Description
The Green Alkalising Superfood Capsules contain Wheatgrass, Barley Grass & Kelp.
The benefits may be as follows:
- Healthy metabolism
- High in antioxidants
- Vitamin A, B, C, K & Omega-3
- Zinc, Manganese, Calcium & Magnesium
- Raises bodies PH levels
- Regulates blood & sugar levels
DOSAGE
Take 2 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach (before breakfast). Do not exceed a daily dosage of 2 capsules per day.
- Disease-fighting abilities
- Inflammation and stress are considered risk factors for many chronic diseases. Including antioxidant-rich food in the diet may help prevent them. Kelp is high in antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids, which help fight against disease-causing free radicals.
- Antioxidant minerals, such as manganese and zinc, help combat oxidative stress and may help protect cardiovascular health and prevent cancer.
- Recent studies have explored the role of sea vegetables in estrogen-related and colon cancers, osteoarthritis, and other conditions. Results suggest that kelp may help slow the spread of colon and breast cancers.
- Weight loss claims
- Kelp is low in fat and calories.
- It also contains a natural fiber called alginate. Studies suggest that alginate may help stop the gut from absorbing fat.
- A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that alginate could help block lipase — an enzyme that digests fat — by up to 72 percent. Food manufacturers use alginates as thickening agents in weight-loss products, beverages, and ice cream.
- Kelp may also have the potential for diabetes and obesity, although research is still preliminary.
- A study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism found that a carotenoid compound in the chloroplasts of brown seaweed called fucoxanthin may promote weight loss in people with obesity when combined with pomegranate oil.
- Studies also suggest that brown seaweed may influence glycemic management and reduce blood glucose levels. This could benefit people with type 2 diabetes.
How to eat kelp
- Kelp is available in a variety of forms, and people can consume it as food or a supplement.
- If you’re not eating kelp, your gut is missing out
- When you think of seaweed, do you only imagine a sushi wrapper? Kelp, a large type of seaweed, is bursting with benefits that prove we should be eating it beyond that California roll. In fact, kelp is already in a ton of things we use on a daily basis — from toothpaste to ice cream.
- Kelp grows in shallow oceans (in areas called kelp forests) and can reach great heights — up to 250 feet, to be exact. There are about 30 different varieties of this ancient seaweed, the most common being giant kelp, bongo kelp, and kombu — which accounts for 21 percent of Japanese meals and is suggested as a reason for their above-average life span.
- Now we all have to recognize the many great health benefits of this mighty sea veggie, from its cancer-fighting properties to the role it plays in balancing hormones.
- These nutritious benefits will convince you to eat more kelp
Kelp isn’t only a nutrient-dense food that’s low in fat and calories. Some studies have suggested that kelp may also have a powerful effect on weight loss and obesity, although consistent findings are lacking. The natural fiber alginate found in kelp acts as a fat blocker, stopping the absorption of fat in the gut. Kelp is also a fantastic source of vitamins and nutrients, including:
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin A
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
But what this sea superfood really excels at is its iodine content. In fact, it’s one of the best natural sources of iodine there is, giving it superhero hormone-balancing capabilities.
The mineral iodine plays a crucial role in producing thyroid hormones, managing the metabolism, and aiding the female body in a healthy pregnancy. On the other hand, a deficiency in this vital mineral can play a part in diseases and disorders such as polycystic ovarian disease, prostate disorders, thyroid conditions, autoimmune diseases, and even diabetes. Since diet is the exclusive source of the human body’s iodine content, it’s important to pay attention to foods high in this mineral.
Research has also shown that kelp can possess powerful cancer-fighting capabilities, particularly against breast and colon cancer. Its high levels of antioxidants not only fight free radicals but can aid people with diabetes and act as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
What are the benefits of wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is the name of the young grass of a wheat plant. It is a thick, dry grass that looks like hay or straw but is bright green. It plays a role in natural and holistic medicine, and it may have some specific health benefits.
Farmers mainly grow wheatgrass for animals to eat, but it has become popular as a supplement and a superfood in recent years.
Wheatgrass comes from the family Triticum aestivum. People harvest it early in its development before it reaches full size. This is usually 7–10 days after sprouting.
