Sprouts And Microgreens Can Help You With Your Fitness Too!

By: Alicia Rennoll

With nearly 160 million Americans being either overweight or obese, it is not surprising that improved fitness has become a matter of urgency among those individuals looking to enhance their quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy adult needs to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week in order to stay healthy. Following a healthy diet is as important to your well-being as regular exercise is. Some food sources, such as sprouts and microgreens, are particularly beneficial. Sprouts and microgreens can, in fact, also boost your fitness efforts significantly by benefiting your overall health and well-being in the following ways. 

Fewer free radicals to contend with

Free radicals, which are a result of both environmental stressors (such as pollution) and some of the body’s natural processes, can lead to severe cell damage if they are allowed to build up. Over time, this build-up can even lead to serious health conditions such as cancer, cardiac disease and hypertension. An excess of free radicals can also lead to a range of inflammatory conditions that can hinder your fitness efforts considerably. By consuming a healthy amount of food high in antioxidants, such as microgreens, you can negate the effects of free radicals and give your fitness efforts a healthy boost. Microgreens from the Asteraceae family, such as lettuce and chicory, are high in Vitamin A or carotenoid antioxidants, while those from the Brassica family, including broccoli, boast exceptional levels of Vitamin A, a phenolic antioxidant. 

Improved blood circulation

Sprouts are typically high in copper and iron, which are known to help maintain a healthy red blood cell count, thus boosting circulation. Improved blood flow helps to supply oxygen to various cells and organs, enabling them to perform at an optimal level. Whether you are a professional athlete or simply someone who enjoys keeping fit, you can benefit greatly from improved circulation. Not only can good circulation help you to cycle faster and longer, but it will also aid in recovery so that you can get back onto the road quickly following an injury, particularly if you ease yourself back in on a road bike, beginning with smooth, even tracks. Optimal circulation may also help stabilize body temperature and boost your metabolism – both of which can have an indirect yet notable effect on your fitness levels. Adding raw sprouts such as clover, radish, onion, mung bean and alfalfa to your meals will not only add texture, color and flavor, but a host of circulation-boosting properties as well. 

Boosted immune system

When you are feeling sick or sluggish due to a compromised immune system, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. Both sprouts and microgreens are potent sources of a variety of immunity-boosting vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes that will help your body ward off illness and infection. Vitamin C contained in sprouts is a very powerful stimulant for the body’s white blood cells, while Vitamin A is already known for its antioxidative properties. Once your immune system is in good working order again, you will find it a lot easier to stick to an exercise regime without having to take countless rest days due to frequent illness. In turn, your fitness efforts will also give your immune system a further boost, rendering your body healthier than ever before.

Sprouts and microgreens are not only delicious: they’re healthy as well. By regularly adding a variety of sprouts and greens to your meals, you will be able to give your fitness a very welcome and healthy boost.