Have you been wondering what all the hype is about microgreens?
It's no secret that eating your daily vegetables and greens, as part of a balanced diet, is a great way to stay healthy. Any dietitian or health professional will tell you that vegetables are packed full of essential nutrients and vitamins, needed to support your overall health.
So what is it that makes microgreens so special?
Well, microgreens (aka sprouts) are 'itty bitty baby vegetables' that have been harvested during the seedling growing phase. These tiny vegetables may be small in appearance but when it comes to nutrients they are mighty green superheros!
Are you ready to embrace your inner superhero and power up your health? Look no further than microgreens! These tiny greens pack a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition. Read on to learn the wonders of microgreens and how they can benefit your body and mind.
High source of nutrients...
Microgreens are grown from vegetable seeds such as; spinach, broccoli, peas, sunflowers, radish and kale. Just like their fully grown vegetable parents (standard vegetables), they each contain a unique set of vitamins and minerals. Research has shown that microgreens contain a significantly high density of nutrients such as; vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Now, let's explore the different vitamins and minerals found in each type of microgreen:
Broccoli microgreens: High in vitamins C, K, and A, as well as folate, iron, and potassium.
Radish microgreens: High in vitamins E, K, and A, as well as calcium, potassium, and folate.
Sunflower microgreens: High in vitamins E and B6, as well as iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Pea microgreens: High in vitamins C and A, as well as iron, calcium, and protein.
Cilantro microgreens: High in vitamins A and K, as well as antioxidants like carotenoids and anthocyanins.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry analyzed levels of nutrients in microgreens versus their mature counterparts. The study found that microgreens contained considerably higher nutrient densities, including higher levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
As you can see, each type of microgreen brings its own unique set of nutritional benefits to the table. But what do those benefits actually mean for your body and mind?
Higher levels of polyphenols and glucosinolates in microgreens, are believed to regulate the immune system and help to prevent disease. Incorporating microgreens into your diet could help boost your immune system, improve bone health, support healthy vision, and even enhance brain function.
Protection against chronic disease...
Furthermore, researchers have uncovered that high levels of antioxidants in your diet, including carotenoids and anthocyanins, have the potential to protect against chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Extremely low in calories yet high in benefits,
a 2.25-ounce serving of sunflower microgreens contains:
Calories: 25 calories
Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 10 mg
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Iron: 14.5 mg, or about 80% of the recommended daily value (RDV)
Vitamin K: 40 mcg, or 50% RDV
Vitamin C: 9 mg, or 15% RDV
Selenium: 17 mcg, or 25% RDV
Magnesium: 60 mg, or 15% RDV
Manganese: 0.65 mg, or 40% RDV
So, what are you waiting for? It's time to join the microgreen movement and start fueling your body with these mighty green heroes! Their small size makes them easy and convenient to add to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and more... with very little effort.
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