THE HISTORY OF SPROUTED GRAINS
People have eaten grains for thousands of years and thrived. So why is it that lately grains have become a demon in the health world?
Some believe it is because grains pack a caloric punch and with our sedentary lives we just can’t burn off all of that excess energy. But the list of faults attributed to grains goes far beyond “fattening”.
Many believe that current agricultural practices do not allow for the grain to sprout in the field as it might have historically. We now use large gas-powered machines to combine our grain crops. And, because we ship these grains all over the world instead of using them just for our community, these crops have to be harvested while they are dry (before a rain) so that they will store well.
THE BENEFITS OF SPROUTING GRAINS
What differentiates sprouted grains from dried grains? There are a few key actions that occur when sprouting takes place:
Enzymes Are Activated
All seeds contain enzymes and enzyme inhibitors. When sprouted, grains release their enzymes, the enzyme inhibitors are neutralized. This once dormant seed has now sprung into plant life.
Antinutrients Are Neutralized
Phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors are a plant's natural defense against degradation. When sprouted, grains are given the signal to neutralize these substances that can be hard on the human body.
Vitamins Are Increased
Sprouting is said to change the way our bodies read the consumption of grain into the consumption of a plant. In the sprouting process, the vitamin content is increased as well.
Carbohydrates are Reduced
When a seed or grain is sprouted it begins taking energy from the seed and using it to create the plant life of the sprout, which means that a bit of the macronutrient counts, like carbohydrates, are changed.
HOW TO SPROUT GRAINS
Sprouting is so simple, simpler than planting a garden. Seeds are placed in the ground and require only moisture and warmth to sprout.
In much the same manner, grains can be sprouted in the kitchen. There is a wide variety of sprouting containers available, though a simple jar and cover works fine for most grains or seeds.
While there are some steps specific to sprouting each type of grain, the basics of sprouting are the same. Look for individual grain sprouting instructions or choose one of the following sprouting methods:
WAYS TO USE SPROUTED GRAINS
- Add to salads, soups, bread, and other recipes.
- Transfer to soil and grow grass for juicing.
- Dehydrate and grind into flour for sourdough baking.
- Make sprouted breakfast cereal or porridge.
