When a seed holds up a tuff cover, packed with high protein and carbohydrate! Upon germination(a crucial period of sudden raise in their active molecules). At the expense of some protein it gets converted into all essential vitamins! Since a germinating plant needs all support for growth(survival of the fittest)….it is boosted with vitamin A, C and B-complex! All challenging the limes, lemons and meat products. Imagine a simple fragile sprouting root+shoot from a seedling has so much capacity!!! That is why it is highly nutritious and most welcomed by vegans and vegetarians to compromise their protein and vitamin need! A cup of raw
sprouts has just 10 calories…….making us all happy. Eat as much as we want, no worries about gaining weight!!!

One of the studies say they have more chlorophyll content than our fav’ greens! Its hard to believe tho’……but it does have some chlorophyll content, we have to agree with that. Since sprouts are rich in phytochemicals, it helps to fight against diseases, improves one’s immune system!

As I said at the expense of certain protein it gains more vitamin ratio beyond the point, that one could imagine 200-300%. Same goes to fighting against any outbreaks while germination! Like a mother’s milk is extra and excess in all vitamins, for fast growth, possessing disease fighting compounds!!! Similar molecules are found here……they have rich enzyme activity. In this fragile plants, significant amounts of glucosinolates and isothyiocyanates….which are very important inducers of phase 2 enzyme production that prevents malignant cell growth! The cancer fighting ones!

Like most of the greens, they too have plant Saponins! Which could lower one’s cholesterol! So supports heart related disease. Saponis are said to to promote ones immune system by increasing the activity of fighter cells(Lymphocytes and interferons).Besides they are loaded with antioxidants…prevents cell degeneration process and DNA destruction….. making it a good source to bring down aging related symptoms! Alfalfa sprouts contains great amount of phytoestrogens…..which is very essential for female health. It can prevent menopausal symptoms, early cancer and age-related osteoporosis. It overall provides good heart condition, upon regular consumption.

As any good thing has its own demerits, so does the sprouts……always had a apprehension while handling whether there could be a ‘Salmonella’ or any deadly bacteria, certain strains of E.coli are very dangerous. When you indent to produce your own sprouts, make sure you clean the seeds properly. If the seeds had any soil, kindly forget the idea. Never try to produce with a stale seeds. Mix only clean(but not boiled or any) room temperature water for sprouting. Sterilize your sprouting aparatus. After 2-3 days….be very content with what you got and refrigerate them immediately. Leaving them over for prolonged period could bring a musty smelling, uninvited virus/bacteria to your salads!

A spoon of seeds could give you 10-15 spoons of sprouts, absolutely no hard work…..doest require sunshine, big pot,potling soil, fertilizer…..this was how my friend Tulsi lectured before making me to eat ‘Mung sprouts’ in the Hostel.

Well….this is my own invention recipe. I generally eat sprouts raw with lemon juice and salt for break fast. Since it is already rich in protein, vitamins and fibre….thought of making them wholesome, by pairing with white rice. It turned up great! Now it became my favourite meal!

Ingredients:

Long grain rice 1 cup
Alfalfa sprouts 1/4 cup
Ginger 2″ julienned
Jalapenos 1 large julienned
Salt
Lemon juice 1-2 fruits
Mustard seeds 1/4 spoon
Asafoetida 1/4 spoon
Cumin seeds 1 spoon
Olive oil few spoons.

Method:

Cook rice along with salt till tender. Then spread them in wide platter…..allow them to cool down to room temperature. Let all the rice get well separated and be little stiff.

In a pan, heat oil. Add mustard, asafoetida and cumin seeds. Wait till they pop up.

Now add ginger and chilies to…fry for few seconds and remove from heat.

Now run this seasonings over the rice. Mix well.

Then add chopped sprouts and lemon juice, mix well. Serve to go as a main dish!