The legume family is considered one of the earliest species that man began to cultivate. The benefits of beans, lentils and peas are undeniable and are treated with love and honor in many cuisines of the world.
They are also eaten sprouted. And these peas have quite different properties. And the fact that they are not cooked means that all the vitamins and nutrients are there in their natural state, which is especially important for the body.
Peas are easy to sprout at home, you can eat them raw, add them to salads, grind them into flour and bake bread and cakes. And all this will be delicious, healthy and nutritious.
Useful properties of sprouted peas
Sprouted peas are the grains or beans with a sprout of no more than 2 to 3 millimeters. At this stage, truly amazing metamorphoses occur with peas. Most of the substances are converted into an easily digestible form as the enzyme inhibitors are destroyed.
Sprouted peas are high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and low in fat. Also:
- virtually the entire B-group line;
- iron;
- calcium;
- Zinc;
- Manganese;
- Potassium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- Selenium;
- fiber;
- antioxidants;
- essential amino acids.
The product has high nutritional value with low calories, so it is recommended for weight control programs. The benefits of sprouts not only in the rich composition, but also in the complex effect on the body.
Interesting: peas as a remedy for anemia, obesity and cardiovascular diseases were used as early as ancient Greece.
When sprouted peas are regularly consumed in small quantities:
- Resistance to infection and inflammation is increased;
- immunity is increased;
- The metabolic process is accelerated;
- toxins and impurities are removed;
- The liver is cleared of heavy metal salts;
- The likelihood of developing prostate disease is reduced;
- increases sex drive;
- decreases the risk of kidney and gallbladder stones;
- Excess fluid goes away and edema is relieved.
The caloric value of 100 grams of sprouts does not exceed 130 kcal, in a day it is recommended no more than 5 tablespoons. However, it is problematic to eat so much at once and the body’s reaction will be unpredictable. It is better to start with 1 teaspoon, gradually increasing the volume. In principle, then you can simply be guided by your desire and well-being, but remember that any product is useful if you eat it without fanaticism.
Restrictions and contraindications
Despite the enormous benefits, in some cases, sprouted peas are not recommended to include in the menu. Such contraindications are: pregnancy, children under 2 years of age, individual intolerance, allergies, gout, exacerbation of digestive tract diseases, in some cases – the elderly.
Worth considering: too much sprouts cause increased gas and heaviness in the stomach.
Recipes with Sprouted Peas
If you follow the basic recommendations, then you can greatly diversify the menu, while giving the body a real vitamin and mineral complex without any pharmacy products. The main thing is to try not to subject the product to heat treatment, to observe the principle of compatibility of components and not to overdo with the portion size.
Vitamin Salad
For an easy and delicious dish, you’ll need:
- Radish – 6 pcs;
- Cucumbers – 1 pc;
- Feta cheese – 50 gr;
- Sprouted peas – 60 g;
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and olive oil – 50 ml for dressing.
All ingredients are diced, mixed, and drizzled with juice and oil. The dish needs to stand for 3-5 minutes at room temperature to reveal flavor.
Hummus
A great option for a snack at work or in between main meals. It will take:
- Sprouts – 1 cup;
- Zucchini – 1 small fruit;
- Garlic – 3 cloves;
- Olive oil and lemon juice – 30 ml each;
- Sesame and finely chopped herbs – 1 tbsp each.
All the ingredients are put in a blender and whipped into a smooth mass. Salt is added to taste.
Sprouting peas at home
There is nothing complicated in this procedure. The main thing is to choose high-quality raw materials. Peas must be whole, without chips, spots and musty smell. It is better to choose the harvest of the current year. Then the product is washed 2-3 times, transferred to a glass or ceramic bowl and poured with water at the rate of 1:2. Plastic, even food plastic, is better not to use.
After 12 hours, you need to rinse the peas again and transfer them to a damp cloth, covering the top with a cotton napkin. The cloth is re-wetted as needed. Sprouts will appear on the 2nd or 3rd day. They are transferred to a jar and stored in the refrigerator no longer than 4-5 days, preparing a new portion as needed.
In ancient times, peas were used in ritual practice and in the daily diet. In the modern dietary diet, sprouted product is very valuable, maintaining vitamin balance and vigor, helping to find a slender figure and get rid of many ailments.
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