FoodHealth and Wellness

15 Amazing Benefits of Sprouts

Do you remember those science sessions where we had to experiment on the germination of sprouts?

Remember wrapping some beans or legumes in a piece of damp cloth or cotton and waiting eagerly to see them germinate?

At that time, it seemed to be the most fascinating thing ever.

That process where the seeds are soaked, or wrapped for a certain period, to germinate and eventually young shoots blossom is called sprouting; the result being the formation of sprouts, a health freak’s best friend.

Sprouts, which are a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants, are way more beneficial to human bodies than they appear to be. Don’t let their size fool you.

15 Amazing Benefits of Sprouts

1. Highly Nutritious

Sprouts can honestly be a meal in themselves. They are rich in minerals, phytochemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a one-stop solution to many issues. They are healthy, free of chemicals if made at home, and keep you full for a long time. Cook them with a few spices or add them to a salad to jazz your tastebuds, or best, eat them raw!

2. Aids Digestion

Sprouts are rich in fiber content. They have a high range of living enzymes, which boost the overall metabolic process. Now, what happens is, that these enzymes improve the chemical reaction taking place in our body. These enzymes effectively break food particles, further increasing the absorption of nutrients by the digestive process. Fiber contents help in bulking up the stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive tract.

3. Protein Packed

Here is excellent news for those considering going vegan and wondering where they will get their protein from. Well, sprouts are the answer. They are chock full of protein which has its benefits and aid weight loss too.

4. Friend In Your Weight Loss Journey

Sprouts are incredibly high in fiber and low in calories. Also, being a powerhouse of protein, consuming these makes you feel full for a longer time. This prevents your chances of snacking on unhealthy food, eventually helping you in your weight loss journey.

5. Improves Heart Health

Sprouts have an abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids continuously regulate cholesterol levels in your body and supply HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), lowering LDL (harmful cholesterol) in your body. Moreover, the presence of potassium further helps to reduce blood pressure levels. So major cardiovascular problems are solved. Evidence also suggests that sprouts are supposed to lower blood fat- Triglycerides. If build-up in high concentration, Triglycerides can be the reason for various heart diseases.

6. Is A Great Cleanser

No, sprouts do not make for the perfect daily skin cleanser. They cleanse the body. The chlorophyll in sprouts dispels all the toxins in your body, leaving it stronger and healthier. So the next time you feel sick and need a break from heavy food that’s doing a number on your body, switch to sprouts to feel and get better!

7. Say Bye To Anemia

This nutrient-rich food boosts blood circulation by maintaining red blood cell count. It also raises the iron and copper level. This helps in supplying blood to various organs in an effective way.

We all know that iron deficiency is a common problem nowadays. And sprouts contain some amount of iron and copper as well. Adding these to your daily diet will help you with your anemia problem.

8. Better Skin Health 

Do you want healthy, glowing skin?

Your wait is over.

This power-packed food has anti-aging properties. The presence of B-complex vitamins helps in skin repair and cellular regeneration. Further, these nutrients also help in unclogging pores.

At the same time, traces of Vitamin C boosts collagen production, which helps your skin glow. They also contain a generous amount of silica, a nutrient that helps in regenerating the skin’s connective tissue.

9. Repairs Hair

No matter how long or short, a healthy mane lends character to the shape of your face and can make or break your look.

Now, talking about hair, the presence of vitamin A stimulates hair follicles (this causes the scalp to grow thick and long hair)

Sprouts also contain zinc which helps in the production of sebum. Sebum helps the scalp keep the roots and hair strands hydrated and well-nourished for those who don’t know. Similarly, the presence of biotin helps grow richer hair.

10. Better Eyesight

Sprouts contain a good amount of Vitamin A. They are high in antioxidants and thus protect your eyes from any damage caused by oxidative stress. They may also protect you from AMD (age-related macular degeneration). AMD is, so far, the leading cause of vision loss in adults (over age 55). If you wish for better eyesight, then sprouts definitely, are your daily on-the-go food.

11. Betters Blood Circulation

Sprouts are a great source of iron and copper, which help maintain your red blood cells. There is a better oxygen supply to your cells and organs, which allows them to function better. Better blood circulation also helps with hair growth!

12. May Keep Blood Sugar Levels In Control

Some studies point toward sprouts regulating blood sugar levels. While these studies are few in number, it is commonly believed that sprouts are good for those with diabetes.

13. Builds Immune System

A high amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin A present in sprouts helps in strengthening your immune system. They help increase white blood cell production, which in turn fights off various infections and diseases. Also, the several antioxidants present in it make it a great source of immunity booster.

14. Increases Hemoglobin

Deficits in folic acid are a major contributing factor to a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Consuming sprouts regularly increases hemoglobin levels since they contain folic acid, a substance that is essential for hemoglobin production. Hence, sprouts are an effective, healthy, and natural way to boost your hemoglobin production. 

15. Reduces Acidity

In addition to being highly alkaline, sprouts are also good for your digestive system, so can reduce acidity effectively. Additionally, their low fat and sugar content reduces stomach acid. It is recommended that you include beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, almonds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds in your diet as they lower acidity.

Tips to Consider…

  1. Cooking destroys most of the nutrients. Try to eat raw sprouts if possible.
  2.  You may consider steaming the sprouts but never opt to fry or roast them. Else it will be of no use.
  3. Wash the sprouts well before eating.
  4. Always opt for fresh sprouts and consume them that very day.

Conclusion

Sprouts are cheap and also readily available. You have to take a bowl, soak the beans and legumes, and wait for some hours. And in turn, what you get is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, zinc, iron, copper, and potassium. What more can you ask for?

Read also15 Benefits Of Cucumber For Healthy Skin And Hair

Darsh Patel

Darsh Patel an Indian writer Living in Mumbai. Started this blog in 2017. I am the owner of this and many other blogs.

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