I struggled with gut issues for years, including debilitating IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). My doctor wanted me to take medication to treat it, but I was resistant to go that route unless all other options had been exhausted. That started my journey of learning more about sprouts and shoots…
I tried to treat IBS by adding extra fiber to my diet, and while I did notice some symptoms improve, it would still flare up again during high stress periods.
But once I began educating myself on the keys to building a healthy gut, everything changed. I have experienced a tremendous difference, not just in my gut, but in my OVERALL health, ever since I took intentional steps to build a healthy gut.
Part of my own journey toward building a healthy gut included cutting out processed foods as much as possible, adding fermented foods and probiotics to my diet, and incorporating sprouts and shoots into my diet. I grow my own sprouts and shoots for the best possible nutrient value—and it saves me money!
It’s not just IBS that can be improved through a healthy gut. I have also personally seen the transformation of many people with autoimmune diseases and skin issues (like arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, Lupus and more) benefit from developing a healthy gut.
How Sprouts & Shoots Boost Your Gut Health
Did you know that the vegetables with the highest level of nutrients are sprouts and shoots?
But first… what ARE sprouts and shoots?
Sprouts are the premature growth of a plant from a germinated seed. Shoots are the next step in plant development—these are very small plants that you can eat before they develop their secondary leaves. Both have significantly higher levels of vitamins and nutrients than mature plants.
For example, broccoli sprouts contain anywhere from 10 to 100 times the amount of glucoraphanin—the nutrient that becomes sulforaphane (important for cancer prevention)—as mature broccoli.
Both are packed with good-for-your-gut insoluble fiber, which serves as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your intestines. This contributes to gut health, while also reducing bloating and gas.
Ways to Easily Add Sprouts & Shoots to Your Diet
First, which plants to consume as sprouts, and which plants to eat as shoots?
Plants that you can easily grow as sprouts in a jar include:
- Clover
- Alfalfa
- Broccoli
- Radish
- Mustard
- Kale
- Peas
- Lentils
- Garbanzos
- Adzuki
Plants that are great to eat as shoots:
- Green peas
- Sunflowers
Adding sprouts and shoots to your diet is simple—you can treat them as you would your favorite veggie topping. They add a delicious crunch to any plate!
You can add sprouts to your daily menu by putting them in soups, juices, salads, as garnishes on a dish, or simply as a snack.
I personally like to add sprouts to my salads, sandwiches, wraps and sometimes I even eat them as a side veggie to my meal. They are delicious!
Besides salads, soups, and snacking on them straight, sprouts and shoots also add a crunchy punch as a topping to sandwiches, pizzas, and your morning breakfast bagel.
