Sprouted wheat for weight loss: benefits and harms, recipes

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Sprouted grains - what is their magical power?

Sprouted grains are another superfood that will be discussed in this article.

Sprouted grains became popular when healthy eating became fashionable. Their nutritional value is significantly higher than that of processed products. They contain most of the nutrients. These include vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. During grain processing, most of them are lost, remaining in the bran.

Nutritionists advise including them in your diet every day and it is better to do this in the morning for more efficient functioning of the body.

Sprouted grains are considered one of the healthiest types of food. They are easily digestible and combine well with other products. They contain a large amount of biologically active substances necessary for the smooth functioning of the body.

As a rule, they are eaten raw and are not stored for a long time.

Sprouted sprouts of cereals are a storehouse of vitamins and a real elixir of youth, health and longevity.

Sprouted grains have a beneficial effect on performance. Their benefits for skin and hair are undeniable. They also minimize adverse environmental consequences. Prevents the formation of cancer.

They are also a source of fiber, necessary for normal intestinal function.

Fiber is food components processed by beneficial intestinal microflora.
Source Wikipedia

Sprouted shoots of cereal crops are a gift from nature; they give a person health. Their exceptional value lies in the fact that they are “living food”.
They carry great energy potential. When they are eaten, the body receives a powerful boost of energy.

The enzymes they contain break down the reserve proteins, fats and carbohydrates of the seeds, helping the body to absorb them, while saving its internal strength.

Regular consumption of sprouts helps:

Improving immunity;
Speedy metabolism;
Normalization of acid-base balance;
Cleansing the body of toxins;
Effective digestion;
Weight loss.

They are recommended to be used in the following cases:

With vitamin deficiency;
Intestinal problems;
Sleep disorders;
For colds.

Sprouted grains are especially useful for older people, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those under great physical and mental stress.

The most useful are seedlings that are 2 days old and 0.5 cm high.

Interesting Facts

Sprouted wheat is a natural supplement with a balanced composition that ensures maximum absorption of the product. Thus, the body immediately receives material that is ready for absorption. It does not need to break down mineral compounds, vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, since they are already in an easily digestible form. While pharmaceutical drugs burden the body, requiring the breakdown of synthetic material.

At the moment of germination, protein substances concentrated in grains break down into amino acids, and subsequently into nucleotides. In this case, starch becomes maltose, and fats are transformed into valuable fatty acids. All components that are not assimilated by the human body are re-cleaved into bases from which nucleic acids are built, which serve as material for genes. Together with these transformations, mineral compounds, vitamins, and enzymes are actively synthesized.

Interestingly, sprouting increases the amount of nutrients in grains, increasing the nutritional value of the product [2]. Thus, the fat content increases from 2.2% to 10%, protein - from 20% to 26%, fiber from 10% to 17%. At the same time, the level of carbohydrates decreases from 64% to 34%. In addition to fortifying the body, regularly eating cereal increases free energy.

Eight reasons why to eat sprouted grains:

In terms of enzyme content, cereal is 100 times superior to fresh vegetables and fruits. These compounds are protein catalyst molecules that accelerate body functions. By consuming more essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids from sprouts, the body will begin to work much more efficiently.
As wheat grains germinate, the quality of their protein increases. In particular, this concerns the amino acid lysine, which is necessary to maintain a healthy immune system and prevent the appearance of herpes.
The amount of fiber increases. Dietary fiber helps break down fat, removes toxins and fats from the body, and promotes weight loss.
The content of essential fatty acids in the cereal composition increases.
The content of vitamins B, C, E increases.
The absorption of mineral compounds is improved, since they are in an easily digestible form.
The amount of energy reserves contained in sprouted cereal grains increases.
Wheat sprouts alkalize the body, binding excess acid, which in 80% of cases leads to the development of diseases, in particular cancer.

Cereal grains are a common, cheap and very healthy product. They can be sprouted at home and be sure that they do not contain harmful additives or pesticides.

What crops are suitable for germination?

You can germinate oilseeds, grains, and legumes.

For germination it is recommended to use:

Rye and wheat. Their sprouts improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Prevent aging, improve hair and nail health;
Pumpkin - its sprouts are beneficial for the reproductive and genitourinary systems;
Sesame – its sprouts enrich the body with calcium, necessary for strengthening bones;
Soy - its sprouts have a sedative effect;
Sunflower - its sprouts prevent aging of the body, have a beneficial effect on the organs of vision, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract;
Buckwheat – its sprouts are useful for anemia, cleanse blood vessels.

