Health Benefits
of Sprouts
by Steve Meyerowitz
Sprouts have long been famous as "health food" but recent research
shows that in addition to being a superb source of nutrients, they also have
important curative ability. Sprouts like alfalfa, radish, broccoli, clover and
soybean contain concentrated amounts of phytochemicals (plant compounds) that
can protect us against disease.
Studies on canavanine, an amino acid analog in alfalfa, has demonstrated benefit
for pancreatic, colon and leukemia cancers. Plant estrogens are also abundant
in sprouts. They increase bone formation and density and prevent bone breakdown
or osteoporosis. They are also helpful in controlling hot flashes, menopause,
PMS and fibrocystic breasts tumors.
Alfalfa sprouts are one of our finest food sources of another compound, saponins.
Saponins lower the bad cholesterol and fat but not the good HDL fats. Animal
studies prove their benefit in arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Saponins also stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of natural
killer cells such as T- lymphocytes and interferon. The saponin content of alfalfa
sprouts multiplies 450% over that of the unsprouted seed.
Sprouts also contain an abundance of highly active antioxidants that prevent
DNA destruction and protect us from the ongoing effects of aging. It wouldn't
be inconceivable to find a fountain of youth here, after all, sprouts represent
the miracle of birth.