Sprouting is the process of germinating seeds, grains, or legumes by soaking them in water until they begin to sprout, or grow a small shoot. This process can be done at home, and it's a simple way to increase the nutritional value of these foods and make them more easily digestible. Some of the benefits of sprouting include:

• Increased nutrient content: Sprouting increases the levels of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron in seeds, grains, and legumes.

• Improved digestibility: Sprouting can make seeds, grains, and legumes easier to digest by breaking down complex sugars and proteins.

• Enzyme activation: Sprouting activates enzymes that help the body to break down and absorb the nutrients in the food.

• Improved taste: Sprouting can improve the taste of seeds, grains, and legumes and make them more flavorful.

• Enzyme inhibition: Sprouting can inhibit enzyme inhibitors that can interfere with nutrient absorption.

• Alkalizing effect: Sprouting can alkalize the body, which may be beneficial for individuals with an acidic pH

• Cost-effective: Sprouting is a low-cost way to access fresh food at home, it doesn't require cooking, baking or canning

• Versatility: Sprouted seeds, grains and legumes can be eaten raw, cooked, or added to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.

It's worth mentioning that sprouting also increases the risk of bacteria contamination, it's important to pay attention to sprouts cleanliness and hygiene while preparing them, also, not all seeds, grains, and legumes are suitable for sprouting, so it's important to research the ones you want to sprout.

Grape juice is a good source of antioxidants and has several potential health benefits:

• Improve heart health: Some studies have shown that drinking grape juice may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: The antioxidants in grape juice, such as resveratrol, may help reduce inflammation in the body.

• Improve brain function: Some research suggests that the compounds in grape juice may have a positive effect on brain function and may even help protect against age-related cognitive decline.

• Anticancer properties: Some studies have shown that the antioxidants in grape juice may help protect against certain types of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer.

• Weight management: Grape juice is a low-calorie beverage, and substituting it for higher-calorie drinks may help with weight management.

It's important to remember that grape juice should be consumed in moderation, as it is high in sugars.

The clear liquid found inside unripe coconuts is coconut water. As the coconut matures most of the water turns into flesh. The coconut water tastes yummy (So good!) and in the summer season acts as a coolant in addition to just quenching thirst. It acts like a sports drink - in addition to being low in calories and high in electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium.

• Coconut water can be used for the prevention and treatment of dehydration.

• Drinking coconut water before exercise can help to increase endurance and exercise performance due to the presence of carbohydrates and electrolytes (which can maintain blood volume and heart health).

• The high quantity of potassium helps in reducing blood pressure.

• Antioxidants present may help reduce liver damage

• Calcium and magnesium in the coconut water help in reducing muscle tension. Magnesium helps in the absorption of calcium into the blood. Calcium in turn helps in muscle contraction and relaxation.

It’s that time of the year when watermelons are in season again and the market is flooded with them.

Benefits:

• Watermelon is about 90% water and so it keeps you well hydrated when you have it.

• It acts as a good diuretic flushing the kidneys well thus helping in prevention of kidney stones.

• Watermelon helps the skin by keeping it well hydrated. It also has Vit C which is necessary for the formation of collagen. Collagen helps in maintaining the elasticity of the skin.

• The Vit C also increases immunity and keeps the gums healthy.

• The luscious red colour of the watermelon (as also the tomatoes) is due to lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant which decreases the risk of developing diabetes ans some forms of cancer. Lycopene also protects from sunburn.

• The citrulline present in watermelons (the white flesh just below the rind has more citrulline) reduces BP and the risk of heart attacks. It also helps post menopausal women by reducing arterial stiffness.

• The presence of potassium in watermelon (a cup has about 4% of daily requirements) prevents post workout muscle soreness and cramps.

• The abundant amount of vit A in watermelons keeps eyes healthy. Go ahead and enjoy this fruit.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but mix that with beetroot and carrot, and the benefits grow tenfold.

Benefits of drinking ABC juice:

• Detoxification

• Boosts the immune system thereby preventing allergies and infections

• Improves haemoglobin and white blood cell levels in the blood

• Reduces body odour

• Enhances vision

• Brings a natural glow to the face; removes acne, pimples and black spots by flushing out toxins

• Good for internal organs like liver, kidney and heart:

  • Makes the heart healthy. Maintains blood pressure and prevents heart disease

  • Acts like a tonic for the liver which is the chemical factory of the body: It works all the time to remove unwanted pollutants from what we eat & drink and also those from the environment.

• Delays ageing

Understanding where the benefits come from:

Apple: contains a lot of dietary fibre which regulates bowel movement and also regulates blood cholesterol level. Apples also have vitamins A, B, C, K, folate and minerals like Zinc, Magnesium and Potassium. The high Vitamin C helps in boosting the immune system as well as in keeping the connective tissue and skin strong. Vitamin K helps in clotting and maintains strong bones and teeth. It also helps in repairing wounds.

Beetroots: are rich in Vitamin A, C, B complex, Iron, Magnesium and Potassium. Potassium in the beetroot and apple helps in building proteins and maintains the body's acid base balance. Beetroots are packed with antioxidants, Lycopene and Anthocyanins which give it the rich purple colour. They also have soluble fibres and anti inflammatory properties.

Carrots: are a rich source of Vitamin A which improves eyesight and increases immunity. It also helps in flushing out toxins from the body. Carrots are also rich in Vitamin B1, B2, B3, C, E, K and folate and minerals like Magnesium, Selenium and Phosphorus. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth plaque.