Sprouts are tiny, nutrient-rich plants that are produced from the germination of seeds. They are easy to grow at home and are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Sprouts are a food rich in phytonutrients, such as glucosinolates, phenolics, and isoflavones. Many studies have shown that sprouts also have high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the benefits of sprouting for health and well-being:

High in Nutrients

Sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some key nutrients in sprouts include vitamins C and K, folate, and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and can help to support immune function, improve digestion and aid in weight loss.

Easy to Digest

Sprouts are much easier to digest than mature vegetables, thanks to the germination process which breaks down the hard-to-digest outer layer of the seed. This makes them a great option for people with digestive issues, as they are more easily absorbed by the body.

Boosting Immune System

Sprouts are rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to positively impact the immune system. They help to support the body’s natural defences against illness and disease and provide the essential nutrients required for optimal health.

Weight loss

Sprouts are a great option for people trying to lose weight as they are low in calories yet high in fibre. Fibre is important in weight loss as it helps you feel full and satisfied, which can help reduce the number of calories consumed overall.

Improving Heart Health

Some studies have suggested that consuming sprouts can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. The high levels of antioxidants found in sprouts can help protect against heart disease by preventing the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Additionally, the high fibre content in the sprouts can also help lower cholesterol levels, thus it might be beneficial for people with heart conditions.

Sprouting historically has been responsible for the pioneering adventures of early colonial humans. Sprouts enabled the safe passage on long sea voyages without the risks of succumbing to the likes of ‘Scurvy’, a disease caused by vitamin c deficiency that killed most early sea voyagers. Sprouts prevented this because they were a source of vitamin c, easily grown in dark and damp places (like the hull of a ship) and provided the vitamin c required for the body stave off scurvy.

Sprouting was an important technique used by early pioneers to extend the shelf life of grains and seeds, allowing them to be stored for long periods of time without spoilage. By sprouting grains, such as wheat and barley, the pioneers were able to turn them into a fresh and nutritious food source. Sprouting also helps to reduce the levels of naturally-occurring toxins in the grains, making them safer to eat. This technique allowed the pioneers to have a reliable food supply during their long journeys, and to sustain themselves while they established new settlements.

To sprout seeds at home, you will need a jar, a piece of cheesecloth or mesh, and some water. Simply soak the seeds in water for the recommended amount of time, drain them, and then place them in the jar covered with cheesecloth or mesh. Rinse and drain the seeds twice a day; within a few days, you will have fresh, crunchy sprouts to enjoy!

To get sprouting right away check out our Sprouting Kits from Untamed Health and Urban Greens as well as certified organic sprouting seeds!

Here are some different types of sprouts, along with their germination times and sprouting directions:

Sprouts are an amazing, nutrient-dense and bio-available powerhouse. Sprouts also have been shown to have the ability to exhibit certain effects on the human body due to their active components. Some of these effects include Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diabetic, Anti-viral, and Anti-cancer. This is due to the differing active plant phytochemicals present after sprouting and their freely bio-available nutrients.  Sprouts may be a great functional food to aid in the prevention of excess damage from environmental exposures and other oxidative-stress related pathologies.

In conclusion, sprouts are a versatile and nutrient-rich addition to any diet. They are easy to grow at home, high in nutrients, easy to digest, can boost your immune system, aid in weight loss and improve heart health. The benefits of sprouts go beyond health, historically they have played a vital role in early human pioneers and long sea voyages. You can try different types of sprouts with different germination times and sprouting directions. Sprouting is a fun and easy way to add more nutritious options to your meals. To get started check out our mentioned of sprouting kits and certified organic sprouting seeds for a head start.

References
Aslani, Z., Mirmiran, P., Alipur, B., Bahadoran, Z., & Abbassalizade Farhangi, M. (2015). Lentil Sprouts Effect On Serum Lipids of Overweight and Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Health Promotion Perspectives, 5(3), 215–224. https://doi.org/10.15171/hpp.2015.026
Francis, H., Debs, E., Koubaa, M., Alrayess, Z., Maroun, R. G., & Louka, N. (2022). Sprouts Use as Functional Foods. Optimization of Germination of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Seeds Based on Their Nutritional Content Evolution. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 11(10), 1460. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11101460
Geng, J., Li, J., Zhu, F., Chen, X., Du, B., Tian, H., & Li, J. (2022). Plant sprout foods: Biological activities, health benefits, and bioavailability. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 46(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13777
Miyahira, R. F., Lopes, J. de O., & Antunes, A. E. C. (2021). The Use of Sprouts to Improve the Nutritional Value of Food Products: A Brief Review. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), 76(2), 143–152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-021-00888-6
Oliver, M. (1975). Add a few sprouts to eat better for less money. Keats Pub.