When it comes to consuming your greens, a big misconception is that the more greens you eat, the better they are for you. In actuality, microgreens are a tiny but mighty option that can be just as healthy as eating larger leafy greens, though perhaps beneficial in different ways.
Microgreens may sometimes be a challenge to find in your local grocery stores. However, if you can get your hands on them, the opportunities are endless in how you can consume them. From adding them as a topping to your morning avocado toast, to using them as an edible garnish on your dinner plate, to blending them up in a smoothie, there are many ways to enjoy them.
Below you’ll discover some of the specific health benefits of microgreens that’ll have you running to your nearest health food store in no time.
- Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is a serious condition that can lead to a plethora of symptoms including arrhythmia, high blood pressure, chest pain, poor blood supply, coughing or wheezing, dizziness, heart failure, or a heart attack. As the leading cause of death in the United States, the ability to reduce the odds of heart disease is one solid reason to want to consume more microgreens.
These miniature greens are naturally a great source of antioxidants including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids. Antioxidants like these can lower one’s risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease by preventing tissue damage in the body caused by oxidation, free radicals, and atherosclerosis.
- Reduces the Odds of Developing Cancer
Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. What is more, the first leading cause of death, heart disease, can actually increase one’s risk of developing cancer in the future. That said, a healthy heart is essential when it comes to fighting off cancers.
Not only does the frequent consumption of microgreens boost cardiovascular function, but these mighty greens can directly fight cancer. Research shows that broccoli microgreens in particular are rich in sulforaphane. Sulforaphane, with its epigenetic properties, can work to slow tumor growth and halt cancer progression.
While mature broccoli also contains cancer-fighting phytochemicals, broccoli microgreens contain roughly ten times the amount of sulforaphane, making them a more nutrient-rich option.
- Improves Eye Health
Leafy greens, including microgreens, contain an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for ocular health.
While rare in developed countries with access to a variety of nutritious foods, a deficiency in vitamin A could lead to eye problems including nighttime blindness, severe eye dryness that could potentially lead to blindness, and the development of patches on the whites of the eyes.
Apart from ocular health, a proper supply of vitamin A, like through regular consumption of microgreens, may also help combat vitamin A deficiency-related fatigue, infertility, dry hair & skin, and vulnerability to frequent infections.
- Kicks Anemia to the Curb
Globally, anemia affects 1 in 3 people. The common blood disorder involves low iron levels, which can lead to a rapid heart rate, dizziness, fatigue, breathlessness, fainting, brittle nails, and delayed wound healing. In more severe cases, symptoms may involve mouth ulcers, changes in menstrual cycle, and pica syndrome.
While there could be underlying health reasons for an anemia diagnosis, whether it be genetic, due to a malabsorption disorder, or even caused by another deficiency, one of the best ways to get it under control, apart from supplements, is to intake more iron-rich foods. Luckily, microgreens are one of those foods.
Research shows that the iron content is higher in both mustard and coriander microgreens than their mature counterparts. Other research shows that the nutritional content of microgreens in general is between 4 and 40 times the amount of fully-grown greens.
- Prevents or Delays Neurodegenerative Diseases
The sad news is, we have yet to find a “cure” for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, among others. These very serious conditions quickly progress, greatly reduce the quality of one’s life, and even contribute to severe brain damage which can ultimately lead to a sooner death.
While there are things one can do to reduce some of the risks of a current neurodegenerative disease diagnosis or somewhat delay its progression, the best thing one can do is try to prevent it altogether or halt its initial development. Intaking healthy foods, including microgreens, might be one way to do that.
The antioxidant content of microgreens can help reduce oxidative stress in the body. In turn, protection from oxidative stress can potentially help reduce the severity or onset or neurodegenerative diseases such as the ones previously mentioned.
- Controls Blood Sugar
Nearly 9% of the United States population suffers from blood sugar issues in the form of a diabetes diagnosis. With more than 90% of diabetes sufferers suffering from type 2 of the disease, their diagnosis is something that can be prevented or even reversed. A big part of managing blood sugar levels is eating healthy foods, including microgreens.
While consuming microgreens won’t “cure” type 2 diabetes, what it can do is help manage blood sugar levels when consumed and help stabilize insulin resistance.
One study found that fenugreek microgreens increase the absorption of glucose by 44% and can inhibit a-amylase by 70% in insulin-taking individuals. In another study, the consumption of barley microgreens, which have different phytochemicals than fenugreek, boosted the metabolism of glucose in diabetic rats.
Before, you were asking yourself, “What are microgreens?” Now that you know some of the many ways they can be advantageous to our health, you could care less about what they are or what they taste like, but rather, where you can get your hands on this incredible superfood!
Conclusion
All greens, big or small, have their set of nutritional benefits. What many don’t realize is just how powerful microgreens can be when they’re a regular part of one’s diet. From a reduced risk of heart disease to better insulin & blood sugar control, it’s evident that the consumption of microgreens can be quite impactful healthwise.
