5 Reasons To Add Sunflower Sprouts To Your Diet

You may have heard about the health benefits of sunflower seeds, but did you know their sprouts are packed with protein, vitamins and antioxidants? One of the best ways to enjoy the nutrition of a sunflower is by eating its sprouts!

1. Boost your fertility with sunflower seeds and sprouts: Both sunflower seeds and their sprouts contain high amounts of zinc. Zinc is a well-researched mineral that is essential for the development of sperm, which is why it is especially important for men.

2. Sunflower sprouts are high in B vitamins, especially folate: Folate (or folic acid) is a necessary B vitamin for pregnant women, needed to ensure proper development of the baby’s nervous system. The combination of B vitamins also assists in the mother’s circulation as well as aids in stress relief.

3. Boost your antioxidant capacity with sunflower sprouts: Both sunflower seeds and their sprouts contain high amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin C and selenium to reduce blood pressure, increase the elasticity of arteries and prevent heart disease.

4. The sunflower sprout is a natural expectorant for chest congestion: In Ayurvedic medicine, these sprouts are thought to have the ability to encourage clearance of the lungs. Natural expectorants may also be used as a preventative measure against lower respiratory infections to deter the invasion of pathogens.

5. Sunflower seed sprouts are a great vegetarian source of protein: Protein is well known for its ability to repair muscle tissue and aid in enzymatic functions in the body. But protein is also important in bone development and the prevention of osteoporosis, as it acts as the fundamental framework for the development of the bone matrix and continues to support bone strength throughout life.

Give them a try! Their sweet taste and hearty texture make a great addition to any sandwich or salad.

Make a Sprout To Life Shake!
Sprouts are a live food, which makes many nutrients more available for digestion and assimilation. Sunflower seed sprouts are rich in B vitamins and essential amino acids — precisely the nutrients your adrenal glands need to work at their optimum. Cleansing your tissues is more important for stress reduction than many people realize. If your cells are struggling to function because they are full of toxins, then you will be less resilient to stress, be it psychological, physical, or environmental.

Ingredients:
2 cups filtered water
1 cup unfiltered apple juice
1 cup fresh pineapple, sliced
1 cup sunflower seed sprouts
2 tbsp hemp hearts or sunflower seeds
1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions:
Add all ingredients to a blender, and mix until desired consistency is reached.
Makes 4 cups

*Delivered fresh weekly, and found in our produce departments, sunflower sprouts add life (and a little crunch) to your meals!