Sprouts bad for you?!
Answers: Are alfalfa sprouts bad for you? Can they cause you to get sick and throw up?
http://www.eyegas.com/attackofthesprouts...
They are usually very healthy unless contaminated by salmonella.
Health Benefits of Sprouts
by Steve Meyerowitz
Sprouts have long been famous as "health food" but recent research shows that in addition to being a superb source of nutrients, they also have important curative ability. Sprouts like alfalfa, radish, broccoli, clover and soybean contain concentrated amounts of phytochemicals (plant compounds) that can protect us against disease.
Studies on canavanine, an amino acid analog in alfalfa, has demonstrated benefit for pancreatic, colon and leukemia cancers. Plant estrogens are also abundant in sprouts. They increase bone formation and density and prevent bone breakdown or osteoporosis. They are also helpful in controlling hot flashes, menopause, PMS and fibrocystic breasts tumors.
Alfalfa sprouts are one of our finest food sources of another compound, saponins. Saponins lower the bad cholesterol and fat but not the good HDL fats. Animal studies prove their benefit in arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Saponins also stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells such as T- lymphocytes and interferon. The saponin content of alfalfa sprouts multiplies 450% over that of the unsprouted seed.
Sprouts also contain an abundance of highly active antioxidants that prevent DNA destruction and protect us from the ongoing effects of aging. It wouldn't be inconceivable to find a fountain of youth here, after all, sprouts represent the miracle of birth.
They can carry salmonella, as can many foods, so you want to get them from a trusted source, keep them clean and cold, etc.... basic common sense, they are no more dangerous than any other food.
Here is a link with more info
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/19...
NO!! Alfalfa sprouts are like SUPER good for you! They have all kinds of vitamins and minerals and enzymes!
If they have been accidentally contaminated with pathogens.
Only if they are old or something, then they cause salmonella. Check to make sure they aren't brown or something. They should be okay otherwise.
I put them in salads by the ton, on sandwiches, in vegetable dishes all the time. I never get sick. I mix them with bean sprouts and brussels sprouts in the steamer with corn, peas, carrots and broccoli and it comes out delicious.