Sprouted grains, unlike processed grains, are extremely nutritious and provide a valuable part of any healthy diet. The health benefits of wheat, rice, and other grains are entirely dependent on how they are eaten.
Refined, processed grains are stripped of most of their nutrients. This is done in order to preserve the grain for a longer period of time. When making white flour, over half of the vitamins B1, B2, B3, E, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, and fiber are lost. Eating refined grains has negative health effects, and they can directly contribute to problems such as obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, hyperglycemia, and diabetes.
When grains, seeds and nuts are germinated, their nutritional content changes and, as they are generally not cooked, they retain their natural plant enzymes. These enzymes are beneficial for helping the digestion of the seeds and nuts in the digestive tract. As well as retaining the enzymes, they also retain the nutrients that would otherwise be destroyed by cooking. Sprouted grains, seeds and nuts also encourage the growth of good bacteria, help to keep the colon clean, and are high in protective antioxidants.
Sprouts, as well as being very digestible, are a good source of fiber and protein, and are high in vitamins and minerals. As an example, sunflower sprouts are high in vitamins A and C. Most seeds are high in phosphorus, which is important for alertness, increased mental abilities, and healthy bones and teeth. In its cooked form, wheat can cause mucus congestion, allergic reactions and constipation. In its sprouted form, the starch is converted to simple sugars, meaning that many wheat intolerant people are able to eat sprouted wheat bread without any problems.
Sprouted grain breads are significantly higher in protein, vitamins and enzymes, and the complex starches are converted into natural sugars. They are also low GI, so they are digested more slowly by the body, keeping the blood sugar levels stable longer, making people feel more satisfied. This leads to less snacking. It is interesting to note that the more highly processed a food is, the higher GI. A loaf of white bread is significantly higher GI than a loaf of sprouted grain bread.
Enjoy all of Julian Bakery’s sprouted grain breads for a healthier, more nutritious diet.
Enjoy, Samantha
http://www.julianbakery.com
