It can often be hard these days to find produce that looks fresh and is packed with nutrients aside from growing your own fruits and vegetables or finding a good local organic farmer. Especially in the winter, many of the grocery store produce is traveling hundreds of miles, only to have lost many of its phytonutrients in the process. One study showed that broccoli on average loses 70% of its vitamin C and beta-carotene and 50% of its antioxidant activity in just six days from being picked. So besides growing our own produce or taking supplements, what can we do to get the nutrients from our food that we need? A good answer to this is microgreens!
What are microgreens? Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested at the early stages of growth, typically within 7–21 days after germination. Unlike mature vegetables, which take weeks or months to grow, these baby plants concentrate their nutrients early in development, making them an incredibly rich source of essential nutrients. Research has shown that microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. This is because, in their early stages, plants undergo rapid metabolic activity to support growth. During this period, they store higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This means that just a handful of microgreens is packed with polyphenols and flavonoids, making them a great diet addition to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Adding these nutritional powerhouses to your meals is simple and delicious! Here are some easy ways to enjoy them:
- Sprinkle them on top of salads, soups, or grain bowls.
- Add a handful to smoothies or protein shakes.
- Add on top of your eggs, in a wrap or on avocado toast.
- Mix them into homemade pesto or dressings.
- Just grab a handful and enjoy!
For more recipe ideas, or to get more personalized nutrition support, contact our office to set up an appointment. We are here to help you restore joy through nutrition!
Resources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/food-chemistry https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8877763/
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https://sanctuaryfunctionalmedicine.com/intensive-program/
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
