Seedlings
Seedlings are the young shoots of plants or the germinated seeds of young plants. Most sprouts can be eaten. They are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Things to know about seedlings
Seedlings are also referred to as sprouts, sprouts or sprout vegetables. The germ is contained in the seed as a germ for the later plant. In a figurative sense, the germ could be called the embryo of the plant. The germ contains the roots, the stem and the precursors of the cotyledons.
In addition to the germ, the seed grain also contains the endosperm. It contains all the nutrients that the germ needs for its development. The young seedling that breaks out of the seed is called a seedling. The seedling consists of the young roots and the aerial parts of the plant. Edible seedlings can be grown from many different types of plants.
The seedlings of amaranth, fenugreek , peas , chickpeas , pumpkin , lentils , linseed , quinoa , rocket , radish , sesame , mustard, sunflower, wheat or barley are tasty and nutritious . Solanum seeds should not be used to germinate. They contain solanine, which is toxic to humans, and accordingly produce toxic seedlings.
importance to health
Seedlings are vital food. They are freshly harvested and land directly on the plate. The little plants are rich in bioavailable minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. The enzymes it contains support digestion, activate the metabolism and promote energy production in the cells.
Broccoli seedlings are particularly healthy . They contain the secondary plant substance sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has a strong antioxidant effect. The secondary plant substance activates the so-called phase II detoxification enzymes. These enzymes can neutralize carcinogenic free radicals and thus prevent cell damage.
However, sulforaphane is not only indirectly but also directly active in the fight against cancer . The substance destroys the microtubules of the cancer cells and thus prevents the cell division of the degenerated cells. Studies show that sulforaphane promotes apoptosis of malignant skin cells in melanoma. An inhibitory effect on the development of prostate cancer could be proven in a large nutritional study.
Studies have also shown that sulforaphane from broccoli seedlings is effective against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is considered to be the cause of chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa , stomach ulcers and stomach cancer .
The high chlorophyll content of the seedlings has an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effect. In certain doses, chlorophyll also has a regulating effect on blood sugar and promotes blood formation.
Ingredients & nutritional values
Seedlings are rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. In addition, the small plant seedlings are low in calories. The seedlings contain vitamin A, numerous vitamins from the B group, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
Depending on the variety, different digestive essential oils and pungent substances are included. Many seedlings also contain mustard oils. The shells of the seeds contain fiber that can stimulate digestion.
intolerances
Harmful components of the seeds such as phytine are slowly broken down during germination. The toxic protein phasin, which is contained in some legumes, on the other hand, only decomposes when cooked. Seedlings from legumes should therefore be blanched briefly before consumption. Otherwise seedlings are generally well tolerated. Allergic reactions after consumption only occur in extremely rare cases.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Seedlings can easily be grown at home. When buying the seeds, care should be taken to ensure that the seeds are suitable for raising seedlings. Seeds intended for field sowing are usually chemically treated and should not be used.
Warm window sills are suitable as a location for growing seedling. However, the seedlings should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The seeds need to be watered several times a day. This is important to prevent bacterial and mold growth . After seven to eight days, the small plant shoots can then be harvested.
Mung bean and sunflower seedlings or grain seedlings can be harvested and eaten after just 24 hours. A high proportion of greens and leaves is desirable when harvesting. The harvested seedlings can be stored in the refrigerator for a week. They should be rinsed thoroughly before consumption. Since the seedlings lose nutrients during storage, they should be eaten as soon as possible after harvest.
preparation tips
Seedlings can be used in many different ways. They can be eaten straight after harvest. They also taste very good as a topping on quark or butter . The sprouts can be made into a sprouts salad with a simple dressing or mixed into another salad.
Blanched in vegetable broth, the seedlings quickly become a soup. The sprouts can also be mixed with fruits or vegetables to make a green smoothie. Steamed, the seedlings are suitable as an accompaniment to meat or fish. Sprouts can also be juiced. Mixed with other juices, they provide a particularly large number of nutrients in this concentrated form.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.