Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts should be one sprout that is consumed by everyone. Why? Because it contains sulforaphane which is a known cancer cell killing beast.

Sulforaphane

It is known to activate enzymes which prohibit the growth of cancer cells and inhibits the growth of tumors. While sulforaphane is found in a variety of vegetables it is most predominant in broccoli sprouts. Studies done by the John Hopkins Center have determined that the greatest amount of sulforaphane is found in the sprouts when they are 3 days old, 10 - 100 more. They also detox the body from cancer causing carcinogens.

Other Benefits of Sulforaphane

• Arthritis 
• Blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Anti aging
• Improve immune system
• Heart health
• Autism
• Respiratory health such as asthma 
• Skin health
• Prevent Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the gut which can lead to cancer
• Hypertension
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes  

Minerals 

• Calcium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Magnesium 
• Phosphorus
• Zinc
• Trace elements
• Chorophyll 
• Amino Acids Antioxidants 
• Protein 

Vitamins

• A
• B
• C
• E
• K

Sprouting

1 Quart size wide mouth mason jar

1 Sprouting lid

Filtered water

1 tsp seeds

Put the seeds in the jar, add about 3//4 cups of water, and add the lid. Let it sit out of direct sunlight for 8 - 12 hours. With the lid on drain the water, add some more water and swish it around making sure the water touches all of the seeds. Drain well, shake the seeds around to separate them some, and set it on its side with a towel under the lid to catch any access water. Repeat the rinse and drain process 2 - 3 times a day for 4 - 5 days or the first leaves appear.

Broccoli sprouts leave a hull behind. It is advised that these be removed due to their heavy water content which could cause the sprouts to mold. To remove the hulls place the sprouts in a bowl with some water. Gently separate and swish the sprouts around, the hulls will float to the top, remove and add to your composting, or garden. Place between two towels pat dry, separate, and let sit for 2 - 3 hours. Store in glass container in the fridge for about a week.

Eating 

These sprouts should be eaten as the chewing process is what activates the sulforphane. Add them to salads including egg or chicken, pasta dishes, soups, stews, sandwiches, pizza, and what ever else you would like to. Personally I would not cook them into foods as the heat will remove some of the vitamins and minerals.

Learn More Updated February 23, 2016 

Believe it or not there are even more benefits from sulforphane and you can find it on my other blog Heavenly Bodies on the post "Broccoli Sprouts Extract for UV Protection."

Health Benefits of Radish Sprouts

I am not a big fan of radishes, but I am open to eating them as sprouts. Besides eating sprouts gives our bodies more nutrients than if we ate the food they would produce. The radish sprout has a spicy taste much like the vegetable it self.

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Antioxidants
The radish belongs to the brassica family and is known for containing antioxidants. Antioxidants are excelllent for aiding in the prevention of oxidation from free radicals in the body and cells.

Folate/Folic Acid
Folate and folic acid what's the difference? Folate is found naturally in a variety of foods while folic acid is the synthetic version.

About Folate
B9 is also referred to as folate and provides an array of health benefits.

• Healthy fetal formation
• Good for the heart
• Decrease risk of stroke
• Aids in reducing mental and emotional issues
• Beneficial for healthy DNA
• Builds and repairs skin cells
• Aids in building and maintaining muscle tissue
• Is important for bringing oxygen to the cells in the body

Vitamin C, Zinc, B Vitamins and Phosphorus
Radish sprouts contain vitamin C some B along with zinc and phosphorus. These properties are important for good skin health and aid moisture to the skin. This is important to avoid wrinkles which stem from a lack of water in the body. It is important to moisturize the skin both from inside the body as well as outside.

Anthocyanins
Radishes are a great source for anthocyanins which are antioxidant flavonoids, give pigment to a variety of fruits and vegetables, and are anti-inflammatory. They are beneficial for our health in many ways.

• Prevent inflammation 
• Promote collagen health which is important for firm, toned, healthy skin
• Promote healthy blood vessels 
• Healthy nervous system
• Aids with diabetes 
• Promotes good eye health
• Heart health
• Aids in fighting cancer

Potassium 

Radish sprouts are a great source for potassium which aids with the various issues.

• High blood pressure
• Stroke prevention
• Kidney health
• Anxiety and stress
• Muscle strength 
• Metabolism
• Water balance
• An important electrolyte which is important for our bodies energy 
• Aids with muscle cramps
• Supports the nervous system
• Aids with the health of various organs such as the kidneys, liver, brain, heart, and more
• Low blood sugar
• Bone health

Other Benefits of Radish Sprouts

• Detoxifier
• Aids with weight loss
• Relieves constipation and piles
• Respiratory issues
• Reduce fevers
• Aids with PMS
• Menopause symptoms
• Hot flashes
• Fibrocystic disease 
• Prevents/reduces tumors

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Sprouting Radish Sprouts

3 Tbsp of sprouting seeds

1 Wide mouth mason jar

1 Sprouting jar screen

Put the seeds in the jar and fill the jar with the filtered water so the seeds are covered and let sit for 12 hours. After 12 hours with the screen still on dump out the water, fill the jar again and swish the jar around making sure to get all the seeds in the water, drain, and place upside down on an angle to drain, do this at least 3 times a day. This will produce 3 cups of sprouts by the 5th or 6th day.

Once the sprouts are done pour them in a big bowl with filtered water. The hulls will float to the top, pull them out and discard them. Some people do eat them it's up to you.

Using the Sprouts

All sprouts can be used the same way,  but one thing to remember with this sprout is it does have a spicy taste. Add to anything you would like to add a little spice to a salad, soup, stews, or on sandwiches. This is one sprout you might not want to add to a smoothie or juice.

