for an extended period of time. 

2. Packed with Antioxidants

Sprouts are much healthier than meats, eggs, dairy products and cereals. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Sprouts are a tasty addition to any meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Apart from being one of the healthiest foods on the planet, sprouts are also really good for your skin. Antioxidants in sprouts help in protecting the cells in our body from free radicals.

3. Collagen-rich Foods Keeps Your Skin Youthful

You might have heard about the magical benefits of collagen. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin looking youthful and keeping all body parts such as joints and bones in good health. One cup of sprouts has almost 2-3 grams of collagen. This is because sprouts are rich in sulphur, which helps in the production of collagen in the body. Collagen is found in the skin and it gives it structure and strength.

4. Sprouts Help You Get Rid Of Acne

Sprouts are an easily available superfood. They are packed with health benefits. Because of their high vitamin & nutrient content, sprouts are often called “The Beauty Food”. Sprouted foods also contain a lot of fiber and essential fatty acids that strengthen the immune system and contribute to glowing skin. Sprouts are rich in skin-clearing nutrients that can help in getting rid of acne and related issues. 

5. Helps in Reducing Hair Fall

Sprouts are a crucial element in a healthy diet, which helps keep hair shiny and healthy. They are rich in many important nutrients, including vitamin A, C, E, B-complex groups of vitamins, beta carotene. Sprouts help in the growth of hair and the treatment of hair loss. Selenium in sprouts helps in keeping scalp infections at bay and the presence of biotin in sprouts helps in enhancing the growth of hair.

6. Improves Blood Circulation in the Scalp

The consumption of sprouts has been linked to the production of essential nutrients that help in keeping your skin and hair healthy and glowing. It is also beneficial in the production of keeping the scalp and hair follicles healthy and promotes hair growth by improving the blood circulation to the scalp and provides essential nutrients required for optimal hair development. This results in a healthy supply of blood to all the cells in the scalp, which keeps hair strong and healthy. 

7. Reduces Oxidative Stress

The antioxidant properties in sprouts help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation thereby promoting better hair growth. It may also improve scalp circulation and nutrient absorption thereby promoting better health of your hair follicles.

You can add mung, alfalfa, radish, lentil and other types of sprouts to your daily diet to promote thicker, shinier and healthier hair.

8. Cleanses the Body

Sprouts are considered to be one of the most nutritious foods on earth. They are known to be rich in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin C, iron, zinc, magnesium, and proteins.

These nutrients help in boosting the immune system and cleanses the body. The enzymes in sprouts ease the digestion process to get rid of toxins. The plethora of fiber in sprouts helps in making it simpler for the body to pass stool with ease.

9. Helps in Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

Some studies suggest that sprouting can reduce the total amount of carbs in sprouts and it may help break down and digest sugar with the help of the amylase enzyme. Some other research also found that a compound in sprouts led to a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose levels among obese adults with type 2 diabetes.

10. Improves Heart Health

Sprouts help in reducing the risk factor for heart diseases, such as high cholesterol levels. The omega-3 fatty acids in sprouts are anti-inflammatory in nature and therefore, they can reduce the stress on the cardiovascular system. 

The potassium content in sprouts also helps in reducing blood pressure and tension in the arteries and blood vessels. This helps in increasing circulation and oxygenation while reducing the chances of clotting and the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Take Away

Sprouts are fresh edible seeds and are very nutritious because they contain all essential amino acids. They are also rich in vitamins, chlorophyll, fibers, enzymes and minerals. Sprouts are commonly used to make sandwiches, curries or salads. They can be cooked easily with many cooking methods.