Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are approximately 1-3 inches tall and are harvested just a few weeks after germination. They are highly nutritious and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Learn more – What are Microgreens?
Here are some of the health benefits of eating microgreens:
- High in Nutrients: Microgreens are packed with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a concentrated source of nutrition, containing up to 40 times more nutrients than mature vegetables. For example, microgreens like red cabbage, broccoli, and radish contain high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E, respectively.
- Anti-inflammatory: Chronic inflammation in the body has been linked to many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. Microgreens have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation. Microgreens as well as leafy greens are often recommended as part of anti-inflammatory diets, autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet, plant=based, and gluten-free diets.
- Good for Digestion: Microgreens are an excellent source of fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion. Fiber helps to promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- May Help in Lowering Blood Pressure: Microgreens have been found to contain high levels of nitrate, a compound that has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Nitrate is converted to nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Studies have shown that consuming nitrate-rich foods like microgreens may help to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
- Helpful for Detoxification: Microgreens contain chlorophyll, a pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll has been found to help detoxify the body by removing harmful toxins and heavy metals. Additionally, small leaf Brassica microgreens like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, radish, and turnip are known to have chelating properties, which means they can bind to and remove heavy metals from the body.
- Support Immune System: Microgreens are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps to protect the body against infections and supports the production of white blood cells that fight off harmful pathogens. Additionally, microgreens like sunflower and pea shoots contain vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage and supports healthy immune function.
Incorporating microgreens into your diet is easy and delicious. You can add them to salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, or use them as a garnish for soups and stews. They come in a variety of flavors and textures, so you’re sure to find some that you love.
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