Benefits of Microgreens
Let’s get to the good stuff right away – the most important thing about microgreens is that they offer a high concentration of vitamins and minerals due to their short growth cycle. A serving size of around 2 tablespoons contains as much as 9 times the nutritional value of a mature plant or a full-grown vegetable.
Some of the most important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in microgreens include lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and sulforaphane – all of which contribute towards a healthy immune system and help fight against chronic disease.
They are also rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper . The exact nutritional profile varies from one particular microgreen to the other.
Health Benefits Of Microgreens
Eating vegetables in general is good for your health. However, microgreens pack an extra punch because they contain more concentration of beneficial nutrients. Although the number of studies directly measuring the effect of microgreens on certain medical conditions is limited, and none could be found in humans, knowing their nutritional content can help draw specific conclusions about the potential of microgreens. They provide a number of possible health benefits, including:
Protection From Heart Disease
Microgreens are a rich source of polyphenols, a group of powerful plant compounds that help fight high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity
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Protection From Cancer
The high concentration of sulforaphane contained in microgreens has the potential to protect cells from oxidative damage which is one key contributor to cancer. In addition to this, microgreens also contain large amounts of carotenoids – another group of antioxidants which may help fight against cancer
On top of this, the high levels of calcium and magnesium found in microgreens help keep bones strong, possibly reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Slows Aging Processes
Over time, free radicals cause damage to the cells in our body which can lead to premature aging. As mentioned above, microgreens are packed full of antioxidants which help fight free radicals, thus possibly slowing down the aging process.
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Protects from Alzheimer’s Disease
The high levels of vitamin B, folate and choline in microgreens are believed to help slow down cognitive decline (especially when combined with regular exercise).This makes them perfect for elderly people who want to fight back against Alzheimer’s disease.
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Improve Digestion
As green leafy vegetables contain high amounts of fiber, they also help keep your digestive system healthy and working properly. This in turn helps prevent bloating, constipation and other related problems.
Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties in microgreens could help relieve symptoms of constipation, diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
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Saves Eyesight
Eating microgreens that are rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids may help reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Prevents Anemia
The iron content in microgreens is a great way to help prevent anemia, especially the type caused by iron deficiency.
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Boosts Energy
Microgreens are a great source of antioxidants, B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids which fight stress and help the body turn food into usable energy .
Reduces PMS Symptoms
The high levels of calcium and magnesium in microgreens might help manage the symptoms of hormonal fluctuations that come with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
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Improves Skin & Hair Health
By eating a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, you can potentially improve your skin health and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Microgreens can help you increase your intake of these beneficial nutrients.
Promotes Weight Loss
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Though not proven (yet), it’s said that eating microgreens helps promote weight loss because they make you feel fuller for longer. The same can be said of all vegetables, fruits, and other high fiber foods such as whole grains and legumes.