To see things in the seed, that is genius — Lao Tzu
Sprouts are seeds that have germinated and are on the way to becoming young plants. Many different seeds can be sprouted. The mind-map below gives a selection of seeds that can be sprouted and includes beans and peas, grains, nuts, vegetable and various other seeds.
Sprouted seeds have many health benefits. In the process of sprouting the nutrition value goes up relative to eating just the seed. Using the example of broccoli sprouts that are concentrated sources of sulforaphane used by the body to help protect cells against adverse effects of too much inflammation and excess toxins. This is just one example. As you can see from the mind-map eating sprouted seeds gives many benefits.
Fermented foods play an important part of the diet in many cultures, where fermentation is used as a natural way of preserving foods. Fermentation is the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins by bacteria. The mind-map lists some popular fermented foods. Fermented foods are a source of Lactic Acid which has a lot of valuable health benefits. It has a positive effect on the composition of our gut microbiota, it supports digestion, absorption of nutrients and plays an important part in the synthesis of certain vitamins. Even benefitting our mood and behaviour.
Fermenting foods and sprouting seeds, can you do it yourself? Is it only safe to buy from a reputable retailer? If you are in the “let’s try” mindset then buying from a reputable retailer is a good solution. If you want to try fermenting foods at home there are countless videos on YouTube to whet your appetite. Similarly, for sprouting seeds you can find popular sprouts at the supermarket and if you want to do it yourself YouTube has a bank of videos to help you.
Introduce some sprouts and fermented food into your diet. Your health will thank you for it. Just take a look at the benefits.
The link below will take you the podcast I recorded with Britt Joynson an ultra-athlete who suffered chronic health issues leading to three years of debilitating symptoms. She tells her story of her recovery and the impact of her eating habits had on the journey.