The Little Sprout That Could

 

In a time when the whole world is stressed, this sprout can be a big help.

Over the years, I’ve developed a deep respect for superfoods and the effect that they have on our body.

When life events surpass our ability to cope, we feel stress. At the moment, the whole world is stressed and for very good reason.

The issue is that stress turns into inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to a threat; whether it’s foreign — like a virus, or emotional, like anxiety, worry or depression. It can rise through our body and can make us feel like we’ve got the flu whether we do or we don’t. The likelihood of developing other conditions in our body through inflammation get higher and higher the more we stress.

One way we can reduce our stress is to consume broccoli sprouts. I learned about broccoli sprouts while listening to a podcast and I instantly became intrigued.

Broccoli sprouts are simply the humble beginnings of broccoli. They look like tiny little plants or seeds with a stem and green leaves protruding from it. While most veggies are great sources of nutrition and powerful disease-fighters, sprouts are known for their extremely high concentration of nutrition.

Broccoli sprouts are the best source of a compound called sulforaphane. This little sprout is now notoriously known as a mighty protector against several types of cancer including breast, lung, prostate, skin and stomach cancers. It is also known to slow the rate of development in tumor growth.

If that’s not a mouthful, sulforaphane also reduces the risk of respiratory issues, ocular disease, and heart disease. There are immense benefits if we consume broccoli sprouts on a daily basis.

In case you’re not convinced yet, here are a few more reasons why you should have some sprouts:

• It can boost the immune system by promoting natural killer cells, as evidenced in studies with mice.
• Sulforaphane has anti-viral properties which can reduce the virus load in the body, leading to fewer symptoms and quicker recovery rates from common viruses such as the flu.
• It’s also loaded with both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which can help fight off unwanted “visitors” in the body/immune system.
• This compound can help protect the skin against UV damage, partially due to the cellular protection it offers as well as its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Sulforaphane can improve digestion because of its anti-inflammatory abilities.

How do you eat broccoli sprouts?

This superfood is easy to eat and add more of into your diet. Here are some of my favorites:

Add them to a smoothie. You will easily be able to blend (and the taste is easily disguised) into a tasty fruit or veggie smoothie.

Toss them into a salad. Since all green veggies are superfoods in my opinion. Top a bed of romaine, spinach, arugula, or any of your favorite mixed veggies and greens with broccoli sprouts for a powerful and tangy boost.

Add them to sandwiches and wraps. This will add a layer of crunch to any wrap recipe you like.

Broccoli sprouts can be found at health food stores amongst the other produce. You can check out your local food co-op for a good selection, farmer’s markets for a local selection. Your big-box grocery may also be carrying them.

OR …if you’re looking to cut down your grocery budget, growing your own broccoli sprouts is a fantastic option. You don’t need a green thumb to get an abundance of sprouts growing at home in jar for easy and fresh consumption. It’s quite simple to get started on this endeavor with a few simple ingredients and tools. There is a variety of videos on YouTube and other websites on how to grow your own broccoli sprouts.

It is most important to note that receiving your sulforaphane through real food versus a supplement will ensure your body can actually use it and reap the benefits.

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. — Mahatma Gandhi