Nutritional Value Of Wheat Sprouts With Omega 3

Consuming plant sprouts has long been a practice by many people who desire a sound nutritional approach to living. Wheat sprouts, the same sprouts responsible for turning into mature wheat that’s harvested for a variety of baked goods, is one nutrient-packed sprout high in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients.

Protein

Considering 1 cup or 108 grams as a standard serving size, wheat sprouts contain 8 grams of plant-based protein, the macronutrient responsible for the building and repair of muscle tissue. These 8 grams in a serving account for 32 of 214 total calories of your Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA, of protein, for which consumption is based mainly on your age and activity level. Since the protein is derived from a plant, it’s considered “incomplete” since it doesn’t contain all the required amino acids. Authors Frances Sizer Webb and Ellie Whitney of the book “Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies” suggest people consume another plant source that contains the needed amino acids, such as green leafy vegetables or some form of animal-based protein.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the human body’s primary source of fuel. In a standard cup, wheat sprouts contain 46 total grams of carbohydrates, which account for about 15 percent of your RDA. The carb content contributes 184 calories to the overall total of 214 and contains 1 gram of dietary fiber, the type of nonsoluble fiber that aids in digestion and the regulation of bowel movements. No starches or sugars are derived from the sprout’s carbohydrate content.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for brain health, specifically the part of the brain that controls mood and emotions, and they help regulate blood triglycerides, or “blood fat,” levels. Researchers at Mayo Clinic report that cold water fish, such as halibut, cod, salmon and tuna, are prime omega-3 rich foods, but plant-based sources like wheat sprouts are naturally high in the acids: a single serving yields nearly 29 milligrams.

Vitamins and Mineral Content

Since wheat sprouts are unprocessed, their vitamin and mineral content remain intact since processing typically strips foods of their nutrients. One serving gives you a whopping 216 milligrams of phosphorus, which aids in strengthening bone structures and developing dental health. Potassium is ranked second-highest in the sprouts’ vitamin and mineral profile, with one serving offering 183 milligrams of the mineral that maintains electrolyte balance. Vitamin C and folic acid are two other nutrients found in relative abundance: A serving contains 42 micrograms of the acid and 2 milligrams of the vitamin that promotes the immune system.