Sprouted seeds or sprouts - not to be confused with the Brussel variety - are small plants, the next stage up from a seed. Sprouted seeds are young plants chock full of healthy minerals, vitamins, enzymes, proteins and fibre (practically all you need), and as they sprout their vitamin content increases. Because you eat them whilst they are growing, nearly all the nutrients remain intact! Your nutritious seed sprouts contain more vitamins and nutrients than nearly any other food and they make an important contribution to the recommended 5 portions of fruit and veg per day - 2 handfuls equal 1 portion.
How to Grow Sprouts
Growing sprouts is so cheap and easy - remember growing cress at school? It's nearly as easy. You can buy a 3 level germinator or a single container, available from any good health food shop, add in a pack of seeds and you're away. To grow your sprouts......
- in cold water soak your seeds overnight
- drain the seeds and spread them evenly in you germinator, making sure they are not clumped together
- place them in a well lit spot but not in full sunlight
- twice a day pour fresh cold water over the seeds and after 5-7 days - depending on seed variety - they'll be ready to eat
- they can then be stored in a container in your fridge for 5-7 days. If you're using the 3 level germinator, the water will drain to the bottom to be thrown away. With the single germinator you have to tip the jar to let the water drain away
What To Grow
There are loads of things you can grow, some easier than others. Some of the most popular include:
- mung bean seeds (chinese bean sprouts)
- alfalfa seeds
- lentil seeds
- radish seeds
- clover seeds
- buckwheat
- chickpeas
One to definitely avoid are kidney beans, as they are toxic when raw.
How To Enjoy The Benefits
Eat your sprouted seeds raw and you'll get all the benefits of this energy packed nutritious food. Or add them to your sandwiches, use as a side dish with a main course, sprinkle on top of soup, use them in a salad. Whilst it doesn't do any harm, cooking or heating your sprouts is not recommended as this will strip them of the nutrients that you have lovingly grown them for.
J Paris, a master personal trainer and nutritionist, runs a website with business partner Lady Marie Stubbs - best selling author of "Ahead of the Class" and recently portrayed on television by Julie Walters. Their aim through the website is to make the business of exercise and eating right more straightforward and transparent, particularly for women of 50 and over. For more information on exercise and nutrition visit their site at: http://www.female-fiftyplus-get-fit.com | |
