10 Health Benefits You Never Knew About Sprouts
Used for cooking or eaten raw, sprouts are rich in fibre, protein, minerals and enzymes — that’s why they’re known as some of the world’s most popular superfoods. If sprouts aren’t a current part of your diet, it’s high time to consider them as worthy additions. Here’s why.
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1. They’re Chock Full Of Enzymes
Health experts across the community have put their heads together and determined there are as many as 100 times more enzymes in sprouts than the uncooked veggies from your local supermarket. Enzymes are special proteins that act as catalysts for all of your body’s major functions. When you eat a sprout, you’re eating a concentrated collection of all its available nutrients, instead of a raw vegetable, where all the health properties haven’t quite grown to the same nutritional intensity. (This is also, by the way, why you have to be extra careful with sprouts and bacteria.)
2. They Contain Lots Of Lysine
Lysine’s an amino acid your body needs to absorb calcium and regulate collagen formation. Turns out fitness-savvy individuals run a higher risk at developing lysine deficiency, and without enough of this amino acid, your body can suffer from cold sores and decreased athletic performance as well. Fortunately for you, sprouts come jam-packed with especially high levels of lysine.
3. They’re High In Fibre
The sprouting process increases fibre content, and we all know that fibre is great for weight loss and weight management. Your body needs fiber to efficiently break down fats, so that they don’t have the chance to seed themselves onto your body’s intestinal lining. Plus, it helps keep you regular, which is something we can all benefit from.
4. They (May) Have Alkalizing Properties
The importance of properly alkalizing the body is disputed, but proponents of the controversial theory claim that an imbalance in your body’s acidity/alkalizing, you become susceptible to less restful sleep, poor digestion, lethargy and more. Sprouts can be an excellent part of an alkaline-based diet, but be warned: This theory should be taken with a grain of salt.
5. They’re Cheap
Sprouts are notoriously affordable, which means that even those of us who are pinching pennies can eat healthier, more often. Organic peppers, mushrooms and other fresh veggies can be wildly expensive, especially when they’re not in season. With sprouts though, we’re all given a second cheaper chance at continuing onward with a healthier eating lifestyle.
6. They May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Too many folks are plagued by the ills of heart complications, often as a result of excessive sugar, fat and calories in their diets. Sprouts, however, are a low-calorie, zero-fat food, high in compounds that may help reduce damage to arteries, which may play a role in reducing high blood pressure.
7. They’ve Rich In Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are essential to keep us sharp, but most of us don’t get enough of them in our diets. In fact, the human brain is made up of more than half fatty acids, and without the continual intake and restoration of fatty acids, there can be negative effects. For example, studies show certain children can have a troubling susceptibility to learning disabilities without enough fatty acids in their diets.
8. They May Help Prevent Anemia
Mung bean sprouts specifically come with rich levels of iron, which is essential to the eventual synthesis of your body’s hemoglobin-protein in the red blood cells. Without proper synthesis, you run the risk of developing low iron levels and ultimately anemia.
9. They Can Help Keep You Looking Youthful
Who needs the fountain of youth or the philosopher’s stone when you have sprouts? The phytoestrogens found within mung bean sprouts engage specific estrogen receptors thereby stimulating hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin — all of which are essential to keeping up your skin’s youthful elasticity.
10. They Curb Constipation
As previously touched on, sprouts contain high levels of fibre, which can help combat constipation and other digestion issues. Toss some sprouts on your sandwich or salad to get relief.