Amazing Life Changing Benefits From Tiny Seeds

Sprouting is easy, fun, and a great science project for the kids. All seeds, (and grains or nuts or legumes which are all seeds) have what's known as an "enzyme inhibitor" present in this seed state. This inhibitor simply prevents the seed from sprouting without the presence of water. Otherwise we could not save seed for planting!

All seeds and raw nuts should be "sprouted" before consumption to neutralize this inhibitor and phytic acid which is present in grains. Sprouting does not necessarily mean you will ever see a root or tiny leaves before you eat them! These substances not only prevent the seeds from sprouting, they would inhibit our own enzymes and stop the absorption of calcium, iron, zinc and copper. Sprouting breaks down starch that causes gas, and inactivates potent carcinogenic aflatoxins found in grains. Unsprouted grains containing gluten cause major allergies and lead to celiac disease in some people. But that fact will be covered in another article.

Now that we know the need to sprout, let's find out the AMAZING benefits that sprouting gives. Sprouting is a superior and inexpensive source of numerous nutritive benefits. Soaking, or sprouting, releases the enzymes like protease and papain that the inhibitors keep until water is added. Sprouts are nutrient powerhouses of protein, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and enzymes. They are one of the most complete and nutritional foods that have been tested.

Sprouts are highly digestible, provide fiber and are a mainstay in the winter, when other fruits and vegetables are not readily available and quite expensive. Sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin A and especially C. The Chinese used sprouts to prevent scurvy.

When water is added to the seed, vitamins, proteins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats that are in the dormant seed are "released" for absorption chemically. The sprouting process unlocks and decomposes complex proteins into simple amino acids -- the basic necessary building blocks of each protein reassembled after digestion. Carbohydrates are converted into simple sugars, minerals are released to combine and allow the body to metabolize and assimilate easily. Fats transform into fatty acids, vitamin content increases dramatically. Everything that it takes to make a full plant are present in the tiny seed. Sprouting starts this process turning a seed into a vegetable, but before maturity the sprout has all that makes life present. Sprouts are truly amazing.

Sprouts are alkalyzing (most of the seeds themselves cooked or eaten raw are acidifying) to our bodies, which is of utmost importance since diseases like cancer and pathogenic bacteria thrive in acidic conditions. Sprouts contain cancer-fighting compounds like sulphurohane and isoflavones which protect against cell mutations, work against toxins and along with nitrosamines, bioflavanoids and trace minerals, boost the bodies immune system. Sprouts contain chlorophyll which detoxifies the blood and builds the blood. Raw uncooked, unprocessed chlorophyll is very close to blood in makeup; blood having iron instead of copper. Chorophyll is usually the green in plants

Sprouts aid in digestion, kidney and bladder function, support liver function, alleviates arthritis and depression, detoxifies blood and body, helps with weight loss, the urinary system and the production of mothers milk.

Sprouted nuts, especially almonds, provide an excellent source of protein (usually used by vegans). They also have a good supply of calcium. Raw almonds (which now, because of the FDA, can only be obtained locally or from known importers that do not pasteurize -- kill -- the seed) taste much better soaked and don't upset or "sit" in the stomach the way unsprouted almonds do. Soaked sesame seeds have as much calcium as bovine milk and can be used to make a sesame milk.

Flax is difficult to sprout but makes an excellent cracker when dehydrated after being soaked (sprouted). Chia seeds are found to be a beneficial powerhouse of nutrients and, like the flax, makes a gelatinous substance.

Sprouts are economical and by the weight have more nutrition than any other food. This can be of great benefit to the single mother or family on a tight budget. Children stand to gain greatly from eating sprouts. They receive vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids which are building blocks to grow on! Sprouts can be added to sandwiches, soups, grilled cheese, salads... the sky is the limit!

Involving the kids can be, as previously mentioned, a great science project. Your children can have a kitchen garden of their own, a way to teach both the gift of life and responsibility.

Sprouts are easy to grow. Here is a link to an excellent source of information and products.http://www.sproutpeople.com/grow/sprouting.html