Sprouts

The process by which an organism grows from a seed or similar structure is called germination. Sprouting is the process where the seeds are induced to sprout or germinate. A viable seed, water, temperature, oxygen, and the availability of light are the factors required for germination. Sprouting is the natural process, by which seeds or spores germinate and develop shoots,sometimeseven leaves.

The process of sprouting can be done at home easily.For sprouting, the seeds are washed and soaked overnight or for atleast eight hours. Then water is drained and seeds are kept in sprouting vessel or tied in muslin cloth at room temperature which provides proper conditions for germination- air and moisture. It takes one or two days for seeds to sprout.

Many seeds can be sprouted for eating. Mung beans, Kala channa and alfalfa are the most common seeds for sprouts. Other common seeds for sprouts include fenugreek, garbanzo.

Sprouts provide a good supply of Vitamins A, E & C plus B complex. Like enzymes, vitamins serve as bioactive catalysts to assist digestion and metabolism of foodand the release of energy. They are also essential for the healing and repair of cells. The vitamin content of some seeds can increase by up to 20 -30 times their original value within days of sprouting. Mung Beans when sprouted have increased vitamin B compared to the dry seeds. Even soaking seeds overnight in water yields greatly increased amount of vitaminB, as well as Vitamin C. Sprouted grains have more nutrients than mature grains, resulting in many health benefits. Those nutrients include folate, iron, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and protein. Sprouted grains also have less starch and be easier to digest than regular grains.

It is best to eat sprouts in morning or in evening snack or in morning breakfast so that proper assimilation of enzymes takes place in the body.

Generally all seeds, grains, legumes and nuts are acidic, unless they are sprouted. When the seeds are soaked, and they swell and break the hull (skin) to emerge as a sprout, an extraordinary action takes place & they become alkaline. Conclusion –Thus sprouts are the most healthy and easy to digest food which has much more benefits compared to normal grains.