Some people call wheatgrass green blood because it contains high levels of chlorophyll, which gives wheatgrass products an unusual green hue.
Wheatgrass contains few calories but is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and enzymes. One study indicated that it might have anticancer properties.
A 2018 study noted that the proteins and antioxidant agents in wheatgrass might help:
- Prevent diseases
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Boost the metabolism and storage of energy
- People can consume wheatgrass fresh or in various other ways, such as fresh or frozen juice, tablets, and powder.
- Benefits of wheatgrass
- Wheatgrass may have various benefits.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wheatgrass may have anticancer properties.
- Like many plant-based products, wheatgrass contains ingredients that act as antioxidants. These antioxidants may offer health benefits similar to many other plant-based foods.
- As the body carries out natural processes, it produces toxic byproducts. If the toxins remain in the body, oxidative stress can result. High levels of oxidative stress can lead to various health problems, including cancer. Antioxidants help the body to eliminate these toxins.
- Antioxidants help fight chronic inflammation, which occurs when the immune system reacts to an unwanted substance. When the body mistakenly reacts to something that is not a threat, some health issues may arise. Rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and psoriasis are all examples of autoimmune diseases.
- Examples of antioxidants include vitamins, such as A, C, and E.
- Cancer prevention and treatment
- Some scientists say that wheatgrass has a similar structure to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen around the body. For this reason, they argue, wheatgrass can boost the oxygen supply to the blood.
- It contains enzymes that have antioxidant properties that can help prevent oxidative damage to the DNA.
- In 2017, these scientists applied a wheatgrass preparation to mouth cancer cells (oral squamous cell cancer) in a lab. They found that the growth of cancer cells slowed down. They proposed that wheatgrass may one day form the basis of a drug to treat this type of mouth cancer.
- Other studies have reached similar conclusions. One 2015 study, for example, found that wheatgrass slowed the growth of colon cancer and caused some cancer cells to die.
- Authors of a 2015 mouse study concluded that wheatgrass might help defend the body against leukemia, especially in those who are at risk due to benzene exposure. The researchers believe that the flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds in the plant’s methanol content may help prevent leukemia from developing in bone marrow cells.
- Wheatgrass may also improve the effects of chemotherapy, according to a 2015 review. The researchers found evidence that when used alongside chemotherapy, wheatgrass may:
- Boost the effectiveness of treatment
- Reduce chemotherapy’s adverse effects
- Fighting infections
- Some 2015 research found that wheatgrass can kill or slow the growth of certain infections. This can be especially helpful in treating antibiotic-resistant infections, or people who are allergic to specific antibiotics.
- The researchers published the results of an experiment carried out in a test tube. The findings indicated that wheatgrass has antimicrobial properties that can fight:
- Certain types of streptococcal (strep) infections
- Some forms of lactobacillus bacteria
- Lactobacillus bacteria play a role in many infections, including dental infections.
- Treating gastrointestinal distress
- Practitioners of traditional medicine have long used wheatgrass to reduce stomach pain and manage minor gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea or digestive problems.
- Wheatgrass has a high fiber content, and fiber helps to keep the gut healthy.
- Authors of a 2014 review suggested that wheatgrass may help treat ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory condition that affects the large intestine. In a small study of 23 participants, some people consumed 100 milliliters (ml) of wheatgrass juice daily for a month while others took a placebo.
Compared with those who took the placebo, those who consumed wheatgrass juice experienced:
- Less disease activity
- Reduced rectal bleeding
- Learn more here about ulcerative colitis.
- Preventing and treating type 2 diabetes
- People have used wheatgrass as a traditional medicine to treat type 2 diabetes, and some scientists have found evidence that it may help.
- A 2016 study on rats, for example, found that wheatgrass raised insulin levels and helped lower blood glucose.
- Experts believe that inflammation plays a role in diabetes. By fighting inflammation, wheatgrass may also help people manage both diabetes and some of its complications.
- Obesity
- Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. Together with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health problems, they make up a condition that doctors call metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome usually starts with obesity. Scientists believe that inflammation plays a key role.
- A mouse study published in 2014 suggested that wheatgrass might help treat obesity. Mice who consumed wheatgrass extract gained less weight and had fewer obesity-related complications than those who did not.