Doctor says

Anastasia Mertsalova

The combined opinion of doctors on this issue

Young sprouts contain proteins and antioxidants, and a large amount of chlorophyll. It is considered an internal deodorant: it kills unpleasant body odors and fungi, improves blood counts and has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole.

But, despite all the beneficial properties of sprouted seeds, they cannot completely replace fresh vegetables and fruits. Nutrition should be balanced and varied.

What is included in sprouted grains?

Their composition is unusually rich in useful substances.

They contain large quantities of vitamin E, which the body needs for the normal functioning of the liver, nerve cells, and reproductive system;
B vitamins normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, muscles, and organs of vision;
Fiber regulates intestinal function and removes toxins from the body;
Potassium maintains acid-base balance, strengthens the heart muscle;
Chromium and lithium serve to prevent nervous exhaustion;
Iron is needed by red blood cells.

After germination of grains, the content of vitamin E in them increases 3 times, vitamin C and B – 5 times, folic acid – 4 times.

50 g of wheat germ contains as much vitamin C as is contained in 6 glasses of orange juice.

Application in cosmetology

Wheat germ is used to make regenerating masks for dry and aging skin, as well as strengthening compositions for hair. To prepare homemade beauty recipes, freshly hatched grains with sprouts must be ground in a blender to form a soft mixture, to which the necessary ingredients are added. To nourish dry skin, chicken yolk (1 piece), yeast (5 g), olive oil (30 ml) are additionally added to the composition. Mix the components thoroughly, apply to the face, leave until completely dry, and rinse with warm water.

To maintain the tone of aging skin, wheat germ oil is heated in a water bath, soaked in the mixture, and applied to the dermis for half an hour.

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To nourish dry ends and eliminate dandruff, prepare a hair mask from the following ingredients: chicken yolks (2 pcs), olive oil (5 ml), sour cream (15 ml), cognac (25 ml), crushed wheat sprouts (50 g). Apply the product to damp, clean hair for 30 minutes and then rinse with water.

To combat cellulite, wheat germ oil (50 ml) is mixed with lavender essential oil (20 drops) and rubbed into problem areas.

How sprouted grains are good for the body

Each culture has its own characteristics.

wheat sprouts

They contain:

Proteins;
Carbohydrates;
Fats;
Minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron;
Vitamins E, PP, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9.

These sprouts have a positive effect on all internal organs.

Oat sprouts

They also contain proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and a large amount of vitamins.

They increase immunity and have a beneficial effect on all organs of the body. They help with heart failure, joint pain, and nervous system disorders. Useful for colds and bronchitis.

They have virtually no contraindications. They are not recommended for use by people with gastrointestinal diseases and a tendency to allergies.

The daily norm for an adult is 50 grams.

Rye sprouts

They contain the same beneficial vitamins and amino acids that are found in wheat sprouts. But their calorie content is almost 2 times higher and amounts to 287 kcal per 100 g of product.

They increase the body's resistance to colds, remove toxins from the body, and are beneficial for the respiratory system. They have an expectorant effect and slow down the aging process in the body.

Corn sprouts

They also include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They have antitumor, restorative and rejuvenating effects.

Millet sprouts

Useful for colds and bronchitis. They have a diaphoretic effect.

Buckwheat sprouts

Strengthen the immune system. Useful for people who are deficient in B vitamins.

They contain a large amount of protein, so they are recommended for physical and mental stress.

Their calorie content is 300 kcal per 100 g of product, so they should be taken with caution by people prone to obesity.

Lentil sprouts

They are recommended for use by women to prevent reproductive diseases. And also for people suffering from diseases of the genitourinary and digestive systems.

They are also used for weight loss and to improve immunity.

Barley sprouts

They have many easily digestible nutrients. Tinctures from barley sprouts help with bronchitis, asthma, and sore throat. They are useful for people suffering from insomnia. And they are contraindicated for people with gastrointestinal problems.

Pea sprouts

They contain the amount of protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium and other useful components necessary for the human body.

Sunflower seed sprouts

They are good for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Pumpkin seed sprouts

They have antihypertensive properties. They are recommended for people with high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, and salt imbalance in the body.

In addition, you can germinate other crops. Sprouted walnuts are used to improve immunity. Sprouted peanuts - for depression and nervous breakdowns. Sprouted sesame – to remove toxins from the body.

About the correct use of sprouted wheat grains

If you are already obese, a diet breakfast (lunch) with the addition of sprouted wheat will give you a feeling of fullness that will not dry up for several hours. This happens because wheat germ takes a very long time to digest. If you take sprouted wheat for preventive purposes, positive changes in your body will occur within two weeks.

