Sprouted wheat - a fashionable trend in the world of dietary supplements or an effective tool to maintain health at all times? It is called "living food" and is credited with many medicinal and cosmetic properties. Wheat grains were germinated and our ancestors still ate. And now the Hollywood celebrities have returned the fashion for this product. Why you need to include wheat sprouts in your daily diet and how to do this so as not to harm your health, you will learn further.
The composition of the germinated grains of wheat
Why exactly sprouts, and not just wheat grains? The grain contains potential life, i.e., under certain conditions, biochemical processes will start in it, which will give rise to a new life. Wheat grain itself contains many elements necessary for a person, but at the time of germination not only their quantity, but also the quality changes. In addition, according to traditional healers, such a product is as if charged with the energy of life, which is transmitted to the one who uses it.
In order not to be unfounded, we give specific numbers in the table (per 100 g of product).
| Vitamins mg | Minerals, mg | ||
| E | 21 | Phosphorus | 200 |
| PP | 3,087 | Potassium | 169 |
| B6 | 3 | Magnesium | 82 |
| C | 2.6 | Calcium | 70 |
| B1 | 2 | Sodium | 16 |
| B5 | 0.947 | Iron | 2.14 |
| B2 | 0.7 | Manganese | 1.86 |
| B9 | 0,038 | Zinc | 1.65 |
Sprouted wheat also includes:
- water - 47.75 g;
- dietary fiber (fiber) - 1.1 g.
Wheat sprouts are valued due to the content of vitamins, macro- and microelements. In the process of germination, the transformation of the elements in the grain occurs. Thanks to this, the product becomes just a storehouse of nutrients that are in it in optimal proportions.
Calorie content of sprouted wheat - 198 kcal. The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is 7.5: 1.3: 41.4 g.
To understand how rich the wheat germ is in its vitamin and mineral composition, compare them with popular products:
- Vitamin C in sprouts more than in orange juice, almost 2 times.
- Iron in sprouted wheat grains is almost as much as in beef.
- Fish contains 1.5 times less phosphorus than wheat germ.
Beneficial features
As we have already seen, germination increases the amount of nutrients, making the product very useful. The amount of proteins, fats and fiber increases by an average of 8%, but the amount of carbohydrates, on the contrary, decreases by 30%.
The organism weakened or old can feel the benefit of sprouted wheat very quickly. After all, the use of sprouts fills with energy and gives strength. To this end, the product will be useful to the elderly, people after surgery, manual workers, graduate students and students during the session. Wheat seedlings establish metabolic processes in the body, increase the efficiency and resistance of the body to diseases. Here is a short list of what germinated wheat is good for:
- body cleansing;
- normalization of the digestive tract;
- improved metabolism;
- prevention of vitamin deficiency and lack of minerals;
- normalization of weight;
- improving the appearance of skin, hair and nails;
- returns male and female health;
- interferes with inflammations and tumors;
- antioxidant effects on the body;
- restoration of vision.
This is not a complete list of the beneficial effects of sprouts, which are likely consequences. The reason lies in the complex effect of the product, hence the benefits of germinated wheat for the human body.
The B vitamins included in the sprouts normalize the nervous system. This is especially true for people prone to stress and frequent depression. The product will be useful for hypertensive patients due to its magnesium composition, which lowers blood pressure. And in general, the use of sprouts positively affects the work of the cardiovascular system.
Regular consumption of wheat germ is a good cancer prevention due to antioxidant properties. And even existing tumors can slow growth or resolve.
If you have no particular health problems, then you may be interested to find out how wheat germ is useful from a nutritional point of view:
- Sprouts contain more enzymes than vegetables and fruits. The functions of enzymes are extensive. They are necessary for the digestion and assimilation of food, the normal functioning of the brain, nutrition and restoration of cells.
- In the process of germination, the proteins contained in the grains of wheat are split into amino acids. Fats are converted to more beneficial fatty acids. Sugar is converted to maltose, which is easier to digest, therefore the product is recommended for diabetics.
- Sprouts are rich in fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The first promotes the elimination of bad cholesterol, and the second binds and removes toxins and toxins.
- Alkalization of the body is another useful property of wheat seedlings. This antioxidant property of the product helps prevent the development of cancer.
Wheat Sprouts for Weight Loss
The problem of excess weight worries many. The inclusion of wheat sprouts in the daily diet promotes weight loss, subject to the restriction of certain foods. To achieve a tangible effect, remove baking, fried and fatty foods, pastries from the diet.
As mentioned earlier, “living food” normalizes metabolism, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanses of accumulated toxins. The body in general becomes healthier, and therefore the weight returns to normal.
Contraindications
Sprouted wheat can cause harm if you purchase low-quality raw materials. Often the grain is treated with chemicals, or it can be infected with diseases that are transmitted by rodents during storage. Of course, such a grain cannot be eaten. For quality grains, head to the pharmacy or specialized department for healthy food in the supermarket.
For some diseases, it is contraindicated to consume germinated wheat grains. Before use, be sure to read the list of these diseases:
- stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
- gluten intolerance, or celiac disease;
- use with caution in chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Children under 12 years old should better abstain from sprouts.
The first few days after the start of the course, the body will get used to the new product. Therefore, some ailments are possible:
- dizziness;
- headache;
- nausea:
- diarrhea;
- gas formation.
If after 2-3 days the symptoms do not stop, then you need to stop taking the sprouts.
How to sprout wheat at home
You were inspired by the useful qualities of the product and you have no contraindications to its use? Then it's time to learn how to sprout wheat at home. Sprouted grain is prepared in several ways. The most popular option is:
- First you need to separate the good grains from the bad ones. Dark, not whole copies, do not hesitate to send them to the bin.
