Raw vs cooked foods

It is hard to miss sprouts when discussing vegetarian sources of protein. The little germinated seeds are regarded as nutritional powerhouse due to their high vitamin and mineral content. They are low in calories, rich in protein, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and vitamins C and K. The process of sprouting actually increases its nutritional content and so it is a highly preferred snack item among fitness enthusiasts and weight watchers. They help to improve digestion, control blood sugar levels and keep you fuller for a longer time. However, eating raw sprouts are often linked to cases of food poisoning, which makes people question whether the benefits are worth the risks. In this article, we have tried to find out what is better: raw or cooked sprouts.

Raw sprouts and food poisoning

The raw sprouts are mostly linked with food poisoning due to the presence of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. The beans and seeds mostly germinated in warm and humid conditions, is perfect for the growth of such bacteria. Most people experience symptoms of food poisoning like diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting 12–72 hours after eating the sprouts. These symptoms are rarely fatal but can lead to severe health risk in case of children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immunity.

The digestion issues

As per experts, raw sprouts are even difficult to digest as compared to the cooked ones. Your body might not be able to absorb all the nutrients of the seeds and beans in the raw form. Cooking the sprouts slightly makes the nutrient more accessible to the body.

The right way to eat sprouts

Though the incidences of food poisoning after having raw sprouts have been reported numerous times in the past, not everyone experiences it. Many people consume raw sprouts daily and yet have never faced any trouble. However, for your safety, put some oil in the pan and saute the sprouts for a while to kill the bacteria or can either boil in salt water for 5-10 minutes. Cooking them is even better for your digestive system and the absorption of nutrients.

The bottom line

If you have a healthy immune system and have never experienced any problems by consuming raw sprouts then you should continue with it. If you’re worried or have a compromised immune system, cook your sprouts slightly before adding them in your salad or rice.

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