13/02/2021
Sprouts are nutritional power house. No doubt. They are less in Calories, rich in Proteins, folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus etc etc. So it is a go to food whenever people think of weight loss or Healthy food.
But..... What does Ayurveda say about Sprouts?
The perspective might shock you, but according to Ayurveda sprouts (not pulses) are a NO.
The process of germination/sprouting involves many chemical changes making it difficult to digest. This is explained as Kleda and Abhishyandhi in terms of Ayurveda. That which is not easily digested and causes obstruction to easy metabolism. Since they are partially digested it causes heaviness, cramps and flatulence. Since sprouts increase internal body temperature, daily consumption might lead to constipation.
So shouldn't we eat them at all??
Ofcourse you can,but there is a way.
- Should not be eaten raw. Better to cook properly.
- Soak them, and next day eat before they are sprouted if they are consumed raw.
- Do not eat daily, maximum of 2-3 times a week depending upon gut health and digestion.
- Germinated form of sprouts are Not safe for children, Pregnant women and for people above 65 years of age.
- Avoid if your digestion is weak
- Avoid mixing them with other proteins because the digestion time varies and it might be partially digested.
- Do not eat for dinner. If it is eaten raw it has to be accompanied with lighter food better when the Agni (digestive capacity) is optimum during the day.
- depending upon your Prakrithi (Body Constitution) customise it to proper time of the day and particular season.
So, watch out for how you eat than over-do or completely skipping it.
Once again, Let me emphasise - shouldn't we eat pulses raw at all? Yes you can after cooking, but not when they are SPROUTED.