is it safe to eat sprouted quinoa

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Sprouting quinoa is a great way to increase its nutritional value and make it easier to digest. If you’ve never sprouted quinoa before, it might seem intimidating, but it’s actually a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to sprout quinoa at home so you can enjoy its many health benefits.

Before we delve into how to sprout quinoa, I’ll talk a bit about why I do it. I’ve discussed the many benefits of sprouting many times before, but it’s worth mentioning again!

Sprouting and soaking grains, legumes, nuts and seeds was a common traditional practice long ago, but since the development of processed and convenience foods, it has lost it’s popularity since you have to take time and patience to sprout or soak.

Even though sprouting or soaking can take 12-36 hours, it’s mostly a “set-it-and-forget-it” pursuit. You don’t need to be in the kitchen for 12 hours watching your grains soak. You can set them up to soak or sprout and generally leave them for a long while, only coming back to maybe quickly rinse the sprouting grains every few hours.

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Sprouted quinoa health benefits

Sprouting is a process that germinates grains, seeds or legumes which in turn makes them more easily digested and produces additional vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B and Carotene.

Another benefit to sprouting and soaking is the resulting decrease in phytic acid. Phytic acid is an enzyme inhibitor, which means that it blocks the absorption of vitamins and minerals and can also cause poor digestion and an unhealthy gut.

This may explain why many people feel bloated, gassy or intolerant of beans and grains. Some people who believe that they are gluten intolerant actually do quite well with properly sprouted grains. (If you do have grain allergies or gluten intolerance please consult your health practitioner before attempting to consume sprouted or soaked grains and do so with caution.)

Some have even linked phytic acid and improperly prepared grains to the rise in tooth decay. If you do eat grains, it’s best to soak or sprout them first.

Is sprouted quinoa better?

In short…yes. As it turns out, there’s a reason that the traditional practice of soaking and sprouting was so prevalent and spanned many continents and cultures. It has many nutritional benefits.

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Can you eat quinoa sprouts raw?

So it’s safest not to eat quinoa sprouts raw — instead, mash them before using in baked goods or stir-fry before adding to a meal. In short, quinoa is a grain that really needs to be cooked to bring out the flavor and to make reaping quinoa benefits an enjoyable experience.

Is quinoa healthy to eat?

Quinoa is a health-promoting gluten-free seed that uniquely contains all 9 essential amino acids that must be obtained through the diet are required for health. One cup of cooked quinoa contains about 8 grams of protein and moderate amounts of healthy omega-3 fats important for brain and heart health. Quinoa is also rich in several vitamins and minerals, including potassium and magnesium. Potassium rich diets can have a positive effect on blood pressure and potentially lower the risk of heart disease. Insufficient intake of these minerals is common and they are necessary for the body to function normally. According to US government surveys, only 50% of Americans consume the daily recommended values for magnesium. Quinoa is a nutritious food that fits nicely into a healthy diet and can replace rice as a more nutrient rich option.

Is sprouted quinoa healthy?

Sprouted quinoa has all the incredible health benefits of regular quinoa, but perhaps more so thanks to the germination process. When seeds begin to grow, some of the starch begins to break down, increasing their levels of nutrients.

Are quinoa sprouts edible?

Raw quinoa sprouts are edible, except that it may contain harmful bacteria. Therefore, cooked quinoa sprouts are recommended by health experts because it is tastier, more nutritious, and free from harmful bacteria. Do You Toast Quinoa Before Or After Rinsing?