Let’s first define what “sprouting” actually means: “Sprouting is a natural process by which seeds (think beans, lentils, wheat grains, etc) germinate and put out shoots” [See Wikipedia].
Science shows that sprouting seeds has many health benefits.
Here are a few of those benefits explained:
- Improved digestibility:
Through the sprouting process, long-chain sugars (oligosaccharides) contained in seeds are pre-cut into smaller sugar chunks. This greatly aids with digestibility and reduces bloating. - Increased mineral absorption:
Through the sprouting process, many minerals contained in seeds become much more available for absorption. This is especially important for the minerals iron and zinc which are critical for children.
Alert – We’re about to get scientific. All seeds contain varying concentrations of phytates – which are formed when phytic acid binds to minerals and so “locks” them in. Through methods such as sprouting and prolonged cooking, phytates get broken down and “release” minerals which makes them more available for absorption in the intestines. - Increased protein absorption: just like the long-chain sugars, the proteins found in seeds are also broken down into smaller chunk amino acids which are easier to absorb, especially by children.
Why is this important? Because infants and toddlers have about 50% higher protein requirements per kilogram of body weight than adults. Sprouting seeds may help meet those needs.
There are a few more reasons why sprouting seeds is beneficial, such as an increase in vitamins (especially the B-group vitamins) and the ability to eat sprouts raw (for older kids and adults, NOT toddlers or infants!), etc.
At Sprout, we sprout ALL our beans and lentils to maximize the nutrients in each meal.
This is a 3-day process that no other kids food delivery business offers.
TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT: WE ARE GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND TO GET YOUR CHILD THE NUTRIENTS THEY NEED.
We are obsessed with nutrition and won’t leave a stone unturned until we find ways to make things better for your child. When we say “nutrient-dense” we are not just throwing out words, we have checked the facts. Everything we say is backed by science and US Board Certified Dietitians.
