Sprouts are those young greens, typically only days old, wherein their seeds have just germinated and begun to develop stems and leaves only a couple of inches in length. They are rich in many vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Present in them are high amounts of vitamin K, many B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, folate, and pantothenic acid, as well as vitamin A and C. Minerals like zinc, copper, calcium, and manganese can also be found in them.
Here are some of the common sprouts that are known for their nutrition powerhouse.
Mung Bean Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts are widely used to create savoury dishes. Their crunchy texture and sweet taste allow them to be cooked in many different ways, including adding them to noodle soups or making spring roll or dumpling fillings.
Fenugreek Sprouts
These sprouts are particularly rich in fiber, iron, and protein. Consuming them can keep our blood sugar levels regulated and even help in detoxification.
Broccoli Sprouts
Broccoli sprouts are the first green shoots to emerge once a broccoli seed has germinated. Compared to mature broccoli, broccoli sprout contains more glucoraphanin, a compound that is converted to sulforaphane during digestion.
Watercress Sprouts
Watercress sprouts have a spicy kick and are great on sandwiches and salads. It is a superfood that contains over 50 vital vitamins and minerals that may help lower our risk of chronic diseases.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious small mean, green cabbage that may help us maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure.
Health Benefits Of Eating Sprouts
Can Help Strengthen Our Immune System
Sprouts can supply our body with high amounts of vitamins A and C which are beneficial for strengthening our immune system. Its vitamin A content grows by ten-fold when we let the sprouts germinate or develop for over a week from their initial form. With high amounts of vitamin A, our body will be able to increase its white blood cell production, thus lowering our risk of suffering from common colds, flu, and infections.
May Improve our Vision
Consumption of Brussels sprouts may help improve our eyesight. Brussel sprouts are high in antioxidants and can protect our eyes from damage caused by oxidative stress. They fight against free radicals and protect us from various conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.
May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Broccoli sprouts, in particular, are loaded with antioxidants. It has an incredible amount of glucoraphanin, the precursor to the compound sulforaphane, a compound that helps activate and strengthen our body’s natural cancer protection and helps decrease the chance of malignancy. It has been found to be 50 times more powerful in cancer prevention than its mature counterpart.
May Improve Digestion
Sprouts have high fiber content. This helps in forming stool and moving it through the gut thus preventing constipation. In addition to this, sprouts also have enzymes that help prevent constipation.
May Improve Insulin Resistance
Sprouts may be helpful for people who struggle with insulin. Results of a study involving 63 patients showed that those who consumed broccoli sprouts have experienced an improvement in insulin resistance as compared to the placebo group.