- Other benefits
- Consuming wheatgrass may improve digestion, balance the immune system, and lower blood pressure.
- Wheatgrass might also benefit people with:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart disease
- Blood disorders, such as thalassemia
- Traditional medicinal uses of wheatgrass include:
- Improving digestion
- Lowering blood pressure
- Removing heavy metals from the bloodstream
- Balancing the immune system
- Relieving gout
- While evidence supports many of these uses, most researchers add that larger studies are needed before they can recommend wheatgrass as an effective treatment.
- Barley grass is rich in amino acids, which are important building blocks for proteins in the body. The nine essential amino acids barley grass provides help the body repair muscles, blood vessels, and even bone marrow.
Barley grass is also a good source of:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Antioxidants
The essential amino acids in barley grass are complete, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. Most plants do not provide all the essential amino acids that the human body needs. Barley grass can provide every amino acid, helping people who eat plant-based diets to get the nutrition they need.
How to Prepare Barley Grass
Barley grass is typically consumed as part of a juice because the texture can be unpleasant to eat. You can grow your own barley grass and juice it yourself, or you can buy barley grass extract as a powder. Barley grass juice can be found at juice bars, in health food stores, and even in some larger supermarkets around the country.
What Is Barley Grass?
- Barley grass is a common ingredient at juice shops and health stores, frequently appearing alongside other greens like kale, spinach, and wheatgrass.
- It’s often dubbed a superfood and used as a supplement to boost weight loss, enhance immune function, and support overall health.
- This article reviews the benefits, uses, and potential side effects of barley grass.
- Barley is a type of grain that’s considered the fourth most important cereal crop around the globe.
- Also known as barley leaves and barley greens, barley grass is the leaf of the barley plant. It has been studied extensively for its beneficial health effects and is often featured in green juices and supplements.
- Although fresh barley grass can be tricky to find, it’s available in other forms, including powders, juices, tablets, and gummies.
- It’s often combined with other ingredients in green blends, including kale, spirulina, and wheatgrass.
- Barley grass is the leaf of the barley plant, and it’s available in several forms, including powders, juices, tablets, and gummies.
Nutrients
- Barley grass is rich in a variety of important nutrients.
- Dried barley grass, in particular, is a great source of fiber, boasting nearly 3 grams per tablespoon (10 grams).
- Plus, each serving of barley grass contains a good amount of Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates immune function, cell growth, and vision.
- It’s also high in Vitamin C, which plays a central role in everything from skin health to wound healing to oral health.
- It provides Vitamin K as well, an essential micronutrient that’s needed for blood clotting, bone formation, heart health, and more
- Lastly, it’s rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and protect against chronic disease.
- Barley grass is a good source of many nutrients, including fiber, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Health benefits
- Barley grass has been associated with several potential health benefits.
- May balance blood sugar levels
- Some studies suggest that barley grass could help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- This may be thanks to its content of insoluble fiber, a type of fiber that doesn’t dissolve in water. It’s speculated that increasing your fiber intake could reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to use insulin effectively.
- Nevertheless, studies on the effects of barley grass specifically are limited, and many are outdated. More research is needed to determine how consuming this plant could affect your blood sugar levels.
May support heart health
- Adding barley grass to your diet is a great way to support heart health.
- According to one older study in 36 people with diabetes, taking 15 grams of barley leaf extract for 4 weeks decreased the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
- What’s more, in an older animal study, rabbits fed barley leaf essence experienced decreased levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, compared with a control group.
- Barley grass also contains compounds like saponarin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and tryptophan, all of which have been linked to decreased blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and improved heart health.
- However, most available research is outdated, and some studies have turned up conflicting results. Furthermore, many studies have used concentrated extracts of barley grass powder, which may not produce the same results as adding barley grass to your diet.
- Therefore, more high-quality studies should be conducted to better examine how consuming barley grass may affect heart health in humans.
May promote weight loss
- Although more research is needed, some human and animal studies suggest that barley grass may promote weight loss, improve blood sugar levels, and support heart health.
- Wheatgrass is gluten-free, even though it’s a wheat product. It’s harvested before the gluten-containing wheat seeds sprout.
