Are you unfamiliar with sprouted grains? A sprouted grain is one that has begun to sprout but is not yet a full plant. Foods like corn, wheat, and oats can be classified as sprouted grains, and they make tasty additions to plant-based diets.

SPROUTED GRAINS HEALTH BENEFITS

A sprouted seed or grain has a few nutritional differences from its ungerminated counterpart. The difference, however, may be insignificant at best. There is no doubt that more research is needed to document specific health benefits, but the good news is that as more research is conducted, the health benefits appear genuine and growing in importance.

Sprouted grains include: sprouted wheat, sprouted barley, sprouted millet, sprouted quinoa, sprouted buckwheat, and sprouted brown rice.

In short, sprouted grains appear to have higher quality proteins and may contain more carotenoids, vitamin C, and other vitamins. They also appear to aid digestion. Many people may not notice a difference, but vegetarians and vegans may benefit from sprouted grains because they may increase mineral absorption such as zinc and iron. Diabetics may benefit as well, as sprouted grains appear to aid in weight control and blood sugar stability.

INCLUDING SPROUTED GRAINS IN YOUR DIET

Despite ongoing research into the benefits of sprouted grains, many people already incorporate them into their diets. You should be fine eating raw sprouted grains if you are not pregnant, have a child, are elderly, or have immune system issues. Otherwise, the grains should be cooked.

Sprouted grains are not always organic. They may have been sprayed with pesticides, so buy organic to avoid chemicals! You can also grow sprouted grains yourself, but timing is critical, as explained here.

Are you ready to reap the benefits of sprouted grains? Here are seven ways to enjoy them:

Sprinkle it on your salad: Wheat is a widely used sprouted grain. You can add these berries to your salad for added crunch and nutrition.

Baking: Sprouting whole grain flour can be used in baking. Type 2 diabetics will benefit the most from this because it contains less sugar.

• Prepare it like rice: Eat sprouted brown rice instead of white rice. Diabetics will benefit from this as well.

Stir fry it: To add texture to your veggie dish, stir in sprouted grains.

Sprouted sandwich bread: Use it like regular bread. Make a sandwich, bread pudding, or serve it on the side as a sprouted dinner roll.

Sprouted grain cereal: There is so much you can do with sprouted cereal! It can be eaten on its own as a snack, mixed into cookie dough, or crushed and used as a coating.

Prepare porridge: Simmer sprouted quinoa, buckwheat, or millet in milk until tender. Finish with your preferred fruits and a dollop of nut butter.

HEALTHY SPROUTED GRAIN RECIPES TO TRY

• Mix Sprout Salad

• Sprouted Moong Daal Pessaratu

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