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your body and
your planet
BROCCOLI SPROUTS
Why broccoli sprouts are good for your health.
Scientific Studies have reported that an antioxidant found in broccoli sprouts called sulfurophane glucosinolate (SGS) is a factor in preventing many diseases, including several types of cancer, heart disease, macular degeneration, stomach ulcer and may also help reduce cholesterol levels.
Anti-Cancer- Studies have shown SGS has inhibited the growth of mammary, prostate and colon cancer cells and can kill cells with potential cancer causing mutations.
Heart Protection- SGS lowers the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke by raising the inflammatory capacity of cells.
Kills Helicobacter Pylori- SGS kills the bacteria that causes gastritis and stomach ulcers and can lead to stomach cancer.
Lowers Cholesterol- Eating 3 1/2 ounces of sprouts per day can significantly lower cholesterol (that's a lot of sprouts, almost 2 cups worth).
Can I get the same health protection from eating cooked broccoli?
According to research from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, broccoli sprouts grown for 3 days from seeds contain 20 - 50 times the concentration of SGS than mature cooked broccoli. That means you would need to eat at least 20 ounces (a pound and a quarter) of cooked broccoli to get the same amount of protection as eating just one ounce of broccoli sprouts.
How do I grow broccoli sprouts?
Broccoli sprouts are easy to grow. Your seeds will become sprouts in less than a week. Each tablespoon of seeds will provide about a cup of sprouts. Sprouts will keep 2 - 4 weeks in the refrigerator. First, rinse the seeds and place them in a bowl covered with cool water and let soak overnight or for 6 - 10 hours. Rinse the soaked seeds and place them in your sprouter. We like to use our organic hemp sprouting bag. Rinse and drain the seeds at least twice a day. After a few days you will notice tiny yellow leaves. To green the leaves place your sprouts in the light but not direct sun. We roll down the sides of our sprout bag to expose the sprouts to light. After the leaves are green (one day usually), place your sprouts in a large bowl and fill with cool water. Agitate the water to loosen the seed hulls from the sprout. They will float to the top. Remove as many of the seed hulls as possible. Drain the sprouts and let them dry completely. Put your sprouts in a covered container and refrigerate. Add them to every sandwich and salad.
