Have you ever soaked your green grams only to be met by germinating grams in the morning?
It also happens when you leave green peas in the refrigerator for a few days. There are people who simply trash their sprouts thinking that they may be unfit for consumption. Well, eating raw sprouts can make you sick but once cooked, they are usually fir for consumption. In fact, some sprouts are said to have more proteins than lean meat.
So next time your seeds or grains sprout, you know what to do. Here are some great benefits of eating sprouts:
1. Improved digestion
Studies have shown that sprouted grains and seeds have more fiber as compared to un-sprouted ones. This makes it easier for your body to digest food reducing the risk of indigestion and constipation. So if you want more fiber, you may consider leaving your grains to sprout for some days.
2. Increased nutritional value
During the sprouting process, seeds and grains increase their nutritional value. You benefit more after eating sprouted seeds and grains than you would if you ate un-sprouted ones.
3. Weight loss
Since sprouts have more fiber, they fill you up faster. This in return reduces your portions enhancing weight loss. They are also very low in calories.
4. Heart health
Sprouts have considerable amounts of HDL (good cholesterol) which helps in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. It is the bad cholesterol that puts one at the risk of heart-related diseases. Besides that, sprouts are rich in Potassium which relaxes the blood vessels thus reducing the blood pressure.
5. Immunity
The vitamin C present in sprouts boosts the immune system keeping your body safe from diseases and infections. As the sprouting continues, the amounts of Vitamin A also increases. Vitamin A has antioxidants that help in improving the immune system.