Nutritionists recommend eating from 50 to 100 g of sprouted grains per day, and eating them raw and preferably immediately after they have sprouted. But do not rush to prepare a large amount of raw materials for future use: the maximum shelf life of sprouted wheat in the refrigerator is 24 hours.

To recharge your energy for the whole day, eat sprouted wheat in the morning or divide the daily intake of sprouts into two meals: for breakfast and lunch. The main thing is not to use them before bed. It will be difficult for your stomach to cope with such food during a night's rest.

You can eat sprouted wheat as a separate dish, or you can mix sprouts with herbs, cereals and any other products except dairy. The main thing is to carefully grind the sprouted wheat grains with your teeth until they transform into a liquid substance. Do you find it difficult to chew wheat germ? Grind the grains in a blender (meat grinder).

How to eat wheat sprouts, their benefits and harms

If you do not suffer from allergic reactions to bee products, you will be able to appreciate the benefits and taste of crushed wheat sprouts mixed with honey.

People who have long included sprouted wheat in their diet note that it goes best with green salads or when ground with nuts and dried fruits.

What is “live food”

Live food is food that has not undergone heat treatment, canning, salting, or pickling.

These include:

Fresh vegetables, berries and fruits;
Fresh herbs;
Nuts;
Sprouted grains;
Uncooked seafood.

Living food gives us life and health!

Ancient Indian wisdom says, “What we eat is what we are.” Therefore, living energy is important for the body.

Contraindications to the use of sprouted grains

The recommended consumption rate for sprouts is 20 – 70 grams.

Cereal sprouts are not recommended to be consumed in the following cases:

For gastritis and peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
For urolithiasis;
For gout;
Jade;
Inflammatory processes in the colon.

Indications for use

Sprouted wheat grains improve metabolism and proper functioning of organs, increase immunity, improve the overall tone of the body, fill the body with energy and strength [6].

In what cases is the product useful:

for stress, prolonged depression;
during exhaustion, after illness;
for disorders of sexual function and gastrointestinal tract;
with high cholesterol levels;
for metabolic disorders;
in inflammatory processes [7];
in the presence of neoplasms [1];
with poor vision;
in diabetes mellitus [8].

With long-term use, sprouted wheat grains have a calming effect on the nervous system, reduce blood pressure, cure impotence, and promote the resorption of polyps, fibroids, cysts, and fibroids.

Soluble fiber, which is part of the cereal, removes cholesterol and absorbs bile acids, and insoluble fiber binds and utilizes waste, radionuclides, toxins, relieves constipation, and stimulates the gastrointestinal tract [9].

The product improves metabolism, quickly satiates, suppressing hunger for a long time. Sprouted grains do not contain sugar, stabilize the function of the thyroid gland, which makes them absolutely safe for diabetics. It has been established that with regular use (50-100 g per day), they improve vision, prevent the development of cancerous tumors, promote rejuvenation of the body (strengthen teeth, nails, hair and restore elasticity and healthy complexion).

An oil is prepared from wheat germ that stimulates metabolic processes in the body and is used for cosmetic purposes to increase elasticity and even out skin texture, improve complexion, slow down aging, relieve inflammation and nourish the dermis. It has an anti-cellulite effect, accelerates hair growth, healing of wounds and skin abrasions, eliminates acne, and protects against stretch marks during pregnancy.

Ways to use sprouted grains

Sprouts can be consumed either separately or as part of other dishes.

They are useful in salads, go well with soups and cereals, are suitable for making vitamin drinks, and can be added to baked goods, desserts, and cutlets. Can be consumed with fruits and vegetables.

Recipes with the addition of sprouted grains

There are many recipes using them. I'll tell you about the most popular ones.

Salad with soy sprouts

To prepare it you will need:

250 g sprouted soybeans;
1 clove of garlic;
A bunch of green onions;
1 tsp. tomato paste;
1 tsp. sesame seeds and sesame oil;
Salt - to taste.

Place the sprouts in boiling water for 1 - 2 minutes, then rinse in cold water and dry. Finely chop the garlic and onion and add to the sprouts.

Add sesame seeds, oil, salt and mix everything.

Sprouted wheat porridge

To prepare it you will need 2.5 tbsp. l. oat flakes and sprouted wheat.

Mix oatmeal with sprouted wheat and add 1 glass of water. bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 15 - 20 minutes.

Add butter to the porridge. At your discretion, you can add berries, honey, jam, nuts, fruits.

Vitamin salad

Required Ingredients:

1 orange;
Half a grapefruit;
0.5 cups of orange juice and the same amount of sprouted wheat.

