Sprouts - a significant source of proteins, vitamins and energy
Sprouts - a significant source of proteins, vitamins and energy
Lastly, we hear more and more about sprouts. Are they really such a benefit? Can we produce them ourselves? Is their consumption safe? In these, and even more questions, we will try to give you answers with the utmost validity.
Let's start from the basics. Srouts we call the young shoots springing out of the seeds to create the new plants. A seed can "sleep" for months or years, before conditions are created to germinate. Necessary condition for this to happen is water.
As long as the seed expects to fulfill its mission, the enzyme initiators control its metabolism so that it does not decompose and spoil. But when the seed comes in contact with water, the enzyme initiators are inactivated and the enzymes take action to help grow the plant. No soil and sun are required to create germination.
Sprouts are of great biological value
They contain amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. Literally, it is a living food that condenses on all the power of the plant and even more. Their benefits to the body vary according to their origin. Each seed can create a sprout, whether we are talking about grain, pulses, nuts and legumes.
As for their flavor
They cover all tastes. There are, for example, sprouts that are pepper, sprouts that have a light taste, sprouts that are tender and sprouts that are hard. Depending on their taste and texture, we can use them in salads, soups, and even beverages. For example, soft sprouts are easier to use in salads and sandwiches, because they can be eaten raw.
Known for thousands of years
Ancient Greeks but other peoples like Indians, Chinese, and Egyptians used sprouts for therapeutic purposes. References to their use are also found in the Bible. In the 18th century, when seafarers faced scurvy because of the lack of vitamin C, James Cook put his seafarers to grow sprouts in the ship to escape from this disease that was spreading death. However, only in recent years sprouts have entered the Western scientists' microscope.
What we would say is the difference is that sprouts continue to grow, so their nutritional value increases. Hence we call them live food as we mentioned above. While they contain even richer nutrients than seeds.
Their properties
By describing as simple as possible their operation, we would say that seeds are a storage of energy. After seed activation, chemical processes that enhance the quality of proteins, vitamins and other nutrients are carried out in order to create the plant. It has been calculated that wheat sprout contains up to 600 times more vitamin E than the seed itself.
The vegetation increases the enzymes that the fruit contains, which in turn has many benefits to the organism that will consume sprouts. Over time, man's ability to produce enzymes decreases, which is also the main cause of aging. Loss of body enzymes reduces the vital functions of cells and their ability to reproduce. In addition, it makes cells more vulnerable to damage caused by free radicals. However, fortunately for us, enzymes from germinated foods can replace those that the body no longer produces.
What they contain in particular
Sprouts contain good fat and can lower bad cholesterol. Sunflower seeds, wheat and cereal germs improve the lives of people with diabetes. According to animal studies, they contribute to the treatment of atherosclerosis and heart problems. Other research shows that they are experiencing osteoporosis and helping to become painless or menopausal.
Research conducted at John Hopkins University revealed that the enzymes grown in broccoli sprouts prevent the cells from mutating into cancerous cells. In any case, the high content of sprouts in antioxidants has an anti-cancer effect, since it fights free radicals and chronic inflammation.
The good thing about sprouts is that they can be grown throughout the year, regardless of weather, since they do not need soil and sun, as we mentioned above.
Choose the right seeds and make your own sprouts
You can use various seeds to create germination. Alpha alpha is a great biological value, as it contains many proteins, iron, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins. Sprouts from alpha alpha seeds have more chlorophyll than spinach, cabbage and parsley and reduce cholesterol and fats.
You should, however, avoid sprouts (tomato, potato) because they contain solanine which is a toxic substance.
The process to make germinating seeds is quite easy. All we do is let the seeds soak for a few days (depending on the seed) inside a bowl. It is advisable to rinse the seeds twice a day and change the water. When the seeds germinate, they are kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
It should be noted that the consumption of germs is not 100% safe because they may contain some bacteria. That is why we need to rinse the seeds well and change the water during the process of germination. Burning germs kills all bacteria, but at the same time it restricts their nutrients. Therefore, if you want to eat them raw, it is advisable to select packaged seeds from certified companies. The seeds must come from organic crops in which no chemicals are used. Additionally, they need to be raw and avoid polished seed.
Aggeliki Koskeridou
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc Health Psychology
insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official
