Have you ever heard of sprouts? Have you ever consumed them?A few months ago, while travelling around Italy, I had the chance to visit stores and get an idea of the availability of certain products that I could eventually recommend to those living in Italy.Among the many things, I also found a great granola for breakfast—made with sprouted seeds—and I immediately wanted to try it.But what are sprouted seeds? What are their benefits?Sprouted Seeds: Do You Know Its Properties?It is a superfood with an excellent nutritional profile.These are seeds of different types (soy sprouts, various cereals, legumes, etc.). Personally, I tried these from a gluten-free line, made with buckwheat, dried fruit, and coconut flakes—an excellent mix of plant-based proteins and healthy fats!They are not chemically treated with pesticides or other substances, and you can even make them at home using jars and sprouting the seeds you like most: buckwheat, lentils, flax seeds, rice, barley, etc. (not treated beforehand or hulled).How to Prepare Them?Why Should You Consume Them?So there are no excuses not to try them! 🙂 If you want to buy them ready-made, you can find them at NaturaSi or other organic stores, Esselunga, or online.
Have you ever heard of sprouts? Have you ever consumed them?
A few months ago, while travelling around Italy, I had the chance to visit stores and get an idea of the availability of certain products that I could eventually recommend to those living in Italy.
Among the many things, I also found a great granola for breakfast—made with sprouted seeds—and I immediately wanted to try it.
But what are sprouted seeds? What are their benefits?
Sprouted Seeds: Do You Know Its Properties?
It is a superfood with an excellent nutritional profile.
These are seeds of different types (soy sprouts, various cereals, legumes, etc.). Personally, I tried these from a gluten-free line, made with buckwheat, dried fruit, and coconut flakes—an excellent mix of plant-based proteins and healthy fats!
They are not chemically treated with pesticides or other substances, and you can even make them at home using jars and sprouting the seeds you like most: buckwheat, lentils, flax seeds, rice, barley, etc. (not treated beforehand or hulled).
How to Prepare Them?
- Put the seeds in a glass jar (at least 1/4 of the volume) – they will double in size!
- Soak them for a variable amount of time (from 5 to 12 hours, depending on the seed).
- Cover with 1/3 water and a lid (preferably perforated)/strainer.
- Let them rest in a clean and dry environment overnight.
- The next morning, rinse and drain them, turning them on one side of the jar (repeat this procedure at least 2/3 times a day, for about 3 days) – this is enough time for germination.
Note: It is important to rinse and drain well to maintain the proper humidity.
Why Should You Consume Them?
- The seeds contain a higher amount of minerals and vitamins than the original seeds you use.
- They are more digestible, thanks to the naturally present enzymes.
- They are alkalizing for the body, especially if you are particularly inflamed or acidic.
- An excellent source of fibre and plant-based proteins.
- A natural source of antioxidants, known for their significant health benefits, especially in counteracting free radicals.
- Easy to produce at home without needing a sprouter, making them cheaper.
- Great for almost everyone, including those undergoing assisted reproduction.
So there are no excuses not to try them! 🙂 If you want to buy them ready-made, you can find them at NaturaSi or other organic stores, Esselunga, or online.
Dr. Giovanna Maraula
Functional Nutritionist and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner.
From battling my own health struggles to regaining balance through science and nutrition, my journey led me to create a method that’s transforming lives—naturally.
