Microgreens: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and How to Grow Them at Home

May 2023

In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, microgreens have emerged as a nutritional powerhouse, offering an array of health benefits and a burst of flavor. These tiny, tender greens add nutritional punch, making them an essential addition to any well-rounded diet. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of microgreens, and nutrient content, and provide you insights on how to easily grow these healthy foods in your own home.

What are microgreens?

Microgreens are young, edible greens that are harvested when they are at an early stage of growth, typically within 1 to 3 weeks after germination. They are essentially the sprouts of various vegetables and herbs, but they are harvested at a slightly later stage when the first true leaves have developed. These greens are highly concentrated in flavor, vibrant in color, and packed with an exceptional array of nutrients.

Microgreens

Health Benefits of Microgreens:

High in Nutrients: Despite their small size, microgreens are packed with a concentrated amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts.
Antioxidant properties: Antioxidants are known for their potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Including these microgreens in your diet may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Digestive Health: Microgreens are a great source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Heart Health: Several microgreens, including kale and spinach, are rich in nutrients that reduce the risk of heart disease. These greens are often high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and contain heart-healthy compounds like folate, vitamin K, and lutein.
Weight Management: Incorporating microgreens into a balanced diet can aid in weight management. Their low-calorie content and high fiber content can help increase satiety, reduce hunger cravings, and promote healthy weight loss or maintenance.
Improves cognitive function:Studies have shown that microgreens contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids which can help to boost brain activity and protect the brain from oxidative damage.
Anticancer properties: Microgreens are gaining popularity for their potent health benefits, including anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that microgreens contain higher levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds than their mature counterparts, making them a powerful tool in the fight against various types of cancer.

These are just a few of the many health and nutritional benefits associated with consuming microgreens. Adding these nutrient-rich greens to your meals can contribute to a well-rounded and nourishing diet, promoting overall health and vitality.

Nutrients in Microgreens:

Microgreens are densely packed with a wide range of nutrients, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

They provide an abundance of vitamins, including vitamin E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Vitamin K, found in microgreens, supports proper blood clotting and contributes to bone health. These greens are also a source of protein, containing essential amino acids necessary for various bodily functions. Microgreens are particularly notable for their antioxidant content, with high levels of phenolic compounds that help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. Moreover, microgreens are a rich source of several vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which are important for immune function, vision, and skin health.

In terms of nutritional quality, microgreens are incredibly nutrient-dense. Despite their small size, they pack a concentrated amount of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. This means that a small serving of microgreens can provide a substantial portion of your daily nutrient requirements. The nutrient availability in microgreens is also notable, as the young and tender plants are easily digestible and the nutrients are readily absorbed by the body.

These greens are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining proper heart and muscle function, as well as regulating blood pressure.

Microgreens are a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins E and K, as well as protein and antioxidants. They offer a high nutritional content in a small package, making them an ideal choice for those looking to enhance the nutrient density of their meals.

Types of microgreens:

There is a wide variety of microgreens available, each offering its unique flavor profile and nutritional composition. Here are some microgreen varieties:

Fenugreek microgreens:Fenugreek microgreens have high nutritional values. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins A and C.
Kale microgreen: Kale microgreens have a milder flavor compared to mature kale and are packed with high nutrient levels of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
Radish:Radish microgreen is a nutritious and flavorful addition to a variety of dishes. They dish. Radish microgreen is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Broccoli: Broccoli microgreens have a mild, slightly sweet taste. They are abundant in antioxidants, including sulforaphane, which has been linked to various health benefits, including potential cancer prevention.
Sunflower: Sunflower microgreens have a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They are a good source of vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and minerals like zinc and selenium.
Cabbage microgreens:Cabbage microgreens offer a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that are otherwise missing from many diets.
Amaranth microgreen:Amaranth microgreens are a nutrition powerhouse that is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are packed with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, and vitamins A and C.

How to grow microgreens at home:

Growing microgreens at home is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow microgreens:

Select Seeds: Choose the type of microgreen seeds you want to grow. Popular options include broccoli, kale, radish, and sunflower. Ensure that the seeds are specifically labeled for microgreen production.
Prepare Containers: Select shallow containers or trays with drainage holes. You can use plastic trays, seedling trays, or even repurpose containers like shallow trays or salad containers. Clean and sanitize the containers before use.
Fill with Growing Medium: Fill the containers with a growing medium such as a soilless seed-starting mix, coconut coir, or vermiculite. Ensure the medium is moist but not waterlogged.
Sow the Seeds: Evenly scatter the seeds over the prepared containers, ensuring good coverage but without overcrowding. Gently press the seeds into the growing medium.
Water and Cover: Water the seeds lightly using a spray bottle. Cover the containers with a plastic lid or plastic wrap to create a humid environment for germination. This encourages therapid growth of microgreens.
Remove Cover and Provide Light: Once the seeds have germinated and the sprouts have grown a couple of inches tall, remove the cover. Place the containers in a location with bright, indirect light sources or provide artificial grow lights for about 12-16 hours a day for proper growth.
Harvesting: When the microgreens reach proper growth, usually around 1-3 inches, they are ready to be harvested. Use clean scissors or a sharp knife to cut the greens just above the soil level.

Incredible microgreens are a great addition to any diet, offering a burst of extra nutrition. Their remarkable nutrient availability and high amounts of vitamins make them a valuable source of optimal health. Microgreens provide an abundant supply of fresh greens with high nutrient levels. By incorporating these nutrient-dense microgreen species into your meals, you can take a proactive step towards nourishing your body and supporting a healthy lifestyle.