Sprouting for Health and Economy

Sprouts are rapidly becoming popular all over the world as people are seeking a healthy and economic source of food. A handful of seeds can sprout into enough "live food" to provide balanced nutrition for a number of meals.

Why eat sprouts?

1. Sprouts are an abundant source of predigested amino acids, minerals, vitamins, natural sugars and life force. Research shows that sprouts are among the highest natural source of vitamins.

2. They provide our cells with nutrients, vigor and life.

3. For this reason, sprouts can retard the aging process.

4. Sprouts contain goodly amounts of male and female hormones, as well, in their most easily assimilated form.

5. Finally, consider the tremendous potential of sprouts as a survival food. Sprouts alone can sustain and adequately nourish life and growth. If enough seeds are stored and dept dry, millions could be fed in the event of a catastrophe.

What Kinds of Seeds Can be Used?

Almost any seed can be sprouted. The most popular are wheat, alfalfa and mung beans (these are sprouts you find in Chinese food).

Wheat sprouts

Contain vitamin plenty of Vitamin E and Super oxide dismutase, both of which are important antioxidants, which protect us from free radicals.
They are beneficial to our reproductive system and provide oxygen to the body giving it tone and endurance.
They can have a healing effect in adolescent acne and all types of inflammations.
They help dissolve blood clots.
They are also recommended for depression as they contain calcium, phosphorus and vitami
B (especially B1) which strengthen the nervous system.

Note: Eat wheat sprouts as soon as you see the small white root coming out, one coffee spoon each day to start with and gradually increasing the quantity. Remember to chew them very well.

Give wheat sprouts to your children instead of candies or chocolate as they contain natural sugars and become very sweet when chewed well.

Wheat sprouts are the best «pep-foods» for athletes.

Alfalfa sprouts

Have many of the benefits of wheat sprouts. They need more room to expand. Use only one tablespoon for your first try and you will be amazed at the volume you will get. They are very delicate and best used raw in fresh salads.

Mung beans

Are more appropriately cooked briefly with a vegetable or rice dish or lightly steamed.

All sprouts have some effect in retarding the process of aging.

How to Make Sprouts

1) Put about 1 inch of seeds in the bottom of a jar.

2) Fill with water and let soak for 12 to 24 hours.

3) Secure a piece of cheesecloth or screen onto the top of the jar. You may secure it with a rubber band.

4) After the first 12 to 24 hours in which the seeds are soaking, you rinse the seeds twice daily by pouring in water mixing the seeds and sprouts around and pouring the water out again. You then leave the jar upside down so that the water drains out. Let them germinate in a dark but well-ventilated area.

5) The sprouts will be ready to eat within three to five days depending on the type and the temperature of the room. Now cover them and put into the refrigerator.

Enjoy these healthy and deliciously vibrant foods.