Calories in Sprouts

You can grow sprouts at home or you can enjoy store-bought sprouts. You can include them in your daily diet as a healthy food, since they are a storehouse of multiple nutrients. Sprouts calories are significant, as they can keep you satiated for a longer period. You can enjoy them raw, roasted, or boiled. They can be consumed as the main food, or as a subsidiary food like salads or vegetables.

• Alfalfa sprouts are rich in saponins, which lower the bad cholesterol and fats. Some studies have proved that they can help avoid arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Saponins improve the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells such as T- lymphocytes and interferon. Sprouting increases the saponin content of alfalfa by 450%.

• The nutritional value of the sprouts may differ, according to the type of seeds chosen. For instance, the nutritional value would vary in case of peas, beans, legumes, or pulses, etc. 

However, all types and varieties are considered very nutritious, because they are rich in all the elements that a plant needs for life and growth. They provide sufficient vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.

• The endosperm of the seed is packed with carbohydrates, proteins, and oil. When the seed germinates, these are transformed into amino acids and natural sugars, which comprise the healthy food for the plant embryo, as it grows to maturity. Sprouted foods provide energy to the body for the production of new healthy cells.

• They are rich in antioxidants that prevent DNA damage, and sufficiently slow down the process of aging.
• Plant estrogens present in the sprouts help increase the formation and density of bones, and also prevent bone breakdown or osteoporosis. They also help control hot flashes, menopause, PMS, and fibrocystic breast tumors.

• Sprouts like broccoli, alfalfa, radish, clover, and soybean hold high amounts of phytochemicals (plant compounds) that help prevent diseases.

• The seeds are low in cost, and can be stored indefinitely and germinated very easily. Sprouting multiplies the nutritional value of the seeds.
• According to reports, canavanine, which is an amino acid analog in alfalfa, is beneficial for pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and leukemia.

The following information will explain the facts clearly:

• Alfalfa Sprouts, Raw: 1 oz (28.0 g) - 7 (Calories)
• Alfalfa Seeds, Sprouted, Raw: 1 Cup (33 g) - 8 (Calories)
• Bean Sprouts: 1/2 Pack (100 g) - 27 (Calories)
• Mung Beans, Mature Seeds, Sprouted, Raw: 1 Cup (104 g) - 31 (Calories)
• Lentils, Sprouted, Raw: 1 Cup (77 g) - 82 (Calories)

• Brussels Sprouts, Cooked: 1 Cup (155 g) - 65 (Calories)
• Wheat, Sprouted: 1 Cup (108 g) - 214 (Calories)
• Radish Seeds, Sprouted, Raw : 1 Cup (38 g) - 16 (Calories)
• Lentils, Sprouted Cooked, Stir-fried, With Salt: 1 bowl (100 g) - 101 (Calories)

People choose processed foods as they are unable to devote their time to cooking, but these foods often lack the vitamins and minerals which are necessary in a balanced diet. Sprouts, being low in calories and rich in nutrients, can help you achieve optimal health.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.