Do you eat radish sprouts? What is your favorite way to use these sprouts? How would you use these sprouts?

Fenugreek Sprouts for Women's Health

In January I will be giving a talk to a group of women at the local library on health benefits of three different sprouts for women. Fenugreek is one of the sprouts that I have chosen to speak on. While fenugreek has many health benefits we are going to focus on the benefits for women.

I will also talk about the smells and taste of fenugreek, how to sprout it, use it, and how long it lasts. Because fenugreek has other benefits not just experienced by women I will mention those also.

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 Breast Cancer

Fenugreek may aid in preventing breast cancer or prevent it from returning. They aid in creating healthy cells within the breast, also in detoxing the lymph nodes, and the whole lymphatic system. As you can see from the image women have an extensive amount of lymph tissue within our breasts. Breast cancer tends to start in the axillary lymph node located under the arm pit. While the number of nodes in the axilla contains anywhere from 30 - 50 lymph nodes they vary from woman to woman. From there it spreads through the rest of the lymph tissue into the breast. While fenugreek can help in detoxing the lymph nodes which can detox themselves there are some other things we can do to prevent breast cancer. Avoid deodorants with aluminum which is not just a heavy metal, but also clogs the axillary node. Avoid wearing underwire bras and those that do not fit properly as they prevent lymph nodes from draining.

Benefits for Women

The majority of health benefits women receive from Fenugreek is geared towards the breast. Some of you might be happy to know that it is known for increasing breast size. Increase milk flow in nursing mothers, it is also said to aid with PMS along with postmenopausal and menopausal symptoms. It also said to aid in sexual arousal. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid taking fenugreek as it stimulates the uterus.

Fenugreek does contain estrogen, but it is plant estrogen read more about them here.

Other Benefits 

• Lower cholestol
• Lower blood sugar
• Anti-inflammatory
• Stomach issues
• Kidney issues
• Heart health
• Bowel movements
• Aids in weight gain
• Dandruff 

Sprouting 

1. Large mouth mason jar
2. Sprouting screen
3. Filtered water
4. Organic fenugreek seeds

Place the seeds into the jar and cover with filtered water, let it sit for 8 hours or overnight out of direct sun light. Drain the water, rinse, drain and set the jar on an angle to let any access water drain out. Do this 2 - 3 times a day for 3 days during the sprouting process you will smell maple syrup this is normal. However, once they are done sprouting that smell disappears.

It is said they have a bitter taste and should be eaten with another sprout. I always add them to soups, sandwiches, or salads and have never experienced any bitter taste.

Healthy Egg Salad for One

2 - 4 Hard boiled organic eggs
Pepper
Paprika
Garlic
Dried onion flakes
Green onion
Dill
1/2 tsp Chia seeds
1/2 tsp Nutritional yeast
Mustard
Vegenaise
Fenugreek sprouts

Add all seasoning to taste and mix together for a healthy dish. This is a great way to get nutrients into loved ones who would turn them down if they knew what was in it.

Precautions & Disclaimer   

If you are taking medications fenugreek may prevent the absorption of them. If you are taking medications for any of the above issues you should consult with a health care provider. The information here is strictly for educational purposes always consult with a health care professional before taking any herb.

Mung Beans

My online, blogging, seed supplier May from Back to the Basics, and Mary's Heirloom Seeds was awesome enough to include some Mung Beans for me to try for FREE, thanks Mary. She knew I was interested in trying them, so when I placed my last order she asked me if I wanted some to try, well heck yeah!!!

When ever I see the word mung, I think mug weird right? But anyway I was excited to receive my beans and screen to do my first sprout. I'm a hands on learner, and  had to watch a couple of videos to totally understand how to sprout. Mary does include sprouting instructions for each of the sprouting seeds she sells, but sorry Mary needed something more. As a matter of fact I waited for days maybe weeks for starting the sprouts because it seemed time consuming, and I fully did not understand just reading Mary's directions.

Two days into sprouting

Finally I watched a couple of videos and was off to sprout. It was soooooo easy, just soak the beans in filtered water for 12 hours, and rinse. I placed my jar on the side with a paper towel at the mouth of the jar in case any water dripped out. It stayed on the kitchen counter, out of the sun, where it would not be disturbed until my beans sprouted. I rinsed the beans twice a day, and by the first day they were already sprouting!!! By the third day I had sprouts!!! I was excited about this new food, and made my self a egg salad sandwich with Mung Bean sprouts on top, yum!

Once the sprouts were ready I poured them on to a plate lined with two paper towels for them to dry. I waited about a half hour, and put them pack into the jar, Mary said you can keep them in the fridge for up to six weeks, but better to eat them as soon as you can. 

It was suggested by one video I watched that you taste your sprouts daily to see how you feel about the taste. Mung Bean sprouts are crunchy, and said to have a nutty taste, personally I really did not taste a nutty flavor. 

Mung Beans sprouts are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and a great source of fiber. If you are trying to lose weight or have, or know someone with diabetes, this is a food to include in your regular diet. This is because Mung Beans have a glycemic level of 31 which means it has slow effect on blood sugar. Also the high fiber allows for a slower release of calories into the blood sugar.

Many Asians use sprouts in their dishes, they are also used in salads, for making bread, smoothies, and more. I also started a new board on Pintrest just for sprouts which includes only 11 pins right now, but will keep adding. What you will find there right now are some great recipes, and also how to grow your own mung beans to use for sprouts.

How do you use your sprouts? Have a favorite sprout?