Top 10 Benefits Of Sprouting And Easiest Way Of Doing It

Food By Sangati Jogwar October 28, 2019

Top Benefits Of Sprouting

It is a wonderful thing to see the moong dal or the chickpeas soaked overnight to grow tiny tail-like structures. This process is called sprouting and it is very commonly followed in almost every household. These sprouted legumes and seeds are super-rich in nutrients and fiber and depending upon the type of legumes you choose, it is possible to add a variety of vitamins and nutrients to your daily meal.

In the process of sprouting, the legumes or seeds germinate when they are soaked in water for a stipulated time. During germination, the outer shell of the seed opens and allows the growth of a young shoot.

DIY Sprouting Technique

It is very easy to sprout seeds at home. For that, you require a mason jar of a quarter-size having a special sprouting lid. This lid allows circulation of the air. If you do not have this lid, use a strainer or cheesecloth instead.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of legumes or seeds to the jar and cover them with warm water.
Leave them soaked in water overnight for encouraging germination. Make sure that the water is enough to soak the seeds and a few inches above them.
Do not stuff the jar with more seeds because the germination process requires adequate space for air circulation and promote seed germination.
In the morning drain out the water, rinse the seeds and tilt the jar upside down to make sure that the excess remaining water drains out.
Repeat the process of draining and rinsing for a couple of times a day and then the sprouts are ready to eat.
The time taken for legumes and seeds differ. Some legumes can sprout within 24 hours whereas some seeds may take a few days for sprouting.
Once the sprouts start emerging from the seeds, you should switch to a strainer or a lid with larger holes so that the husk is eliminated during rinsing. It saves the sprouts from getting mold.

Benefits Of Sprouting

Sprouting enhances the percentage of vitamins, protein, and minerals in seeds and legumes. Here are the top 10 benefits of sprouting:

1. Increases Metabolic Activity

Sprouts are rich in living enzymes which increase metabolic processes as well as improves chemical reactions in the body. It naturally leads to improvement in digestion. The enzymes in the sprouts break down the food very effectively and increase the absorption process of nutrients via the digestive tract. Sprouts are high in dietary fiber and bulk up the stool thereby making its passage easier through the digestive tract.

2. Improves Blood Circulation

Sprouts help in maintaining red blood cell count as it contains a good amount of copper and iron thereby giving a boost to blood circulation. Due to this the oxygen supply to the various cells and organs is optimized and their performance improves. Sprouts also repair capillaries and improve the thickness of hair because a healthy and regular blood supply acts as a good stimulant for the growth of hair. The vitamin and mineral-rich sprouts also contribute to generating new blood vessels and increasing circulation to the follicles and scalp.

3. Sprouts For Weight Loss

Sprouts are very good for weight loss. Rather many dieticians stress on including sprouts in meals during dieting because they are high in fiber and water content. That is why you can consume a cup of sprouts without worrying the calories. Interestingly, it makes your stomach full and you end up eating fewer calories. Sprouts are also known to restrain the release of ghrelin. It is a hunger hormone that instructs the brain to eat more.

4. Builds Up Immune System

The rich vitamin C content in sprouts makes it a highly powerful stimulant that equips the white blood cells to fight infections and diseases. It thus contributes to building your immunity system. Sprouts are also rich in vitamin A which has lots of antioxidant properties. A well-sprouted legume serves as a miracle food for building immunity.

5. Improves Vision

Sprouts are rich in Vitamin A which is known for their eyesight improving ability. The antioxidants in the sprouts protect the cells of the eyes from harmful free radicals. So eating sprouts daily can also ensure that your eyesight and vision is protected.

6. Good For Heart

Sprouts contain omega-3 fatty acids that boost good cholesterol (HDL) levels. They also reduce the harmful cholesterol in arteries and blood vessels. The omega-3 fatty acids in the sprouts are known for their anti-inflammatory properties that cut down excessive stress on the cardiovascular system. Sprouted legumes and seeds also are rich in potassium that reduces levels of blood pressure thereby decreasing the pressure on a cardiovascular problem.

7. Regulates pH Levels

Abnormality in the pH levels leads to acidity. Sprouts have an alkalizing effect on the body and regulate as well as maintain the pH levels. Medical facts indicate that many illnesses including cancer have a linkage to excess acidity in the body. Sprouts reduce the acid levels keeping such diseases at bay. You can include sprouts in the salads to make sure that the acidic level from citrus fruits is minimized or balanced.

8. Prevents Premature Aging Process

The antioxidants present in sprouts prevent premature aging. These antioxidants stop the destruction of DNA that lead to aging. The antioxidants also combat free radicals that damage cells and are responsible for early aging signs.

9. Sprouts For Healthy Hair Growth

The Vitamin A in sprouts gives stimulation to the hair follicles and nourishes the scalp leading to thicker and longer hair growth. It is a known fact that deficiency of vitamin A can lead to dry scalp, thinning of hair, and excessive loss of hair. Zinc in sprouts stimulates the production of sebum in the scalp and keeps the hair strands and roots nourished and hydrated. Zinc also contributes to the regeneration of cells on the scalp.

10. Sprouts For Glowing Skin

The antioxidants in sprouts fight the free radicals that damage the cells thereby protecting the skin cells from damage. Vitamin C in the sprouts ensures clear skin by producing collagen and gives more elasticity and youthful look to the skin. The omega-3 fatty acids in the sprout control inflammation and reduce the risk of acne, pimples and other skin problems.

Sprouts also contain silica in a small amount. It is a nutrient known for regenerating the connective tissues of the skin and removing toxins from the body that cause dull and lifeless skin.

Precautions For Sprouting

Sprouts really have immense health benefits. But there are certain precautions that you must take while sprouting. Make sure that your hands and the jars in which you are sprouting are clean. Of course, your kitchen must also be clean to avoid cross-contamination which can lead to the formation of bacterial growth. Always consume the sprouts within 3 to 4 days and prepare a fresh and new batch of sprouts frequently.

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