Micro greens have experienced a surge in popularity, becoming a buzzword in the nutritional circles. Thanks to their unique color and flavor, these mini greens are a common accompaniment for chefs. Microgreens have been around for 20-30 years, and here is an interesting thing about them. Organic micro greens contain more minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins than full-sized plants. They are also easy, fast, and convenient to grow. This means that both amateur and experienced farmers can reap benefits of these nutritious plants.
Essentially, micro greens are tiny greens that are harvested between 7 and 14 days after germination. With less than 3 inches of length, they have a more intense flavor and high nutrient concentration. You can either use them as a side dish or add microgreens to salads as the main ingredient. So, what are the benefits of eating micro greens?
High Nutrients
The vegetables provide a myriad of nutrients. While Swiss chard has plenty of vitamin A, Vitamin C and K beets are high in folate and manganese. Compared to the fully mature plants, micro greens are more nutrient-dense, containing about 40- 50 more nutritional value. Studies show that micro greens contain four to 40 times more nutrient by weight compared to fully grown plants. Organic Micro greens also have a high concentration of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity compared to mature leaves. The cotyledon leaves have more nutritional densities than mature counterparts. Adding microgreens into your diet adds nutrients necessary for optimal health.
Improve Heart Health
Heart diseases are one of the top causes of death in the United States. Dietary adjustment is one of the effective and easy methods of maintaining health and preventing coronary heart disease. Eating more vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease. Therefore, adding micro greens in your diet can reduce the risk factors of heart diseases. If you combine micro greens with a balanced diet, regular physical activities, and a healthy lifestyle you will strengthen your heart and stay healthier.
Minimize the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Organic micro greens have a high polyphenol and nutrient profile which reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Consuming plenty of vegetables reduces the risk of prostate cancer and digestive tract cancers. Vegetable intake also reduces the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and lowers inflammation. Since micro greens have a more enhanced nutrient profile than full-sized vegetables, they also boast of disease treatment benefits.
Polyphenols
Organic Micro greens are rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are natural chemicals that boast of powerful antioxidant properties. They prevent the accumulation of free radicals that are harmful to the body. Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that damage cells and cause chronic diseases. Polyphenols reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. According to a study on polyphenols, vegetables such as Mizuna, red and purple mustard greens, purple kohlrabi, red cabbage, and other micro greens from the brassica family are good sources of polyphenols. What’s more is that these micro greens contain a wider variety of polyphenols than mature vegetables.
Plenty of Vitamin C
Vitamin C antioxidant protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Microgreen with the lowest levels of vitamin C has almost twice the amount in tomatoes. According to a 2012 study, the least micro greens contain 20 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. The study finding showed that 100 grams of red cabbage portion contains 147 milligrams.
Rich in Vitamin E
Micro greens contain a substantial amount of tocopherols (Vitamin E). These greens contain as much as 26.8 milligrams of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol per 100 grams. An adult should take 15 milligrams of alpha-tocopherol Vitamin E. This means that a small portion of micro green will provide enough of these antioxidant vitamins to cover daily requirements. Micro greens also contain vitamin K which promotes normal blood clotting and maintains healthy and strong bones.
Good Source of Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is popularly found in carrots. However, organic micro greens also contain these important nutrients. Beta Carotene is a carotenoid that reduces the risk of eye disease and cancer.
Micro greens start to lose the nutritional value soon after harvesting. You, therefore, should eat your micro greens immediately after harvest to reap maximum health benefits.
