Hey guys, Dr. Axe here, Wellness Physician and Founder of DrAxe.com.
In today's video, I'm going to be answering the question: Are sprouted grains healthy?
My answer is: Sometimes, and in moderation.
Here's what I mean by that.
There are three reasons why sprouted grains are better than regular grains, and three
issues with regular grains today.
Number one, most grains today, and if we're comparing, let's say, something like a whole
wheat bread to an Ezekiel bread or a sourdough bread, the issue today with regular bread
is that it contains phytic acid.
Now, phytic acid is known as a mineral blocker or enzyme inhibitor, and it's what binds to
minerals.
So when you eat wheat bread, it may say, "contains 5 grams of magnesium and 10 grams of calcium,"
but the truth is most of those vitamins are bound up in phytic acid.
They're locked in together, so when you consume that wheat bread your body can't digest it.
In fact, a study has proven that about 80% of the iron and magnesium you're getting or
would have gotten in whole grains, you can't digest any of it if you're consuming regular
bread that has not been sprouted.
So you can think, "Hey, I'm getting all these benefits from whole grains," you're really
not, because it's bound up in phytic acid.
Phytic acid, also known as phytates, are found in most nuts and seeds.
They're found in grains.
They're also found in beans.
The way you eliminate phytic acid is by soaking the grains and then sprouting them.
Soaking kills off phytic acid, which essentially unlocks the nutrients to where now, you can
absorb iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and all these nutrients you find in whole
grains.
That is one of the major benefits of consuming sprouted grains rather than just regular grains.
The second thing you want to consider why sprouted grains might be better is because
gluten and proteins become more digestible.
We all have heard that a gluten free diet is better for you.
Gluten is that sticky protein found in wheat that can cause intestinal inflammation and
really lead to issues like leaky gut over time.
So you really want to get gluten out of your diet.
The good news about sprouted grains are that after you soak and sprout the grains, it helps
pre-digest the gluten.
It becomes easier to break down and digest.
Now, that doesn't mean that it's still not hard on your system compared to other proteins
but it's definitely a major improvement, consuming sprouted grains over regular grains.
By a sourdough process is actually the best.
And last but not least, the issue with both sprouted grains and regular grains is regular
grains are very high in carbohydrates, and a type of carbohydrate called amylopectin
which can really affect blood sugar levels.
It can increase your risk of diabetes and other health issues.
That's an issue with grains.
It's also an issue with sprouted grains.
Sprouted grains, because they're easier to digest and typically higher in fiber and whole
food-based nutrients, it is a better option but at the same time, it's still not perfect.
Here's my recommendation with grains.
If you are struggling with an autoimmune disease or a severe health issue, remove grains for
a time until your body heals.
Once your body is healed, your digestive system has been restored, at that time you can add
in sprouted grain breads or sourdough breads that are, again, real sourdough, but really
only consume it a few times a week or maximum one time a day.
You definitely don't want to over-consume those grain products.
Really, rather than doing grains but replacing them with more fruits and vegetables, healthy
fats, and sprouted nuts and seeds, is really a good thing to consider.
So, again, final answer to: Are sprouted grains healthy or is Ezekiel bread healthier?
They're healthier.
I still don't consider them to be a healing food or the best food, but they're definitely
healthier than regular grains, and in moderation or in small amounts, they can be part of a
healthy diet.
Hey guys, this has been Dr. Axe.
If you want to learn more about going gluten-free or using sprouted grains, I've got some great
recipes there on draxe.com.
I've got a fantastic article on how to go gluten-free, and if you want to learn more
as well, I've also got a video on my site for going gluten-free.
If you want more information on going gluten-free and consuming the world's healthiest foods
and some healthy recipe ideas, make sure you subscribe to the DrAxe.com page here on YouTube.
I want to say thanks for watching.