Raw Beast
Sprouts
Low Calorie Treat A bowl of sprouts, about 100 grams, contains just a little over 100 calories, packed with all the essential nutrients. It helps to keep the hunger pangs under control and helps to lose weight.
Filled with fibre Sprouts contain about 7.6 grams of fibre per serving. Fibre rich food is ideal for obese people as well as diabetics. Fibre is vital for the digestive system, keeps you satiated, delays gastric emptying time, prevents binge eating and is a godsend for people suffering from constipation.
Power Packed with Protein Protein foods offer varied health benefits. Evidence suggests that high protein intakes result in a quicker fat loss. Sprouts are packed with a good amount of proteins; a cup of sprouts contains 14 grams of proteins.
Reduces cholesterol A bowl of sprouts contains as little as about 0.38 grams of fat. Sprouts being a low-fat food and rich in fibre help to lower the cholesterol levels and maintain an ideal body weight.
Cleanses the Body Sprouts help in boosting the immune system and cleanses the body. The chlorophyll in sprouts is helpful in removing the toxins from the cells and lymphatic system. The enzymes in sprouts ease the digestion process that also helps to get rid of the toxins.
Improves Eyesight The goodness of vitamin A in sprouts plays a vital role in improving vision and eyesight. Sprouts also possess antioxidant traits that help protect the cells of the eyes from free radical oxidative damage that may contribute to early loss of sight and glaucoma. Daily intake of sprouts also reduces the risk of eye-related problems like night blindness, muscular degeneration and the formation of cataracts.
Promotes Hair Growth Bequeathed with ample Vitamin C, sprouts actively help in hair growth. Eating sprouts regularly hampers free radical damage to the hair follicles which in turn reduces hair fall, rid the scalp of dandruff and improves hair texture and growth. Intake of sprouts is also beneficial in the case of men who face the risk of premature balding as it extensively promotes blood circulation in the scalp and helps in new hair growth. Being high in antioxidants, even premature greying of hair can be averted if sprouts are consumed regularly.
Arrests Signs Of Ageing Thanks to enormous reserves of antioxidants and healthful vitamins, Sprouts make for a wholesome way to achieve good skin naturally. It helps prevent oxidative damage to the skin cells which causes cellular DNA destruction. This in turn helps to reverse and reduce the numerous signs of ageing like fine lines, spots, blemishes, wrinkles, pigmentation, saggy skin etc. It also rejuvenates the skin from deep within and bestows one with a healthy glow.
Added Benefits of Sprouting:
- It is easily digestible
- Sprouting increases the vitamins and mineral content
- Doubles the Vitamin A content
- B complex vitamin increases 5-10 times more
- Level of Vitamin C increases
- The bioavailability of nutrients increases
- Proteins are easily digestible
- Cooking time is reduced
Coconut Water
1. Beneficial After Workout
Are you a fanatic of sports drinks? Well, you are sure to relish coconut water. Exercise and coconut water often go hand in hand. Sports drinks may be high in added sugars and flavours. While coconut water is similar to a sports drink, it is low in calories and carbohydrates. It also is free from additives. Hence, coconut water is primarily connected to exercise.
Coconut water is an elixir of electrolytes. These are minerals with an electrical charge. In addition, electrolytes may be present in your blood, urine and sweat. They are essential to various processes that keep your body going. For example, electrolytes are necessary for the proper functioning of your nerves and muscles.
Electrolytes also help to maintain your body’s environment. They do so by keeping you hydrated and maintaining your internal pH.
Potassium, sodium, and magnesium are the electrolytes that play a significant role in the allure of coconut water. And coconut water can also boost hydration.
Coconut water is a great post-workout drink due to all its rehydrating properties.
2. Low Calorie
Coconut water is a suitable option for higher calorie drinks. Coconut water provides only 60 calories in a glass. Most beverages (like sodas or juice) have more sugar and carbs than coconut water. There are also more minerals and electrolytes in coconut water. The primary is potassium.
Coconut water can thus provide refreshment with lower calories than a sugary beverage. However, you have to be mindful when getting packed coconut water. Make sure to be careful about beverage selection and read labels. Avoid drinks with added sugar. They are no different from other sugary beverages. Instead, go for plain coconut water.
3. Potassium
Coconut water has way more potassium than a sports drink. A glass (240ml) of coconut water contains the same potassium as a banana. Unfortunately, the majority of people fall short of the daily potassium requirement. Coconut water gives 405 mg of potassium per cup. And this might benefit you to avoid cramping.
