Microgreens: The Tiny Superfoods with Big Health Benefits
Did you know that the smallest plants can pack a powerful nutritional punch? That's right, microgreens are tiny edible plants that are only a few inches tall, but they are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a great source of fiber, protein, and other important nutrients that can benefit multiple organ systems in the body.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. ”
Microgreens are easy to grow at home and can be added to a variety of dishes to boost their nutritional value. In this blog post, we'll explore the health benefits of microgreens and how they can impact multiple organ systems in adults.
The Nutritional Benefits of Microgreens
Microgreens, or seedlings of vegetables and herbs harvested at only a few inches tall, can typically be grown in soil-like medium and harvested within two weeks of sowing them in soil or another potted medium. Although small in size, microgreens contain essential vitamins that provide numerous health benefits that benefit our bodies in multiple ways.
One of the main draws to eating microgreens is their abundance of antioxidants. Antioxidants help shield our bodies against damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals; free radicals have been linked to cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's. Microgreens boast especially high concentrations of these powerful anti-radical protection compounds such as Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene antioxidants which provide significant protection.
Microgreens provide not only antioxidants but also fiber, protein and other vital nutrients - such as broccoli and kale that contain plenty of Vitamin K to promote bone health and blood clotting; while pea shoots and sunflower sprouts contain ample proteins needed for muscle repair and growth.
“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are. ”
The Impact of Microgreens on Multiple Organ Systems
Microgreens can impact multiple organ systems in the body due to their high nutrient content. Here are just a few examples of how microgreens can benefit different organ systems:
Cardiovascular System: The antioxidants in microgreens can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lower the risk of heart disease. Studies have also shown that microgreens like red cabbage and broccoli can lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
Digestive System: Microgreens are a great source of fiber, which can help to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. They can also help to improve the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, which can boost the immune system and prevent infections.
Immune System: Microgreens are high in vitamins A, C, and E, which are important for immune function. These vitamins can help to protect the body against infections and diseases by supporting the production of white blood cells.
Nervous System: The high antioxidant content of microgreens can help to protect the brain against oxidative stress, which can contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Studies have also shown that microgreens like cilantro and basil can improve cognitive function and memory.
Skeletal System: Microgreens like broccoli and kale are high in vitamin K, which is important for bone health. Vitamin K helps to regulate calcium levels in the body, which can prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders.
How to Grow your Own Microgreens on your Kitchen Counter
“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.”
Challenge
Now that you understand the amazing health benefits of microgreens, why not grow some at home in a mason jar right on your countertop? It's simple and requires very little space - simply purchase seeds online or from local garden centers and follow instructions for growing. Once harvested, microgreens add extra nutrition and can be added into salads, sandwiches or smoothies for an added boost in nutrition!
Making microgreens part of your daily diet is one small way you can start improving your health and well-being. A nutritious diet provides the foundation of good health - why wait any longer and see how microgreens could support you?
References
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Sun, T., & Simon, P. W. (2008). Tanacetum cultratum Microgreens Lower Cholesterol and Increase Anthocyanin and Chlorophyll Concentrations in Rats. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56(11), 3760-3765.
Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417-1435.
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Prakash, D., Pal, M., & Saini, A. (2017). Anthocyanins: A Comprehensive Review on Their Source and Health Benefits. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 8(10), 4060-4070.
