Microgreen Nutritional Benefits

Microgreens are little micronutrient powerhouses in tiny plant form!!

What nutrients can be found in microgreens?

Each delicious bite offers unparalleled nutrition, flavor, texture, and style. Microgreens have high levels of nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. Some of our microgreens, like peas, offer complete protein with vital amino acids. The concentration of minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, phytosterols, and vitamin content does differ by microgreen variety.

Concentrated Vitamins
Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Concentrated Minerals

Minerals are an essential nutrient for humans, and our large variety of microgreens will help keep your body healthy. Minerals play an important role in hormones and making enzymes. Your body uses them to ensure your brain, heart, bones, and muscles work properly. " Minerals are vital components of our food. They fulfill various functions, such as building materials for our bones, influencing muscle and nerve function, and regulating the body’s water balance. They also contain hormones, enzymes, and other biologically active compounds. Some minerals also have an important role in the optimal functioning of the immune system. This concerns both the innate defense system and the adaptive immune response. Accordingly, the supply of minerals can influence susceptibility to infections. Still, it also affects the development of chronic diseases." The Role of Minerals in the Optimal Functioning of the Immune System.

In micros, you will find the following minerals: calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Phosphorus, Copper, Nitrate, Carotene, Manganese, Selenium, Chromium, Folate, and Folic Acid.

Concentrated Antioxidants
Antioxidants reduce the risk of many diseases, help protect the body from damage by free radicals, and prevent and/or reduce damage caused by oxidation. Free radicals have been linked to health conditions like diabetes and cancer. In addition, antioxidants may improve skin texture and appearance. They are also known to protect skin cells. Support your immune system and help keep your gut microbiome healthy. “Vegetables are already high in vitamins, but the minerals and phytochemicals in microgreens offer even more nutritional value,” says registered dietitian Kayla Kopp, RD, LD. Continues. “As a bonus, many of the nutrients in microgreens act as antioxidants, with the power to prevent cell damage.”

Phytonutrients

What are phytonutrients? Photonutrients are part of a plants immune system found in plant-based foods that help protect your body from diseases. "When you eat or drink phytonutrients, they may help prevent disease and keep your body working properly." “Phytochemicals have antioxidant properties and offer protection that decreases the risk of many diseases,” says Vijaya Surampudi, MD, a physician nutrition specialist at UCLA Health. Phytonutrients often give vegetables and fruits their vibrant pigmentation, which are fabulous choices for you to add to your meals. "Phytonutrients are also biochemically active in humans and have been shown to provide significant benefits such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, detoxification, modulation of immune function, and DNA repair. Phytonutrients are not considered essential nutrients for humans, but protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals significantly benefit those who consume them." Some well-known classes of phytonutrients include polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and resveratrol.

Below are some common phytonutrients and the proposed health benefits:

Beta-carotene- Improve immune system, vision, skin, and bone health.

Lutein- protects heart health and eye health. Prevents certain types of cancer.

Zeaxanthin - Protects eyes from sunlight and free radicals.

Chlorophyll - Cancer prevention and decrease oxidative damage.

Flavonoids - Neutralize free radicals, anti-inflammitory effects and benefits for brain and heart health.

Anthocyanins- Improves blood vessel health.

Glucosinolates - Anti-inflamatory properties, protection again caners, improve heart health.

Phenolic compounds - Anti-inflamatory properties, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

Carotenoids - Helps maintain eye health, boost imminue system, protect skin from damage, protection against cetain cancers, and helps to protect cells from damage by free radicals.

Sulforaphane - Anti-cancer properties, reduce risk of cancers, slow tumor growth, support heart health, antidiabetic effects, improve constipation, improve brain functionand promote a health gut microbiome.