Broccoli SPROUTS
Broccoli sprouts are the germinated seeds of broccoli and pack a potent cancer-fighting punch. I challenge you to consume 1/4 cup of broccoli sprouts daily to obtain the powerful benefits. They are classified as a microgreen and can be easily added to food for some texture, and extra nutrients.
Broccoli v. Broccoli Sprouts
Broccoli sprouts and broccoli do not have the same nutritional value, although they stem from the same seed. Broccoli sprouts, depending on when they are picked, have anywhere between 10-100 times more glucoraphanin than adult broccoli.
Benefits:
Glucoraphanin, when chewed or cut, is converted to the phytochemical sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous vegetables and has been shown to suppress the ability of breast cancer stem cells to form tumors. The stem cells have been shown to possibly be the cause of breast cancer returning after being fought the first time.
To put the potency of broccoli sprouts in perspective, 2oz of broccoli sprouts provide the same amount of sulforaphane as 2.2lbs of broccoli.
Broccoli sprouts also contain an enzyme called myrosinase. This works as a part of your gut bacteria and helps break down the glucoraphanin into its usable form. Making your body able to get the full benefits of the broccoli sprouts.
The usable form of glucoraphanin creates a reaction in other enzymes that help transform and remove disease-causing compounds from the body. In addition to its potentially cancer-fighting capabilities, broccoli sprouts also support strong bones, support detoxification in the body and help protects your brain.
How to incorporate broccoli sprouts into your diet.
You can find broccoli sprouts in the produce section of most grocery stores. You’ll find them next to the alfalfa & bean sprouts. If you’re up for a home etc project, you can easily sprout your own! Grab some organic broccoli seeds and sprouting jars and you’ll have a plethora of broccoli sprouts in about 5-7 days.
Use fresh broccoli sprouts on salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. I also freeze broccoli sprouts and use about a 1/4 cup in smoothies. They are mainly tasteless which makes them easy to incorporate into your diet.
Interested in sprouting your own?
Get broccoli seeds. I use Food to Live broccoli seeds.
Get a mason jar with a mesh lid. I use these sprouting jars.
Add one tablespoon of seeds to your jar and add filtered water, enough to cover the seeds. Let seeds soak in the water overnight.
After 12 hours, drain thoroughly and place in a sunlit window.
Rinse and drain the sprouts every day for 4-7 days until there are minimal seeds remaining.
Store in the fridge in a vented container. Sprouts remain fresh for 3-5 days. Freeze any extra and use in smoothies!
