The health benefits of sprouts include improved digestion of both carbohydrates and proteins. Germination stimulates the release of enzymes to pre-digest starch, which can promote gut health and reduce bloating. What is a sprouted seed?
Alfalfa has been shown to help lower cholesterol and may also have benefits for blood sugar management and relieving menopausal symptoms. People also eat it because it contains antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin K, copper, folate and magnesium. Lucerne is also extremely low in calories.
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a common cereal that is high in fibre. It's eaten in food and used to brew alcoholic beverages around the world. The fibre in barley may lower cholesterol, blood sugar and insulin levels. It also appears to slow down gastric emptying, which could keep blood sugar stable and help control appetite.
Carum carvi, or caraway, is traditionally used to treat indigestion, pneumonia and as a stimulant, galactagogue and carminative. Essential oil, fixed oil and many other valuable extractive compounds with industrial applications are made from caraway.
Fennel boasts nutrients such as fibre, potassium and vitamin C. A member of the carrot family, this slightly sweet vegetable can help support brain function.
Extensive preclinical and clinical research has outlined the pharmaceutical uses of fenugreek as an antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, galactogogue and for various pharmacological effects including improving women's health.
Wheat germ: It's an excellent source of thiamin and a good source of folate, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Germ also contains protein, fibre and some fat. Try sprinkling some on your hot or cold cereal.