- Eating whole grains, such as hulled barley, has been linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases and death. Hulled barley contains fiber and other plant chemicals that are beneficial for health.
- A Good Source of Nutrients
- Barley contains many important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. What’s more, it’s a good source of beta-glucan, a fiber that may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
May Benefit Blood Sugar Control
Studies have shown that eating barley may lower blood sugar and insulin levels. Additionally, it has a low glycemic index, making it a smart choice for people with high blood sugar.
May Improve Digestion
Barley is high in fiber, which is necessary for proper digestion. Studies have shown that eating barley can reduce constipation, improve symptoms of certain bowel conditions and increase the number of beneficial gut bacteria.
May Aid In Weight Loss
Since the human body cannot digest fiber, foods high in fiber add volume to your diet without increasing calories. This makes high-fiber foods useful for people trying to lose weight.
May Help Lower Cholesterol
- Barley may have other benefits for health, including weight loss and improvements in cholesterol levels.
- First, it’s a whole grain that, like wheat and rye, contains gluten. Therefore, it’s not an appropriate choice for anyone with celiac disease or other intolerances to wheat.
- Additionally, barley contains short-chain carbohydrates called fructans, which are a fermentable type of fiber. Fructans may cause gas and bloating in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive disorders.
- Therefore, if you have IBS or a sensitive digestive tract, you may want to avoid barley.
- Lastly, since barley has a strong effect on blood sugar levels, you may want to exercise caution while eating it if you have diabetes and are taking any blood-sugar-lowering medications or insulin.
- Whole grains, such as barley, are healthy additions to most diets. However, people with celiac disease or other intolerances to wheat should refrain from barley. Those who take blood-sugar-lowering medications should use caution.
Here are 9 evidence-based health benefits of barley.
- Rich in Many Beneficial Nutrients
Whole grain barley contains a range of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds. Soaking or sprouting your barley can improve the absorption of these nutrients.
- Reduces Hunger and May Help You Lose Weight
Barley contains soluble fiber, which reduces hunger and enhances feelings of fullness. It may even promote weight loss.
- Insoluble and Soluble Fiber Content Improves Digestion
Barley’s high fiber content helps food move through your gut and promotes a good balance of gut bacteria, both of which play important roles in digestion.
- May Prevent Gallstones and Reduce Your Risk of Gallbladder Surgery
The type of insoluble fiber found in barley may prevent the formation of gallstones, helping your gallbladder function normally and reducing your risk of surgery.
- Beta-Glucans May Help Lower Cholesterol
The type of insoluble fiber found in barley appears to reduce cholesterol levels by preventing its formation and increasing its excretion through the feces.
- May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Regularly adding barley to your diet may reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
- Magnesium and Soluble Fiber May Protect Against Diabetes
Whole-grain barley may help improve insulin production and reduce blood sugar levels, both of which may reduce the likelihood of type 2 diabetes.
- May Help Prevent Colon Cancer
A diet rich in whole grains is generally linked to a lower likelihood of many chronic diseases, including certain cancers — especially those of the colon.
Again, barley’s high fiber content plays a central role.
Its insoluble fiber specifically helps reduce the time food takes to clear your gut, which appears particularly protective against colon cancers. Additionally, soluble fiber may bind to harmful carcinogens in your gut, removing them from your body (34, 35).
Other compounds found in barley — including antioxidants, phytic acid, phenolic acids, and saponins — may further protect against cancer or slow its development.
That said, more human studies are needed before strong conclusions can be drawn.
Fiber and other beneficial compounds found in barley may fight off certain types of cancer, particularly those of the colon.
Barley is a very healthy grain. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds.
It’s also high in fiber, which is responsible for most of its health benefits, ranging from better digestion to reduced hunger and weight loss.
What’s more, making barley a regular ingredient in your diet may offer protection from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer.
To reap the most benefits, avoid processed, pearled barley and stick to whole-grain varieties like hulled barley or barley grits, flakes, and flour.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Wheatgrass
Popping up everywhere from juice bars to health food stores, wheatgrass is the latest ingredient to enter the limelight in the world of natural health.
Wheatgrass is prepared from the freshly sprouted leaves of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum.
