How can microgreens improve our nutrition?

There are thirteen vitamins and a multitude of nutrients that our body needs to stay healthy and function properly. Here are some of the ones more commonly found in microgreens: 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for normal vision, reproduction, growth and bone development. It also stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells and regulates cell growth and division.

Vitamin B

The Vitamin B Complex is needed to help the body metabolize energy-yielding nutrients, such as carbs, fat, proteins, sugars and amino acids for fuel, and includes B- thiamine (aids in nerve function), B2 - riboflavin (skin and vision health), B3 - niacin (supports the nervous and digestive systems, skin health), B5 - pantothenic acid (produces red blood cells and steroid hormones), B6 - pyridoxine (supports brain processes and development, immune function, and red blood cell formation), B7 - biotin (strengthens hair and nails, amino acid metabolism), B9 - folate (DNA synthesis, cell growth, red blood cell formation, and helps the development of the fetal nervous system), and B12 - cobalamin (nerve cell health, mental ability, and red blood cell formation). 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is necessary for the formation of collagen, iron absorption, cellular and tissue repair, and ensures the immune system’s proper functioning. Due to its heat-sensitive nature, Vitamin C loses some of its nutritional benefits while cooking, making raw foods, such as microgreens, a more beneficial dietary source. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb and retain calcium & phosphorus; critical for building bone. Studies show that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections, and reduce inflammation. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E or tocopherols\tocotrienols are antioxidants vitally important to your vision, reproduction, and immune function, as well as the health of your blood, brain, and skin. 

Vitamin K

Vitamin K or phylloquinone makes proteins necessary for blood clotting, wound healing, building healthy bones, and regulating blood sugar levels

Amino Acids

Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters, and are crucial for recovery from injury, exercise, and illness. Our body needs 20 different amino acids to grow and function properly. While all 20 of these are important for your health, only 9 are classified as essential.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are molecules commonly encountered in the environment, such as exposure to cigarette smoke or radiation, or through the metabolism of oxygen within the body. These molecules damage cells and DNA, and can contribute to cancers and diseases. 

Calcium

Calcium helps build and maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth, as well as regulates muscle and heart function, and the transmission of nervous system messages.

Copper

Copper builds red blood cells, collagen, connective tissue, and brain neurotransmitters, breaks down and absorbs iron, supports immune functions, and works to assist many enzymes that produce energy for our body.

Enzymes

Enzymes help speed up biochemical reactions in the body. They are essential for respiration, digestion, muscle and nerve function, and destroying toxins. Digestive enzymes help break down the food you eat into nutrients that your body can use and absorb. 

Fiber

Fiber is a key element in digestive processes and comes in two forms - soluble (dissolves in water, helps lower glucose and cholesterol) and insoluble (doesn't dissolve in water, prevents constipation). It helps keep hunger and blood sugar in check. Studies have shown that diets rich in fiber can lower the odds of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Kids and adults need 25-35g of fiber per day for good health.

Iron

Iron is involved in the transport of oxygen in the blood, energizing our cells, and helping our immune system function effectively to fight infection.  

Magnesium

Magnesium maintains bone health, supports lung and immune function, and helps regulate blood pressure.

Manganese

Manganese is not produced by our body, so it needs to be included as part of our diet.  It assists various enzymes involved in breaking down nutrients, building bones, and keeping the reproductive and immune systems running smoothly. 

Phosphorous

Phosphorous plays multiple roles in the body, including bone, teeth, and cell membrane support. It regulates normal muscle and nerve function, and it makes up DNA, RNA, and ATP, the body’s major source of energy. 

Potassium

Potassium can regulate blood pressure, and support proper muscle, heart, and nerve function.

Protein

Protein is required by the body to repair cells and make new ones. A high protein diet supports muscle building and fat loss. The National Academy of Medicine recommends 7g of protein per 20lbs of body weight daily.

Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is a phytochemical present in cruciferous plants (such as broccoli, kale and cabbage) that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-neurodegenerative and anti-aging properties. Raw vegetables, such as microgreens, have 10x more sulforaphane than when cooked.

Zinc

Zinc assists with growth, development, and immune function, and helps to produce and transport the active form of vitamin A.

Okay, so how do I eat them?

🌱 Consider the microgreen’s flavor profile as you would its mature counterpart. The tremendous taste of these teeny plants will surely surprise you!

🥗 All of these greens will make an excellent addition to any salad. Sprinkle a healthy serving on top, or substitute for adult vegetables entirely.

🥬 Bold and spicy flavored greens, like radish, make great salad dressings. Finely chop greens and mix with oil & vinegar, or blend with yogurt and a kiss of salt.

🌻 For smoothies and juices, try the sweeter or milder options like sunflower or broccoli to add high vitamin and mineral content.

🍜 Throw greens atop any warm dish, or even toss with hot noodles or fried rice. Perhaps they're perfect for your pesto pasta!

🥪 Stick them in any sandwich or wrap, sneak them atop a slice of pizza, and scramble them up in your morning omelet.

🍃 WOW your family with a gorgeous guacamole or a scintillating salsa! Experiment with different flavors and keep mealtime exciting.

🌮 From takeout to tacos, burritos and nachos, these lil' greens can upgrade any dining experience, adding a pop of color and a splash of nourishment.

🥦 When in doubt, greens always make a great garnish. Elevate your soups, stews, and stir fries with a finishing touch of nutritious greens! 

Ready to give these greens a try?