Clover sprouts are the tiny, germinated seeds of clover plants. Clover plants are native to Europe and Central Asia. They have creeping stems and pinkish-white flowers. These small buds are supposed to support the growth of another full-fledged clover plant. As a matter of fact, a wide range of beneficial nutrients are packed within the delicate bodies of these saplings. In this article, we will uncover the various health benefits of clover sprouts.
Clover Sprouts Nutritional Value
Clover sprouts are low in calories and immensely loaded with diverse nutrients:
- Minerals (Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium)
- Vitamins (Vitamin A, B, C, and K)
- Protein
- Fiber
- Folate
- Antioxidants
Benefits of clover sprouts
Detoxification
Here are the ways clover sprouts aid detoxification in the body:
These small saplings are rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the pigment present in green plants whose metabolism releases ferrous gluconate. Ferrous gluconate binds toxic materials to itself. Not to mention, it saves the energy of the liver and makes it much easier to eliminate toxins from the body. Which means less stress for the liver and other organs involved in the process.
Vitamins, minerals, and fiber present in clover sprouts are essential for a healthy digestive system. A healthy digestive system means proper and complete removal of toxins from the body. Moreover, they provide a nourishing environment for the stomach bacteria. These bacteria assist in the uninterrupted functioning of the digestive system, which is necessary to carry out detoxification.
The antioxidants present in clover sprouts (flavonoids and phenolic acids) protect cells from oxidative stress caused by harmful substances inside the body.
Potential to prevent cancer
Studies show that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of tumor growth and cancer promotion. This is because of the abundance of phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables. For this reason, it is said that being high in phytochemicals, these sprouts are loaded with cancer prevention properties.
Another way antioxidants can reduce the cancer risk is by reducing the oxidative stress of cells.
Contains iron, but not enough to prevent anemia
The recommended daily intake for adults is 13.7–15.1 milligrams.
One cup of raw clover sprouts contains 0.5 milligrams of iron. This means that even if you eat a whole cup of raw clover sprouts daily, it does not satisfy the daily intake requirement of iron. Therefore, you should not rely on clover sprouts as the sole source of iron.
However, it is an excellent addition to your balanced daily diet to extract as many nutrients as possible from these nutrient-soaked saplings.
Weight loss
If you are struggling to lose weight, then clover sprouts are good news for you.
An effective way of losing weight is to cut calories and add fiber to your diet. Which is made easy with these little sprouts. One cup of raw clover sprouts will make your stomach full with an intake of only 10 calories.
While these little buds slow digestion and make you feel full, they prevent you from overeating and gaining weight.
Taking fiber will also regulate your blood sugar level, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Consult your doctor for maca supplemental intake for aided weight loss benefits.
White clover sprouts for blood sugar control
Some studies suggest the white clover sprouts can regulate blood sugar levels. Adding this to the diet may prove beneficial in lowering the blood sugar levels in diabetic or pre-diabetic people.
Red clover sprouts for blood pressure and menopause
According to some studies, red clover sprouts may reduce the blood pressure, which could be advantageous for people with the condition of hypertension or those prone to it.
Another benefit of red ones is that they may have some effect on the symptoms of menopause. They may relieve hot flashes and night sweats. The reason is that the compound isoflavone, which is similar to estrogen, is present in these sprouts.
Sprouting Clover Seeds
Clover can be easily sprouted at home. By doing so, you will have a fresh supply of your sprouts to toss them on your sandwich, salad or even have them as a sole serving. Following are the steps of clover sprouting.
Material
- Clover seeds
- A container
- Cheesecloth or kitchen towel
- Water
Instructions
- Firstly, wash your seeds with plenty of water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- After that, fill your container with cool water (make sure it is thoroughly cleaned).
- Soak the rinsed seeds in this container and cover it with cheesecloth or a kitchen towel.
- Soak them for 5 to 48 hours.
- Remove the extra water from the container after 12 hours, rinse your seeds with fresh water, and soak them again in fresh, clean water. Repeat the process every 12 hours.
- Now that you have soaked the seeds for 48 hours, you will notice the seeds have expanded in size.
- Remove them from the water, rinse your enlarged seeds, and place them on a dish.
- At this stage, expose your seeds to the air and keep them damp by adding one or two tablespoons of water to the dish.
- Your sprouts will be ready in 4–7 days, depending on the length you want.
- Rinse them with fresh water and enjoy!
Tips
- Buy raw seeds, preferably labeled “certified pathogen-free,” to avoid pathogen germination.
- Make sure to keep them clean to prevent unwanted bacterial growth. For this purpose, rinse them thoroughly during the process.
- Store them in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days. It is recommended to keep them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clover sprouts are tiny, germinated seeds of clover. Actually, these are dense with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and folate. Among the many benefits are detoxification, the potential to prevent cancer, and weight loss. White clover sprouts might be effective in controlling blood sugar levels. Likewise, not only are red clover sprouts beneficial for blood pressure, but they may also soothe the symptoms of menopause. For a constant supply of your sprouts, you can grow them at home with a little extra care.
