Make your own Sprouts!
Have you ever considered doing your own germination? It may seem intimidating at first, but I assure you, it’s extremely easy. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, nutritious, delicious and most of all, you can save a lot of money by making them yourself. A full plate of broccoli sprouts at the grocery store will retail for around $4.79. By spouting them myself at home, a whole jar costs me about $0.79 and it stays fresh much longer.
Did you know that the nutritional value/density of 10 pounds of broccoli sprouts is equivalent to approximately 1000 pounds of mature broccoli. According to various researchers (including Johns Hopkins and Ohio State University), they contain 1,000% more nutrients than mature broccoli!
Sprouted seeds contain most nutrients needed for the plant to grow and mature. They have more enzymes and are a veritable explosion of living energy. They are easier to digest because they have been soaked beforehand and therefore rehydrated and become fresh again. Also the germination initiates the digestion of starch which is transformed into simpler sugars. The quality of the proteins improves even if the quantity decreases. Their bioavailability is increased which becomes very interesting. Bioavailability represents how able a nutrients or substance is able to enter the blood circulation and have an active effect on your cells, on your body.
They are said to be more nutritious because their vitamin content increases and certain protective substances develop. Minerals become easier to assimilate.
It is possible to germinate different kinds of seeds: broccoli, clover, fenugreek, radish, etc… You can also sprout nuts, beans, grains, legumes.
According to Dr. Weil, it is recommended to eat raw beans/legume sprouts because they contain natural toxins that are only broken down by cooking in water. For example: mung beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc… For this reason, I will use them mainly to add to a soup, a stew, a pasta sauce. I will add them towards the end of the cooking process, because I don’t want to destroy all the nutritional values.
Dr. Weil also suggests avoiding alfalfa sprouts, because the toxin in alfalfa sprouts, canavanin, can harm the immune system. Alfalfa can cause activation of the immune system, which could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, if you have an autoimmune disease, it is best to avoid using alfalfa. Alfalfa is also often genetically modified, so that’s another thing to consider when you are purchasing it. On the other hand, it confirms that raw broccoli sprouts are completely safe and excellent for our health.
I sprout, You sprout, He sprouts, We sprout … simple as that!
You will need:
- ORGANIC sprouting seeds (of your choice)
- A glass jar with lid (I use a mason jar)
- Cheesecloth
- Filtered water
Step by step to grow sprouts
1- Pour 2 tbsp of the seeds of your choice in your glass jar.
2- Add water to cover the seeds well. Shake the jar to stir and rinse the seeds slightly. Cover them all.
3- Cover the opening of the jar with the cheesecloth. This will be useful when we want to drain the water inside.
The cheesecloth also allows air to circulate freely.
I seal the cheesecloth with the metal ring from the lid. This will secure the cheesecloth in place.
4- Drain water completely. You don’t want to leave any water at the bottom of the jar because this could rot the seeds.
5- Place your glass jar in the window or in a place with lots of light, but you don’t want it in direct sunlight.
I always place the jar on the side to make sure there is not excess water at the bottom.
6- Repeat this process twice per day : RINCE-DRAIN … RINCE-DRAIN
After 2-3 days the seeds should be open and you should start to see the sprouts beginning to grow.
Continue to rinse and drain your sprouted seeds twice a day. Morning and evening.
After 5-7 days your sprouts will be ready.
Now it’s time to transfer them to the cold. But before you do so, rinse them well one last time, remove excess water with absorbent paper and then you can transfer in the refrigerator. Personally, I always add a sheet of absorbent paper at the bottom of the container that I use to store my sprouted seeds. I remove and discard this paper towel the next day.
These easy to make and your delicious sprouted seeds will last 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator.
Use them to add to your favorite dishes. Such as salads, sandwiches, smoothies, soups or just enjoy them as is for a snack.
Click on this button to learn more about the nutritions facts for each type of seeds.
Your Health begins with what you eat. Eat real food. Eat foods that grow and live. You body will thank you for it.
#energyfood
Don’t Worry, Be Healthy!
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Have a wonderful day
Isabelle – Votre Amie Essentielle
XOXO
Precautions
While sprouts are nutritious and offer many health benefits, there are certain precautions to take. Because they are eaten raw or lightly cooked, they carry a risk.
Always make sure to rinse them well before eating them. The FDA has indicated that children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts.
Germs contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli have caused at least 30 outbreaks since 1996.
In addition, due to high vitamin K levels, individuals taking blood thinners should avoid alfalfa sprouts. This can be a major interaction, so check with your doctor before consuming alfalfa sprouts.
References:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/institute_basic_biomedical_sciences/news_events/articles_and_stories/cancer_disease/2010_08_eat_veggies.html
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/chemical_derived_from_broccoli_sprouts_shows_promise_in_treating_autism
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/publications/johns_hopkins_health/fall_2009/_better_eat_your_broccoli_sprouts
https://www.botanix.com/blogue-experts-botanix/germes-pousses-gouts
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/06/30/broccoli-sprout-detox.aspx
https://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/nutrition/better-boost-from-broccoli-sprouts/
http://www.naturalnews.com/033888_broccoli_sprouts.html