What are sprouts? 

Sprouts are young plants that can be grown from certain types of seeds. The process of growing a sprout involves soaking the seeds in water for several hours, exposing them to heat and moisture, and allowing them to grow for a few days. After that time period, you will have a sprout no more than two inches long. Many different types of seeds are sprouted include soya bean, Moong bean, black bean, brown rice, amaranth, oats, etc. Why Sprouting is important – Phytic acid is a unique natural substance found in plant seeds such as almonds, brown rice, beans, peas, soya bean, wheat germ etc. Phytic acid is known to impair/inhibit the absorption of zinc, iron, calcium, and other minerals by your body. It further causes bloating, gas, upset stomach, diarrhea etc. During sprouting, when seeds are given the right environmental conditions and enough water, phytic acid is broken down into phosphorus and the process of germination begins. After sprouting, they get easily digested and does not hamper mineral absorption and provide multiple health benefits.

Benefits of sprouts-

1.    Nutritionally Power Packed- Sprouts are often labelled as ‘nutritious’, whole food rich in “antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and more. A half-cup of raw sprouts gives you more than half the days requirement for most vitamins and nearly 85% of your daily requirement for B-complex Vitamins.

2.    Gut friendly -Sprouts consist of a remarkably high amount of living enzymes. These further enhance your metabolism and improve chemical reactions within the body, specifically when it comes to digestion. Enzymes are very effective in breaking down the food and enhancing absorption of nutrients by the digestive tract. Sprouts also contain huge amounts of dietary fiber that regulates digestion. This helps in the overall improvement of your digestive health and prevents chronic or acute constipation.

3.    Heart Friendly-Sprouts may help people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar which in turn may lead to a reduced need for other medications, healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and higher good HDL levels to improve their overall health.

4.    Can be tasty and Fun- Sprouts health benefit is not only about the nutrition but also about their good taste that can satiate need for various dishes, thus helping in weight loss. Additionally, growing your own sprouts can be a fun and engaging hobby. 

Ways to include sprouts in your diet-

1.    Sprouted Whole Moong Chilla or Dosa.

2.    Steamed Sprouted Moong /Matki Chat.

3.    You can eat Sprouts as vegetable in lunch or dinner.

Dr.Rohini Somnath Patil

@dr.rohini.somnath.patil