Like Sprouts? Here Are 4 Reasons To Include Them In A Fat Loss Or Muscle Gain Diet

Note- The article just lays down the properties of sprouts. For successful fat loss or muscle, you will need to align your calorie intake with your goal. Sprouts are one of the healthiest food items out there. Whenever somebody plans to start a healthy diet, no doubt sprouts always make their way into their diet plan. Today, I am going to give you the lowdown on sprouts and why you should include them in your diet too. No matter if your goal is fat loss or building muscle, sprouts can be a helpful food. What Are Sprouts? © Thinkstock/Getty Images When seeds are germinated and become very young plants, they are called sprouts. The germinated seed is around 2 to 5cm long which comes out after a period of two to seven days. The germination process starts with seeds being soaked for several hours in water, generally overnight, depending upon the seed. After soaking them, they are exposed to a moist environment and allowed to grow till they become young plants. Seeds that form a part of sprout salads are lentils, black beans, kidney beans, green peas etc. 1) Sprouts Are More Nutritious Than The Seed Itself Multiple studies have shown that the sprouting of seeds actually increases its protein content. Not only this but sprouting also helps the protein in the seeds to be better absorbed by the body. This happens due to anti-nutrients that are present in the seeds and which get reduced with the germination of the seed. The whole sprouting process also increases the nutrient level of folate, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, vitamin c and vitamin k. 2) Sprouts help with digestion Though lentils or other seeds contain enough fiber in themselves, you will be surprised to know that after germinating, their fiber content increases by more than 200%. This is quite beneficial as the type of fiber in sprouts is actually insoluble fiber which helps in the formation of stool. It helps food to move through the gut smoothly and reduces the chances of suffering from constipation. People who take high protein diets, especially protein supplements often complain about constipation. Including sprout salads in their daily diet can help them solve the problem. © Thinkstock/Getty Images 3) Sprouts can help in lowering cholesterol According to a study conducted by the Obesity Research Centre, Research Institute of endocrine sciences, eating certain sprouts may increase the 'HDL Cholesterol' and reduce 'LDL Cholesterol' and Total Cholesterol. This is an advantage for people who consume a non-vegetarian diet for their protein intake. A diet high in protein that includes red meat also contains a lot of cholesterol which increases LDL Cholesterol. Including sprouts in your diet can help you to maintain your cholesterol levels in the safer limits. 4) Easy to make and carry One of the biggest advantages of sprouts as a healthy food option is the convenience and portability of the food. You just need to buy a pack of lentils or beans and soak them in water. Just add some salt, pepper and vegetables for seasoning and your anytime healthy snack is ready. It has a good shelf life too. Once germinated, you can easily use them in the next 4 to 5 days. They serve as a good breakfast option in the morning or you can fit them in between any two big meals of the day. Anuj Tyagi is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Sports Nutritionist and Therapeutic Exercise Specialist From American Council on Exercise (ACE) . He is the Founder of the website where he provides online Training. Though a Chartered Accountant by education, he has been closely associated with Fitness Industry since 2006. His motto is to transform people Naturally and he believes that the secret formula for Fitness is Consistency and commitment towards your Training and Nutrition. You can connect with him through Facebook and Youtube.