Potassium regulates fluid and electrolyte balance in our bodies. Therefore, it is essential to maintain this balance during exercise. In addition, coconut water contains more potassium than sodium. Hence, it may help stabilise the influence of salt on blood pressure.
4. Antioxidants
The reactive molecules that our cells generate are known as Free radicals. Our cells produce it during metabolism. Stress or damage prompts their production. Too many free radicals in your body will cause a state of oxidative stress. It is harmful and can heighten your risk of illness.
Coconut water also offers a range of antioxidants. They help in the reduction of oxidative stress. It also helps combat the free radicals generated during exercise. However, processing and heat pasteurisation of coconut water decrease antioxidant content. To receive the most antioxidants, go for fresh coconut water.
Coconut water includes antioxidants that prove helpful in animal studies, but human studies are insufficient.
5. May Lower Blood sugar
Coconut water may manage blood sugar management in diabetic animals. But similar studies on humans are lacking. Nevertheless, coconut water also contains magnesium. Therefore, it is another benefit of coconut water.
Magnesium may help improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, it will decrease blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
That said, it is crucial to remember that coconut water has carbohydrates. However, our body converts carbs into sugars. If you have diabetes, talk to your health care professional before including coconut water in your diet.
6. Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Therefore, they help in various body functions like tissue healing.
A study states that coconut water has high amino acids. For example, Alanine, arginine, cysteine, and serine concentration are more elevated than cow’s milk. In addition, coconut water is abundant in arginine. This amino acid supports the response to stress (like the stress caused by a heavy workout). Arginine may also aid in the maintenance of a healthy heart and supports the immune system.
7. Cytokinins
Cytokines are tiny proteins. They regulate the development and function of the immune system. Cytokines alert the immune system to do their job when they are released. They also influence the formation of all blood cells. Additionally, cytokines affect the growth of cells that help in the body’s immune responses.
Coconut water contains cytokinins. These substances have anti-ageing and anti-cancer effects. But as of now, no substantial research shows that coconut water prevents cancer.
8. Prevention of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones develop when calcium, oxalate, and other crystals form urine crystals. These crystals can further combine to make small stones. Therefore, it is essential to stay hydrated to avoid kidney stones. Plain water is a great option, but coconut water may also work as a great defence.
One study shows that coconut water may be an excellent choice in preventing kidney stones. Coconut water flushes the chloride and citrate in the urine of healthy people. In addition, it shows that coconut water may effectively wash out the system. As a result, it helps lower the risk of stones.
But this study was performed only on eight people. Since the data source is small, more research on the role of coconut water on kidney stone prevention is needed.
9. May Lower Cholesterol
Triglyceride (TG) is a type of fat present in the blood. Excess calorie converts to triglycerides in the body and is stored as fat cells. It works as an energy store for the body. But having many in your blood can raise your risk of diseases.
A study has demonstrated that tender coconut water lowers triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acids in rats. Moreover, there was a decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipid (the bad cholesterol). On the other hand, coconut water also increases high-density lipids (good cholesterol).
It shows that coconut water tends to improve cholesterol and blood lipid levels. Thus, it may help manage various diseases. However, this data is present from animal studies. Further research on humans is needed to solidify this claim.
10. Good for Heart Health
Coconut water may lower total cholesterol, bad cholesterol and TG. As a bonus, it raises high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) levels. High levels of high-density lipoprotein can decrease the risk of heart disease. All these properties of coconut water may protect the heart.
A study shows that coconut water has a heart-protective effect in rats. Tender coconut water protected the rats from the development of myocardial infarction (Heart attack).
11. Gives Radiant Skin
Dehydration can cause dry, flaky skin. Coconut water can help you meet your hydration needs.
It also promotes circulation. It will leave you with plump, glowing skin. The antioxidants in coconut water may also have anti-ageing effects.
12. Prevents Constipation
Coconut water has magnesium. This mineral helps in digestion and keeps the gut healthy.
13. Helps During Illness
Your body might lose a lot of fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea when you are sick. Coconut water can improve hydration and electrolyte balance. It works better than plain water.
14. Helps in Weight Loss
Hydration is crucial. It is vital for replenishing every cell in the body and metabolism. Many people confuse thirst for hunger. It leads to overeating and weight gain. Coconut water also contains fewer calories than other beverages (like soda and juice). The bottom line? Coconut water may help in weight loss.
15. For Hangovers
Gulp down a glass of coconut water next time you have a hangover. It’s high in potassium and is non-acidic. So, it won’t upset your stomach and soothe your hangover.