Nutrition & Taste Packed Salad
Sprouts – Powerhouse of Nutrition
Sprouts—edame beans, chick peas, mung beans, alfalfa and etc.—whichever one you choose, however you choose to prepare and eat it and wherever you choose to buy them—just make sure you eat them as the list of their health benefits is almost never ending. I personally buy them from the local Chinese Green Grocer and they are so wonderfully fresh and crunchy that you could just snack on them without any seasoning. You can also sprout your choice of beans, lentils and legumes at home – much easier in summer. We adults enjoy eating it when it is seasoned, flavoured and added to some salad greens. Oh yes it does take time eating and chewing them—your mouth gets a bit tired so that makes it a bonus for the diet you are following. Like I mentioned earlier the list of their health benefits is never ending, however I have just picked a few of their essential benefits and it starts here:-
- They are low in calories, low on the glycaemic index and a very good source of protein – which makes it an excellent diet food item
- Also it is a wonderful addition to a vegan or vegetarian diet – providing nourishment and excellent overall health benefits
- It is a potent source of antioxidant which is essential for protecting the body against diseases and strengthening the immune system.
- A good source of essential fatty acids – which is lacking in many diets, a source of fibre which helps to keep you fuller for longer.
- A good source of vitamins – the vitamin density of some seeds can increase from as much as 100% to 2000% after several days of sprouting.
These wonder beans are packed with a host of essential minerals, and the sprouting process makes them much easier for the body to utilize. While sprouting if you allow them to reach a leafy stage, they are rich in chlorophyll which is a powerful blood cleanser and builder.
Edame Bean Sprouts Salad
350ml shredded lettuce of your choice
150ml edame bean sprouts
100ml sliced peppers of your choice
75ml chopped cucumber
1 large tomato – chopped or 5-6 baby tomatoes
1 pear or apple finely sliced
Dressing
50ml fresh orange juice
5ml freshly ground black pepper
5ml salt
2ml sugar
15ml olive oil
20ml mixed seeds to sprinkle
Method
- Place all of the salad ingredients in your choice of bowl/platter
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a bottle – close and shake well
- Dress your salad just before serving, sprinkle the seeds and enjoy with some melba toast, pita chips or all on its own
NB: With this salad, you don’t have to follow the recipe – you can add or subtract as per you preference.
NB: No styling done on the pics – just clicked before lunch