- Place the remaining grains in a large container and add water. Remove popped up grains too, as they have no value and will not germinate. Then rinse well under the tap, and at the end rinse with boiled water.
- Arrange the washed grains on a saucer, pour a little filtered water so that the top layer is not completely immersed in water. Try not to make a layer more than 2 cm.
- Top with gauze folded several times. You can cover with a plate, just leave a small hole for air.
- Put in a warm place for 1.5-2 days. During this time, make sure that the grains do not dry out and periodically add water.
- Sprouted wheat will be ready when white sprouts hatch. To get the maximum effect from the healing product, the sprouts should not exceed 2 mm.
Try not to pour a lot of water during germination. Grains should be in a warm, humid environment, but if there is too much water, they will begin to deteriorate or will not germinate. To avoid this, there is another way to make sprouted wheat:
- After you have sorted and washed the product, place it in a jar (half-liter or liter).
- Pour a little clean water into the jar and drain it so that the grains remain on the bottom and walls of the container.
- Place the jar with the neck on the saucer and place the entire structure in any place at room temperature (21-22 ° C).
With this method, wheat germination occurs more intensively, and there is no risk of rotting of the grains.
How to store sprouted wheat
To get all the benefits from the product, it is better to use it immediately when the sprouts are ready. During long-term storage, and even more so during heat treatment or freezing, all useful properties are lost. Therefore, it is recommended not to store sprouted wheat for food for more than a day. And for this period, place the grains in a container or jar with a lid and put in the refrigerator.
How to consume sprouts
You need to start introducing germinated wheat grains into the diet gradually. Start with 1 teaspoon per day, gradually increasing the amount. It is recommended to eat from 50 to 100 g of "live food" per day, dividing this amount into several parts.
The first appointment must be in the morning before breakfast or as breakfast. In this case, the body will receive nutrients and energy, which are enough for the whole day. In addition, the seedlings are considered quite difficult to digest food, so in the evening, and even more so at night, it is not recommended to eat them.
It is important to chew thoroughly and for a long time on the germinated wheat so that milk is released from the grains. This ensures that all beneficial substances are absorbed by the body. If you have problems with your teeth or you just can’t chew food for a long time, use a blender.
Sprouts can be used as an independent dish, and can be added to salads, cereals, smoothies. If they are dried and chopped, then from such flour you can cook cakes, pancakes and even bread. Just keep in mind that when heated above 40 ° C the product will lose most of its beneficial properties.
These are general recommendations, and how to use germinated wheat in various dishes, we will consider further:
- To prepare jelly, you need to pour the grains passed through the meat grinder with water. Put the mixture on fire, bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes. Leave to insist for half an hour, then strain.
- To prepare milk, sprouts are poured with filtered water in a ratio of 1: 4. Add dried fruits and nuts to taste and grind in a blender.
- Healthy cookies are made from seedlings, dried fruits and nuts. All ingredients need to be chopped in a meat grinder. From the resulting dough, form slightly flattened balls and put on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes at a temperature of 180 ° C.
To learn more about how to take sprouted wheat and how to combine it with other products, here are a few more recipes.
Sprouted Wheat Vegetable Salad Recipe
This vitamin salad is not only tasty and healthy, but also very nutritious. It is quite possible to replace lunch with it. To make a salad you will need:
- wheat germ - 2-3 tablespoons;
- cucumber - 2-3 pcs. medium size;
- bell pepper - 1-2 pcs.;
- avocado - 1 pc.;
- parsley - 1 bunch;
- lemon juice - 1 tablespoon;
- olive or other favorite oil, preferably unrefined - 1 tablespoon;
- salt to taste.
Cooking process:
- Cut the cucumber into circles, and then divide each circle into 4 parts.
- Dice the bell pepper.
- In a cup, combine chopped vegetables with wheat sprouts.
- Next, prepare the sauce. We clean and release the avocado from the bone.
- Put a little chopped avocado, herbs, lemon juice, oil and salt in a blender.
- Grind to a homogeneous consistency. Dress the salad.
Fruit Salad with Sprouts Recipe
This simple vitamin salad is great for breakfast. You will need:
- wheat seedlings - 1-2 tablespoons;
- apple - 1 pc.;
- prunes - 7-9 pcs.;
- water - 1 cup.
Prunes need to be soaked for several hours, preferably at night. In the morning, drain the water and remove the bones, if any. Cut prunes or chop in a blender. Grate the apple on a medium grater. Mix sprouts, apple and prunes in a cup. Ready salad can be sprinkled with lemon juice.
Reviews on the use of wheat seedlings
As they say, everything new is well forgotten old. This also applies to seed germination. Visitors to thematic forums in their reviews note that their mothers and grandmothers prepared seedlings at home and used as a source of vitamins.
Health-conscious housewives also liked juicy, sweetish seedlings. To feel a tangible healing effect, they are advised to consume sprouted grains for a long time and regularly. And some say that after a few days of taking, they feel a surge of strength and lightness in the stomach.
How to consume germinated wheat, each adherent of a healthy lifestyle decides for himself. Someone prefers to eat it just like that or sweeten it with a small amount of honey. Someone is preparing healthy cocktails or salads. But no matter what method you choose, the main thing is to benefit and enjoy the process.
Yes, you have to tinker with it to sprout wheat at home. And how germinated grains will affect health and appearance, it will be possible to find out only after a few weeks of admission. Indeed, unlike synthetic vitamin complexes, natural remedies always last longer, but more efficiently. And from them there are no side effects.
If you are looking for a way to strengthen your body, try sprouting wheat or other grains. Perhaps this budget tool will help solve your health problems.