Germ buds and sprouts contain more nutrients than the seeds from which they have been grown. Why is this? Upon germination the nutrient reserves in the seeds (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) are utilized. The calorie levels decreases and the germ buds are more easily digestible. Moreover, there is an increase in the amount of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, E, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc.
Secondary plant substances are also to be found in larger quantities in germ buds and sprouts. These are believed to play various roles in preventing and combating diseases. The following table provides an overview of secondary plant substances, the sprouts in which they are found, and their diverse effects:
| Secondary plant substances |
Contained in |
Presumed effects |
| Carotenoids |
Broccoli, chickpeas, cress, lucerne (alfalfa), soya beans |
Antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, promotes digestion, immune-modulating |
| Polyphenols |
Wheat germ, radishes, broccoli |
Antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial |
| Flavonoids |
Soya beans |
Antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels |
| Saponins |
Legumes |
Anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, immune-modulating, lowers cholesterol level |
Explanation:
- Antioxidative: Interception of free radicals, e.g. as caused by tobacco smoke, which may damage cells.
- Anticarcinogenic: Counteraction of the effect of cancer-causing agents.
- Antimicrobial: Prevention of the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
- Immune-modulating: Stimulation or suppression of the immune system.
Not only do the individual varieties contain considerable amounts of vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances. In seed mixtures many varieties complement one another such that the absorption of nutrients is promoted. Thus, for instance, the absorption of iron in wheat germ buds is enhanced by the vitamin C in the germ buds of legumes.
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