LifestyleMicrogreens, the delicious, low-calorie superfood replacing lettuce in your diet

Microgreens, the delicious, low‑calorie superfood replacing lettuce in your diet

Microgreens are a dietary hit.
Microgreens are a dietary hit.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

9:08 PM EST, January 20, 2024

Maintaining a strict diet incorporating the same meals has quickly become outdated. We shouldn't limit our diet solely to lettuce and vegetables in order to lose weight. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer many recipes for dishes that are not only tasty and healthy but also low in calories. The latest trend is microgreens, whose nutritional properties are said to be on par with popular sprouts. They're packed full of vitamins and antioxidants that slow the aging process.

An introduction to microgreens

Microgreens, though once solely used in fine dining restaurants for dish decoration, have a lot to offer nutritionally. They are essentially the growing phase between a sprout and a mature vegetable. Besides their unique visual appeal, they are rich in health benefits.

The nutritional profile of microgreens is comprehensive, including vitamins A, E, C, iron, potassium, and folic acid. They support the proper functioning of the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems. For instance, alfalfa microgreens can alleviate menopausal symptoms and thyroid-related conditions. Radish microgreens have notable anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects, making them especially useful during urinary tract infections.

Integrating microgreens into your cooking

Microgreens, once considered a luxury item, are now available in common markets and health food stores. You can even grow them at home. Simply acquire seeds of plants like alfalfa, radish, sunflower, or broccoli and then plant them in soil. If you plan on cultivating larger quantities, you might want to invest in a sprouter to ease and speed up the process.

You can easily swap out your regular lettuce for microgreens or sprinkle them on dishes, much like how you'd use dill or chives. Don't hold back- 0.22 pounds of microgreens contain a mere 12 calories.

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