Full Answer
Are sprouted grains really healthier than whole grains?
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What recipe do you recommend for sprouted grains?
Sprouted grain bread is a healthy alternative to white flour or whole grain flour bread. Sprouted grain bread is better not only because it uses the whole grain, but the process sprouted grains go through actually breaks down the proteins and carbohydrates in the grain, increasing vitamin content to the consumer.
Is 'enriched' bread better than whole grain bread?
Why do I eat Sprouted bread?
The Significance of Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Breads to Healthy Living
The sprouted grain bread concept is not new. Food for Life began sprouting grains over 60 years ago to use in breads. Eating grains is mentioned in the Bible in Ezekiel 4:9, and seeds and herbs in Genesis 1:29.
Sprouted Grain Bread from Food for Life
All Food for Life products are kosher. There is absolutely no flour used in any of our products. We only use freshly sprouted certified organic live grains. We never use any genetically modified organisms (GMO's). We do not use any refined sugars or anything artificial.
2. May Aid Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control Due to Its Lower Carb Content
Sprouting partially breaks down the starch in the grains, which lowers the carb content ( 2 ).
3. Higher in Important Nutrients and Lower in Antinutrients
Compared to other types of bread, sprouted grains are higher in certain nutrients, including protein, fiber, B vitamins and vitamin C ( 4, 5 ).
4. May Be Easier to Digest Due to Higher Enzyme and Lower Lectin Levels
Studies have shown that sprouting whole grains is linked to better digestibility ( 17 ).
5. Lower in Gluten, Which May Improve Tolerability
Gluten is the sticky protein found in wheat, barley, rye and spelt that is responsible for the chewy texture of bread.
6. May Offer Protection From Chronic Diseases Thanks to Higher Antioxidant Levels
Sprouting grains increases several antioxidants, including vitamins C and E and beta-carotene ( 11 ).
7. Easy to Add to Your Diet
Finding sprouted grain bread is relatively easy these days. It’s available at your local farmers’ market, health food store or even a regular grocery store.
The Bottom Line
Sprouted grain breads and whole-grain breads are both better choices than white breads made from processed flours.
The Health Benefits
Turns out, sprouted bread may be beneficial for people who are mildly gluten-sensitive ( not those with full blown celiac disease) or have difficulty digesting regular wheat bread, according to Jen McDaniel, RDN, founder of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy.
How to Find a Good One
Because the term "sprouted grain" has become such a popular marketing tool — and isn’t actually regulated — it’s likely that not all sprouted bread is created equal.
What Are Whole Grains?
Rather than being processed (aka refined), whole grains keep the entire seed intact. To get the full scientific picture, the Harvard School of Public Health says the three parts that make up whole grains are bran, germ, and endosperm. "Each section houses health-promoting nutrients," the report states.
Whole Grains Vs. Sprouted Grains
While whole grains are better for you than refined grains, they can be bitter when the whole, unaltered seed is kept intact. Sprouting the grains by soaking them in water (like you would seeds in your garden at home) helps reduce the bitter quality.
Health Benefits of Sprouted Whole Grains
The sprouting process unlocks further nutritional benefits such as fiber, reduces phytic acid (which can harm digestion), adds antioxidants, and creates a naturally sweet flavor that you probably wouldn't get from whole wheat bread.
Where to Buy Sprouted Whole Grain Breads
Food For Life's Ezekiel Bread (which also offers a gluten-free option ), Angelic Bakehouse, and Silver Hills are some of the common sprouted grain bread brands available at most grocery stores. With its increasing popularity, stores such as Trader Joe's and Aldi also now offer options in their own brands.
Methods for Making Sprouted Bread
If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Sometimes it is tricky to get the timing down when you’re sprouting wheat berries for sprouted bread. You might have the time to bake, but the sprouts aren’t ready or the sprouts might be ready when you’re not.
How to Germinate Wheat Berries
Use wide-mouth quart jars and fill them 1/3 full with the grains (wheat berries).
Sprouted Bread Recipes
Here are some recipes for making breads with sprouted wheat and other grains.
Learn more about whole grains & flours
Types of Wheat – There are six main types of wheat grown in the United States. Within these different types of wheat, there are many varieties and substrains that offer an array of possibilities for millers as well as bakers.
