Clover sprouts are a nutritious and tasty addition to salads and sandwiches, containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. They also have anti-cancer properties and can relieve menopausal symptoms. However, commercially produced sprouts are at risk of contamination, so it’s recommended to grow them at home using sprouting kits.
Clover sprouts are the plants that have just emerged from clover seeds. Many people eat clover sprouts for their mild taste, nutritional benefits, and anti-cancer properties. They add them to salads and sandwiches and puree them in green smoothies. Alfalfa and clover sprouts are the two most common types of sprouts grown and eaten.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, clover sprouts pack a lot of nutritional punch for such a small plant. These plants contain vitamins A, E and K, among others, and small amounts of calcium, iron and other minerals. They also contain beta carotene, folic acid and chlorophyll, as well as 4 grams of protein per 100 gram serving. Since sprouts are a plant-based source of protein, they must be consumed alongside other plant-based sources of protein to provide all the essential amino acids the body needs. Like many plant-based foods, clover sprouts are extremely low in calories and high in fiber, making them a filling option for dieters.
Another health benefit of eating clover sprouts is a high isoflavone and antioxidant content. Isoflavones are especially valuable for menopausal women because they help relieve unpleasant symptoms and have a preventive effect against heart disease and osteoporosis. The antioxidants in sprouts may help prevent cancer. Red clover notably contains genistein, a compound that prevents angiogenesis in cancerous tumors, effectively starves them and prevents tumors from forming a blood supply.
Unfortunately, commercially produced sprouts are at risk of contamination with E. coli bacteria or salmonella. About half of all foodborne illnesses have been traced to sprouts. They are vulnerable because they are eaten raw and can be exposed to contaminated manure during production. This has led the United States Food and Drug Administration to recommend that sprouts be cooked before consumption.
Some of the risks associated with eating clover sprouts can be avoided by sprouting them at home. Many health stores and online businesses offer sprouting kits to help consumers grow their own. Germination kits help facilitate sprout growth, as the process involves several days of rinsing and draining the clover seeds until tiny sprouts appear. Clover sprouts also require some indirect sunlight to help them develop a healthy green color that indicates the presence of chlorophyll and improves their nutrient profile. If they can turn yellow, they will become sweeter, which can be an advantage if a sweet-tasting sprout is desired.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
