Have you heard of sprouted bread?  It used to only be found in health food stores but is popping up more and more in mainstream grocery stores nowadays.  Sprouted bread is made from sprouted grains which are touted to have added health benefits.  The most popular brand that I have tried is Food for Life Ezekiel bread.  You can find this at most big grocery stores (sometimes it is in the freezer section).  Ezekiel bread originates from a Bible verse:

“Take also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils and millet, and spelt and put them in one vessel…” Ezekiel 4:9

More information found here: Food for Life website

So what makes sprouted grains superior?  Sprouted grains are seeds that have begun the germination process or in other words they have started their journey of becoming a plant.  It is believed that sprouted grains have more antioxidants and polyphenols (antioxidants that are also found in grape skins, tea, and pomegranates) than regular seeds.  It is also thought that since sprouted grains are closer to a plant in nature are digested more slowly than typical processed grains.  Plus sprouted bread typically does not contain any processed flour which may have less of an effect on blood sugar which is commonly described as ‘low glycemic’.

I wasn’t able to find any hard and fast research confirming these theories but I do think they make sense.  If anything, most sprouted grain breads are going to be lower in sugar and high in fiber which is always a bonus.

It is best to keep sprouted bread in the fridge or freezer since there are not any preservatives to keep it shelf stable for very long.  It is a very wheaty hearty bread but not in an overpowering bad way.  My favorite way to enjoy sprouted bread is toasted with almond butter.  (But then again I love anything with almond butter. :))

Be Happy, Be Healthy!