Sprouting..... are your kidding? Why?

(Image courtesy of wikimedia.org)

In this beautiful piece of art, you see depictions of Roman Soldiers.  There is a very good reason to include this in our discussion of sprouting.....as it was an integral part of their life.  Roman soldiers consumed Rucola (a sprouting seed) as a way to fight fatigue. It is rich in vitamin C and minerals (sulphur, sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus).  If you think of the long marches that they were compelled to take, and it doesn't sound like there were many "breaks" during the marches, this would be an easy transportable food to eat and keep going.  I have read that they had leather pouches that had 2 compartments.  One to store seeds, and the other to put seeds and water in to sprout.  The pouch was reportedly attached to a leather strap that was worn.

 (Image courtesy of Indianahistory.org)

During World War II, In anticipation of shortages of meat, poultry, and dairy foods, alternative protein sources were sought for Americans.  Dr. Clive McCay came up with a diet of Sprouted seeds, beans and grains, especially the protein-rich soybeans.  Books were published and distributed throughout the country. 

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• You probably won't find a less expensive way to get these vitamins than from low calorie sprouts.
• Green leafy sprouts are also a good source of vitamin A.
• Sprouts are a good source of fiber, protein, and contain enzymes that aid digestion.
• In addition, sprouting destroys the seed's natural preservative enzymes that inhibit digestion
• “Life giving sprouts contain live enzymes necessary for the digestive process.
• They contain few if any calories and no cholesterol.
• Sprouts are one of the highest sources of fiber.
• Sprouts contain the highest and purest forms of vitamins, proteins, trace minerals and nutrients necessary for a long healthy life”

A majority of Sprouted seeds contain the following Vitamins and Minerals:

• Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D and E
• Minerals:  Calcium, Iron, Zinc,

 So, why you?  Because you need the life-giving nutrients that sprouts provide.  Using them now will help you learn how to sprout, how much to sprout, and how to incorporate them into the diet of your family.  So, do it RIGHT NOW!

(Sources:  http://www.limafood.com/EN/Rucola_product.htm, The Sprouting Book” by Ann Wigmore (1986), http://waltonfeed.com/grain/sprouts.html, http://www.lifesprouts.com/, http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May05/healingwise.htm)