SPROUTING

By Dori Cranmore RN

Sprouts are the ultimate locally grown food. Growing them yourself assures no unwanted chemicals are added.

The list is quite impressive of the health and nutrition benefits of sprouts. They have been known to help alkalize the body, improve the digestive process, be a metabolism booster, promote energy, increase enzyme activity throughout the body, help prevent anemia, assist with weight loss, help lower cholesterol, reduce stress on the heart and vessels, help prevent neural defects in infants, be a protector against cancer, work to boost skin health and vision while supporting the immune system and helping increase energy.

The highest concentration of available nutrients happens about a week after sprouting. Importantly, much of the nutritive value of sprouts is lost when they are heated. For the most nutritional impact, sprouts should be added to a meal in the raw form.

Sprouts contain significant amounts of protein, enzymes and fiber. In addition they have folate, vitamins A, C, K, lysine, essential fatty acids, pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium. The vitamin content can actually increase by 20 times after sprouting.

Vegans and vegetarians typically don’t get enough protein in their diet and sprouts can help fill that space. Quality of the protein in beans, nuts, seed and grains improves substantially when it is soaked and sprouted. Protein is necessary for almost all bodily processes like creating and maintaining cells, organ repair, skin regeneration, bone growth and muscle development.

With up to 100 times more enzymes in sprouts than uncooked fruits and vegetables the body gets those nutritional building blocks it needs to work more efficiently. Enzymes are an important part of the digestive process and help to break down food and increase absorption of nutrients.

The high fiber content can help with weight loss by binding to fat and toxins and move them quickly out of our body. Fiber helps stimulate gastric juices and work with the enzymes in breaking down food efficiently. Sprouts are a great way to clear up constipation and diarrhea and a great prevention of colorectal cancer.

The great thing about sprouts is they are inexpensive, full of nutrition and very low in calories, so you too can eat healthy!

For more information call 907-376-8327.

Information provided is for Educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases.