Don't like Broccoli? Try Broccoli Sprouts!

By David Childers

There are few things as packed with antioxidants as broccoli sprouts. Although you can get the same antioxidants in full grown broccoli, broccoli sprouts have the advantage that they contain 50 times the quantity of mature plants. Antioxidants, as we all know, are extremely beneficial to the body. It's almost impossible to get too much of this powerful health promoter. First of all, the antioxidants in broccoli sprouts are great for delaying aging and cell decay; they can help reduce the risk of cancer; they bolster the immune system; they are perhaps the key to longevity and health.

One of the best ways to capitalize on the health benefits of these sprouts is by growing broccoli sprouts at home. Growing the sprouts as opposed to buying them in stores is more safe than convenient. Sprouts are a risky proposition for many people. If they are commercially grown, they can carry food-borne diseases which are especially likely to affect the old and very young, as well as people with compromised immune systems. Fortunately, if you grow your broccoli sprouts at home, you can ensure that they are safe by using sanitized fertilizers which will reduce the chances of your sprouts being infected with e. coli.

How do you eat broccoli sprouts? Very carefully, says my nephew. Aside from cleaning them well, you don't really need to do too much with them as they are great on salads, over rice, marinated and served with chicken, stir-fried with broccoli flowerets or cauliflower.They can be used anywhere that bean sprouts might be called for. They are great for family meals of any kind as they are versatile and delicious. Toddlers love them as finger foods. And the elderly can enjoy them just as much because they are agreable to digestion.


Some people simply don't like the taste of broccoli sprouts. No problem! For them, there is broccoli sprout extract. This extract is the logical choice for people who want the nutrients of broccoli sprouts without the bother of growing them. If you don't have that much room in your house or apartment to nurture a small garden patch, broccoli sprout extract has the advantage of being able to deliver a tremendous dose of antioxidants in small, affordable and convenient doses.

Before you go out and buy a whole pallet of broccoli sprouts,however, keep in mind that this is only one way in which you can get antioxidants to help your body and decrease your chance of cancer. Green tea, vitamins C and E provide them as well, as do most green leafy vegetables, although not at quite the same dose as that contained in broccoli sprouts.

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David Childers is a self-proclaimed health nut who specializes in the nutritional value of natural foods.