It can be grown and prepared at home or purchased in juice, powder or supplement form.
Some claim it can do everything from detoxifying the liver to improving immune function. However, many of its purported benefits have not yet been proven or studied.
This article takes a closer look at 7 of the evidence-based benefits of drinking wheatgrass.
- High in Nutrients and Antioxidants
Wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll and many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Test-tube and animal studies have found that its antioxidant content may prevent oxidative stress and cell damage.
- May Reduce Cholesterol
Some animal studies have found that wheatgrass may help lower blood cholesterol levels, but human studies are needed.
- Could Help Kill Cancer Cells
Test-tube studies show that wheatgrass may help kill cancer cells and reduce cancer development. Also, one human study found that it may reduce complications of chemotherapy.
- May Aid in Blood Sugar Regulation
High blood sugar can cause a wide array of symptoms, including headaches, thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
Over time, high blood sugar can have serious consequences like nerve damage, skin infections, and vision problems.
Some animal studies have found that wheatgrass may help keep blood sugar levels under control.
- May Alleviate Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal response triggered by the immune system to protect the body against injury and infection.
However, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Some research shows that wheatgrass and its components may help reduce inflammation.
One small study of 23 people looked at the effects of wheatgrass juice on ulcerative colitis, a disease characterized by inflammation in the large intestine.
Drinking just under 1/2 cup (100 ml) of wheatgrass juice for one month reduced disease severity and rectal bleeding in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Wheatgrass is also rich in chlorophyll, a plant pigment with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. One test-tube study showed that chlorophyll inhibited the activity of a specific protein that triggers inflammation.
Furthermore, another test-tube study found that the compounds in chlorophyll reduced inflammation in cells extracted from the arteries.
Most research is focused on certain compounds in wheatgrass or the effects of wheatgrass on a particular condition. More studies are needed to measure its potential anti-inflammatory effects on the general population.
One study found that wheatgrass may help treat ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, test-tube studies have found that chlorophyll, a compound found in wheatgrass, may also decrease inflammation.
- Could Help Promote Weight Loss
Many people have started adding wheatgrass juice to their diet as a quick and convenient way to boost weight loss.
Wheatgrass and its components have been associated with many health benefits, including weight loss, decreased inflammation, lower cholesterol, and better blood sugar control.
Health benefits of microgreens
Microgreens are the seedlings of vegetables and herbs. They are an emerging type of specialty vegetable that people can buy from shops or grow at home from the seeds of vegetables, herbs, or grains. They include some wild species.
Scientists see microgreens as functional food, which means that they can provide key nutrients in a practical way. Some people call them a superfood.
People have long-grown mustard and cress on their kitchen window ledges and in classrooms. They are fun to grow, tasty to eat, and healthy. However, other types of sprouts and microgreens have recently become popular as health foods.
Microgreens can play a role in both sweet and savory dishes.
In addition to their nutritional value, they can add flavor, texture, and color to salads and sandwiches. People can also add them to smoothies or use them as garnish.
They are suitable for eating raw, which means that they retain their vitamin and mineral content.
In this article, we look at the benefits of microgreens, how to add them to the diet, how to grow them, and any potential health risks.
Microgreens can grow either in soil or hydroponically, but they need sunlight. People harvest them after 1–3 weeks, depending on the type.
People can grow microgreens from any herb or vegetable. The flavor will depend on the plant.
Popular microgreens include:
- Amaranth
- Basil
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Mustard
- Tatsoi
- Orach
- Borage
- Beet
- Parsley
- Pea
- Red pak choi
- Kohlrabi
- Swiss chard
- Rocket
- Possible health benefits
- Microgreens might offer several benefits as an addition to the diet.
- Rich in nutrients
- Many fresh plant products provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- These nutrients can help with:
- Preventing a range of diseases
- Managing weight
- Boosting both mental and physical health and well-being
- Microgreens can offer all of these benefits and possibly more.
- Kale is available as a microgreen as well as a regular vegetable. Find out why it is good for you.
- Antioxidant content
- Many plant-based foods are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vitamins and minerals play hundreds of roles in essential bodily processes.
- Antioxidants help the body eliminate unstable waste molecules known as free radicals.
