Sprouted Whole Grains
Is it worth adding Sprouted Whole Grain to your diet?
Sprouted Whole grain bread is made from whole grains that have started to germinate or sprout. When you go to the bakery section of the grocery store there is an overwhelming number of options, nowadays you most likely also see loaves of bread containing 100% whole grain or sprouted whole grain.
These sprouted grain bread are a bit more expensive than the average loaf but there are better health benefits compared to that plain white bread. Food manufactures have started to take note of this trend and starting to add more sprouted products from bread to breakfast cereals. It claims that it has fewer carbs than regular wheat products.
Let us look at how sprouted grains are differ from other whole grains.
What are Whole Grains?
There is a good article written about Whole grain by the Harvard School of Public Health. The report says:
The three parts that include in whole grains are germ, bran, and endosperm. Each part contains health-promoting nutrients. The fiber in the bran supplies iron, B vitamins, zinc, copper, magnesium, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (a natural chemical component in plants that prevent diseases).
The common whole grains include whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice, millet, barley, buckwheat, and popcorn.
What are Sprouted Grains
The grain seeds are dormant seeds, keeping all nutrients for the potential whole new plants. Similar to how you might plant the seed in your garden, these grains are waiting for the right conditions to sprout into a plant. The Cereals and Grains Association has a definition for Sprouted Grain:
“Malted or sprouted grains containing all of the original bran, germ, and endosperm shall be considered whole grains as long as sprout growth does not exceed kernel length and nutrient values have not diminished. These grains should be labeled as malted or sprouted whole grain.”
What is the difference between Sprouted Grains and Whole Grains?
Sprouted grain bread is nutritionally very similar to whole-grain flour bread. Sprouting partially breaks down the starch in the grains which can lower the carb content (1)
Sprouting the grain involves soaking them in water and allow them to germinate. After which it is drained, rinsed, and put through a grinder to form the basis of dough.
Sprouted grains are a better healthier choice, providing nutrients and easing digestion. Angelic Bakehouse discusses the positive features of sprouted grain, also how it is different from whole grain in this article here.
Sprouted grains are made from whole grains that have started to sprout which adds extra nutritional benefits, extra flavor, and also easing digestion.
Both Whole Grain bread and sprouted grain bread uses the whole grain. Sprouted grain breads often include a variety of whole grains such as sprouted barley, wheat, soybeans, lentils etc. So it offers you a broader range of nutrients than bread made from whole wheat alone.
Health Benefits of Sprouted Whole Grains
It is the promise of easier digestibility, higher fiber, and more accessible nutrients as compared to regular grains. While the research on sprouted food is in the early stage and ongoing, Nutrition experts suggest that whole grain bread sprouted or not is more nutritious than white bread. Sprouted Whole grain bread has a sweet flavor, nutty taste, and light texture, and part of the reason for becoming popular.
Related: How to Make Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
Where to buy Sprouted Whole Grain Breads?
Here are a few of the common sprouted grain bread bands available at most grocery stores. Your local stores may also offer their own Sprouted Grain Bread brands. Be sure to check the label that includes sprouted whole grains in the ingredient list. Please note that the sprouted grains and other germinated foods are often a bit pricier than regular ones. You may be also able to find this bread in the freezer or refrigerated section of grocery stores.
- Food For Life’s Ezekiel Bread (also offers a gluten-free-option)
- Angelic Bakehouse
- Silver Hills
You may be also able to find other sprouted products such as pizza crust, cereal, pasta, wraps, and more made from sprouted whole grains. If you want to start adding some sprouted whole grains into the preparation of your everyday meal, pick up the flour here,
