9 Green Sprouts To Enrich Your Salads Every Day

To take full advantage of all the benefits of green sprouts it is very important to consume them in the shortest possible time. If we buy them ready, we will eat them in one or two days

Green sprouts are very nutrient-rich sprouted seeds as they are live raw foods. This property makes them essential ingredients in a balanced diet to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

In this article we detail what green sprouts are and which ones are commonly consumed.

What are green shoots?

The seed that is put to germinate results in green shoots, which are the beginning of the plant. All the nutritional reserves present in the seed multiply its virtues in this initial phase of growth.

Green sprouts can be easily germinated at home. They only need humidity (not water) and constant heat.

For this we can use a container that we can wet and drain, or a specific utensil that is marketed for this purpose. However, we can also buy them already prepared, although we must consume it in one or two days.

Why are they so healthy?

Being germinating foods, green shoots stand out for their great energy. All its nutrients remain intact until the moment we consume them: vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, amino acids and chlorophyll.

Today, our body is in great need of these living nutrients, since most of the food we eat is processed and packaged.

In addition, these sprouts are digested and assimilated very well for two reasons:

• During germination, encapsulated nutrients are released and their nutritional value is enhanced.
• They are predigested foods.

The 9 most famous green shoots

We can prepare green sprouts from any legume seed or cereal grain. However, the most common are the following:

1. Alfalfa

The most famous green sprouts are those of alfalfa. Delicious and refreshing, they are excellent for remineralizing the body and fighting tiredness and fatigue.

They stand out for their content in vitamins A, B, C, E and K and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, selenium or zinc.

2. Lentils

The green shoots of lentils are one of those that germinate more easily. They stand out for their richness in protein, vitamin C and iron.

These nutrients combine perfectly to prevent iron deficiency anemia. They are also a good remedy to delay aging.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli seed sprouts are not easy to find, but they are sure to please.

They are a very cleansing food that helps us eliminate toxins from the body. In addition, they are a powerful anticancer remedy.

4. Oats

Oatmeal is a very nutritious superfood. However, many people are unaware that you can also consume sprouted grain, which is even more recommended at the digestive level.

These sprouts are rich in vitamins B and E, minerals like silicon, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Oats have many properties for the body. It also regulates the nervous system and, therefore, relieves disorders such as stress, anxiety, insomnia or depression.  At the same time, it gives us a large dose of energy and takes care of the muscles.

5. Watercress

Watercress has a spicy touch ideal to add to salads and as a garnish to other dishes.

• These green sprouts are rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, calcium or iodine.

• They fight fatigue, have an antioxidant effect and facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body. 

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek or fenugreek is a very cleansing food that facilitates liver and kidney function.

It also gives us energy and helps us in stages of low defenses and convalescence.

7. Rice

Sprouted rice sprouts have a mild and sweet taste. They are rich in B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, silicon or magnesium.

They are an excellent food for healthy skin, bones and teeth. 

8. Mustard

Sprouted mustard stands out for its spicy flavor and its vitamin C content.

It is very suitable for improving digestive function and treating diseases such as gastritis.

9. Radish

The radish sprout, with its spicy and very refreshing flavor, stands out for its high chlorophyll content.

These green sprouts are very effective in improving digestion and fighting heaviness, as well as calming coughs in cases of flu and colds.