When it comes to stuff that justsoundshealthy, sprouted grains are right up there with wheatgrass and flaxseed.
If you have heard of sprouted grains, it was likely in the context of them being extremely nutritious.
Perhaps youve got a friend who swears they candigest them more easilythan regular whole grains.
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As Carson puts it, A lot of people are selling the story that sprouted is healthier.
So, how true is that story?
Are sprouted grains the nutrition powerhouse they would seem to be?
And are they worth your time and money?
But until they get the magic ingredients they needheat and waterto start opening up, they stay dormant.
So, are sprouted grains really any healthier?
The answer is maybe.
Heres the theory about why sprouted grains are healthier than their un-sprouted counterparts.
The cool thing is that these enzymes are essentially beginning the work of digestion for us, Sorrells says.
The enzymes are cutting the carbs and proteins and lipids down into smaller molecules, Carson explains.
A lot of people find them so much more tummy friendly, Carson says.
(Pretty clutch, right?)
So when it comes to whether sprouted grains will be easier for you yourself to digest?
Its entirely possible, Sorrells saysbut also tricky to say.
Its hard to know until you actually try it.
Okay, so what about the nutritional value?
Is it higher in sprouted grains?
In theory, potentially, yeah.
Sprouting may also increase the levels of some vitamins, like vitamin E and B.
But IRL, it is again tricky to make hard-and-fast determinations about the nutritional advantages sprouting leads to.
This is pretty clear when you look at the studies collected in a recentmeta-review.
But thats not always the case, obviously, so check the ingredients label if thats important to you.
(Just remember that added sugars arenot necessarily worse for youthan naturally occurring sugars.)
So, are sprouted grains worth it?
This ones pretty easy.
If you love em, hell yeah.
Theyre usually much more expensive, Lin says.
Your personal preference is key, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Culinary DietitianMarisa Moore, M.B.A. R.D.N..
L.D., tells SELF.
There’s no pressure to make all of your grains sprouted, Moore says.
If it’s not something you enjoy, skip it!
Theyre basically just as good.
Maybe the easiest way to hop aboard the sprouted grain train is to buy sprouted grain bread.
If you like hearty whole grain breads, you’ll probably enjoy sprouted ones too, Moore says.
She likes to toast it and use it as a sturdy base for avocado or nut butter.
It holds up well to lots of toppings, Moore says.
Enjoy grains in all their forms.
I still love regular bread, Moore says.