- Free radicals result from both natural bodily processes and environmental pressures, such as pollution. As they build up, they can lead to cell damage. Eventually, this damage may contribute to the development of diseases, such as cancer.
- The body can remove some free radicals, but they can still accumulate. Antioxidants from foods can help remove more of them. Plant-based foods can provide antioxidants.
- There is evidence to suggest that microgreens have a high antioxidant content, which means that they may help prevent a range of diseases. The exact types of antioxidants will depend on the plant.
- Microgreens from the Brassica family, which include broccoli, contain high levels of Vitamin E, a phenolic antioxidant. Asteraceae microgreens, such as chicory and lettuce, appear to be high in Vitamin A, or carotenoid antioxidants.
- Details about using microgreens to treat or prevent specific diseases are not yet available, but scientists are looking into their possible benefits.
- Broccoli and its cousins — cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts — are healthful vegetable choices. Learn more about broccoli.
Specific groups
Some researchers have suggested that microgreens may be suitable for tailoring to provide additional nutrients to specific groups of people.
For example, one group of scientists produced chicory and lettuce microgreens with high levels of the nutrients that green, leafy vegetables usually contain but a lower potassium content. This nutrient profile, they said, could be useful for people with kidney disease.
Tailored microgreens could also be beneficial for people who follow a vegan, vegetarian, or raw food diet and for those who cannot access or consume fresh vegetables due to issues of availability, cost, or health.
Sustainability
There is a growing interest in sustainability, and microgreens could be a good way to provide city-dwelling families with locally produced seasonal vegetables at a low cost.
Microgreens are easy to grow at home in a confined space. A small outlay can provide a significant return in terms of bulk, variety, and nutrients.
As they take just a few weeks to grow, it is possible to have an ongoing source of microgreens. By rotating three crops, for example, people could have fresh microgreens every week. Hydroponically grown microgreens do not even need soil.
Experts have suggested that microgreens could even provide fresh and healthful food for astronauts.
Nutrition
The nutritional value of microgreens varies according to type, as with conventional vegetables.
However, there is also evidence that some may contain a higher concentration of many nutrients than their mature, fully-grown counterparts.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams (g) of kale microgreens provides only 29 calories.
Other research has indicated that Brassica microgreens, which include kale, may be an especially good source of antioxidant vitamins and the minerals potassium and calcium.
A 100 g serving of sunflower and basil microgreen mix will provide:
- 28 calories
- 2.2 g of protein
- 4.4 g of carbohydrate
- 2.2 g of fiber
- 88 milligrams (mg) of calcium
- 15.9 mg of iron
- 66 mg of magnesium
- 66 mg of phosphorus
- 298 mg of potassium
- 11 mg of sodium
- 0.7 mg of zinc
- 6.6 mg of Vitamin C
- 79.6 micrograms (mcg) of Vitamin A
- 66 mcg of folate
- The greens also contain selenium, manganese, and a range of B vitamins.
- The same size serving of sunflower and beet micrograms contains similar amounts of each nutrient but provides more iron, at 23.9 mg.
- A 2012 study looked at the nutrient content of 25 different microgreens. The researchers found the highest concentrations of four different vitamins and carotenoids in the following items:
- Red cabbage
- Green daikon radish
- Cilantro
- Garnet amaranth
- The key benefits of each microgreen varied. Red cabbage microgreens, for example, were rich in Vitamin C but low in Vitamin E. Green daikon radish microgreens were rich in Vitamin E but relatively low in lutein in comparison with cabbage, cilantro, and amaranth.
- Eating a variety of vegetables and microgreens will supply more of these helpful nutrients.
How to grow microgreens
Microgreens are relatively easy to grow on a small scale and can thrive indoors if sunlight is available.
People wishing to grow their own microgreens can follow these steps:
Scatter seeds over an inch of potting soil in a planter dish or tray and cover with another thin layer of soil.
Mist the soil with water and place it near a source of sunlight or a grow light.
Continue to mist the seeds daily to keep the soil moist.
The microgreens will be ready to harvest in 2–3 weeks. People should take care to cut their greens above the soil line and rinse them well before using them.
Dietary tips
As well as adding nutritional content, microgreens can boost color, enhance flavor, and add texture to any dish.
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