Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Broccoli Sprouts

Sprouting your own seeds, grains or legumes is not only inexpensive and easy but dramatically increases nutrient values. Sprouts contain up to 30% more protein, 34% more calcium, 40% more iron, 285% more Vitamin A, and on an on in comparison to their unsprouted counterparts. The increase in Vitamin C is nearly infinite! Besides the popular alfafa sprouts sunflower, radish and broccoli sprouts are delicious as well. Eat these sprouts raw while sprouted beans like lentils, chickpeas and mung beans should be steamed before eating. The same goes for sprouted grains like buckwheat or wheat berries.

Specific seeds, grains or legumes have their own therapeutic value as well. Sprouts from broccoli seeds are full of anti-cancerous phytonutrients. They are the richest source of sulforaphane, the phytonutrient responsible for the cancer preventative nature of the cruciferous vegetable family. A study found that 3-day old sprouts of certain cruciferous plants, like broccoli and cauliflower contain 10-100 times more of this nutrient than did the mature plants. So research tells us that small amounts of these sprouts may protect against the risk of cancer as effectively as large amounts of broccoli or cauliflower. Pass the sprouts please!

Sprouts go great on salad, in a sandwich or stuffed in a pita. Look for broccoli or other sprouts at your local health food store, farmer's market or learn how to sprout your own at the Sprout People's webpage.

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