Pass the wheat through a meat grinder. Add orange juice, orange and grapefruit. Mix everything. Salad ready.

Salad with cereal sprouts with fruits and berries

To prepare it you need:

100 g of any sprouts of your choice;
150 g of fruits or berries, also any you like;
1 tbsp. l. honey or sunflower oil.

Mix the sprouts with berries or fruits, add honey or oil.

Salad with sprouts, beets and garlic

To prepare it you will need:

5 – 7 tbsp. l. any sprouts at your discretion;
1 beet;
2 – 3 cloves of garlic;
A bunch of greenery;
2 – 3 tbsp. l. olive and sunflower oil;
Salt - to taste.

Mix the sprouts with grated beets. Add herbs, garlic, salt, oil. Mix. That's it, the salad is ready.

Bon appetit!

Instructions

You don’t need any special tools to germinate wheat. Buy good, unbroken grain - that's all you need to organize this process.

Carefully inspect the grain for damage. Only whole, healthy seeds can be germinated.
Sort them out and rinse them thoroughly in cold running water at least 3-4 times.
Pour 50 grams of beans into a glass or ceramic container with a wide neck.
Fill them with water until it completely covers them.
The neck of the container should be covered with gauze folded in 2-3 layers and secured with an elastic band.
Place the container in a dark, but not cold place.
Wet the gauze daily to keep it moist at all times.
No one can tell you exactly the germination time, because the process depends on the type and quality of the wheat. Typically, sprouts will begin to appear somewhere between 3 and 7 days after soaking.
Wait until the wheat germ grows to 1-3 mm - this is the length that is considered the most optimal for including them in the diet. When they reach the required size, harvest your small but valuable harvest. The water is drained, the sprouts are thoroughly washed under running, not very cold water.

There is no need to germinate wheat for future use, because you will need a little of it to prepare dietary dishes. To prevent the product from spoiling, it is recommended to store the sprouts in a glass container in the refrigerator.

On a note. If there is too much water during germination, the grains may become moldy.

Masks with sprouted grains

Sprouted cereal seeds are also used in cosmetology.

Here are some recipes for anti-aging masks:

With sprouted wheat and sour cream

To prepare it you need:

2 tbsp. l. sprouted wheat powder;
3 tbsp. l. sour cream;
5 drops of lavender or violet essential oil.

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Then apply to cleansed skin of the face, décolleté, and neck. Leave for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

The frequency of using this mask is once a week. It whitens the skin, makes it smooth and elastic.

With sprouted wheat and butter

Required ingredients:

3 tbsp. l. crushed wheat sprouts;
2/3 cup vegetable oil, preferably olive oil.

Grind the sprouts in a mixer and place in a dark container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour in oil and leave for a month to allow the mixture to infuse.

After this time, strain the contents.

This mask softens the skin well and smoothes out wrinkles. You can use it once a day until you achieve the desired result.

With wheat sprouts and sour milk

You will need 1 tablespoon of sour milk and the same amount of sprouted wheat sprouts. Mix everything and leave to brew for 15 minutes.

Then apply the mask to clean facial skin for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

This mask refreshes the skin and smoothes out wrinkles.

Mask for mature skin

Required Ingredients:

1 egg yolk;
2 tbsp. l. crushed wheat sprouts;
20 ml of olive oil and the same amount of natural honey.

Mix all ingredients and apply on face for half an hour. Then rinse with a decoction of herbs or still mineral water.

This mask slows down the aging process of the skin, moisturizes it and smoothes out wrinkles.

Wheat germ oil

Oil is a unique plant product with high biological and nutritional value [15]. To produce 250 g of valuable oil (by cold pressing), it is necessary to process over 1 ton of sprouted wheat grain. The product contains essential amino acids (leucine, valine, isoleucine, tryptophan, methionine), vitamins E, B, omega-3, a substance with a pronounced anti-inflammatory property allantoin, antioxidants octacosanol, squalene, macro- and microelements.

Wheat germ oil contains the highest amount of tocopherol compared to other vegetable oils. 100 ml of the composition contains 400 mg of “youth vitamin” E. Due to the high content of a powerful natural antioxidant, sprouted cereal oil is highly popular in the cosmetics industry. When used externally, the product softens chapped lips, improves skin tone, has an anti-cellulite effect, accelerates the healing of swelling in the corners of the mouth, nourishes dry dermis, and reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles.

Germ oil is recommended to be consumed as a dietary supplement, 15 ml per day, without heat treatment. It stops inflammatory processes in the body, exhibits wound-healing, immunostimulating, antifungal, bactericidal properties, prevents the deposition of harmful cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, and maintains normal hormonal balance.