Introduction
Microgreens are a type of edible vegetable that are harvested when they are still young and tender. They are packed with nutrients and have a variety of health benefits. Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular as a health food due to their high nutrient content and versatility. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and more. In this article, we will discuss the amazing benefits of eating microgreens and how they can help improve your overall health.
Amazing Benefits of Eating Microgreens
Microgreens are a type of vegetable that are harvested when they are still young and tender. They are packed with nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the amazing benefits of eating microgreens.
High Nutrient Content
Microgreens are incredibly nutrient-dense. They contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. Studies have shown that microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. This makes them an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Rich in Antioxidants
Microgreens are also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radical damage, which can lead to a variety of health issues. Eating microgreens can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Low in Calories
Microgreens are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight. They are also high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer. This makes them a great addition to any weight loss plan.
Versatile
Microgreens are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be added to salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. They can also be used as a garnish or as a topping for dishes. This makes them a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal.
Easy to Grow
Microgreens are easy to grow and require minimal effort. They can be grown indoors or outdoors and can be harvested in as little as two weeks. This makes them a great choice for those looking to add fresh, nutrient-dense greens to their diet.
Conclusion
Microgreens are an excellent source of nutrition and offer a variety of health benefits. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, and are low in calories. They are also incredibly versatile and easy to grow. Eating microgreens can help you get the nutrition you need to stay healthy and fit.
Microgreens have been around for quite some time, but they’ve just recently started gaining more popularity as flavor-filled salad toppers or a yummy addition to your favorite avocado toast. And although many people mistake microgreens for sprouts, they’re actually not the same at all.
According to Healthline, microgreens are more developed than sprouts but not quite a baby green. These greens are harvested as soon as they start to grow their leaves, which is usually anywhere from seven to 21 days after the seeds are germinated.
Many different types of seeds can yield microgreens, with some of the most popular ones being from the seeds of radishes, broccoli, arugula, and even sunflowers.
These tiny greens not only pack a punch of flavor, but they come with a ton of health benefits, too. While the specific benefits often vary based on the type of seed the microgreen originates from, a recent report from the Journal of Future Foods found that microgreens can have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-bacterial properties to them.
More research is being done on microgreen nutrition as it continues to grow in popularity, but read on to learn what dietitians and researchers have to say about this nutrient-dense food. Then for more healthy eating tips, check out Major Effects Bananas Have on Your Health.
According to Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and member of our Medical Expert Board, a major benefit of eating more microgreens is their high levels of antioxidants.
“Microgreens contain antioxidants, which help fight disease and sickness by protecting your cells,” says Goodson, “and research suggests that they actually have more of the antioxidant polyphenols than most mature greens.”
This often depends on the type of seed, too. According to Frontiers in Nutrition, broccoli microgreens have higher levels of many antioxidants and minerals than their adult counterparts.
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Goodson adds that many types of microgreens come loaded with potassium, which can help meet your recommended daily amounts.
“One cup of microgreens provides 10-11% of your dietary potassium needs, making them an official ‘good source’ of potassium,” says Goodson. “In fact, most Americans don’t get enough potassium at all, so adding a cup of microgreens to a salad or omelet can be a great way to boost your intake.”
All vegetables contain certain levels of prebiotics, which are types of fibers that are essential for your gut health. According to Morgyn Clair, MS, RDN, author at Fit Healthy Momma, this is another great reason to add microgreens to your diet.
“There are high levels of prebiotics in many types of microgreens, which help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut,” says Clair, “and the best way to ensure high levels of these nutrients is to eat them raw as a meal topper or salad additive.”
Many plants contain natural pigments that not only give them their fun, vibrant colors, but also provide a handful of health benefits. For example, carotenoids are what give veggies like carrots or bell peppers their orange and red coloring, and have been known to aid in eye health, cardiovascular health, and even helping to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
According to a report in Foods, microgreens contain high levels of pigments like carotenoids, as well as other common plant pigments like chlorophyll and anthocyanin, all of which contain helpful benefits.
While microgreens are mainly beneficial to our overall health, there is one thing that researchers want us to be aware of. According to the Foods report, some microgreens have been found to have trace metals and potentially high amounts of nitrate in them.
The report states that the reasoning behind this has to do with the growing sites of many microgreens, like weeded farmlands, the bordered areas of roads or paths, and other areas with heavier human traffic, which often contain soil that is higher in nitrates.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid microgreens altogether, but it’s a necessary risk to be aware of.