An eight week study showed that if people with type 2 diabetes ate 60 grams of lentil sprouts a day, at the end they experienced a 10% reduction in levels of hemoglobin A1c. In another study, those with type 2 diabetes ate powdered broccoli sprout supplements for eight weeks. The results included lower blood insulin levels and insulin resistance. The results attributed these improvements to the high amounts of the antioxidant sulforaphane in the supplements. There still needs to be more studies to confirm the findings.
Sprouts can help improve digestion. When the seeds sprout the amount of fiber increases and becomes more available to the body. Grains allowed to sprout for five days can contain up to 133% more fiber than unsprouted grains. Germinating beans that are 5mm long increased their total fiber by 226%.
Sprouting increases the amount of insoluble fiber. The fiber that helps form stool and move through the gut. This reduces the likelihood of constipation. It also reduces the amount of gluten found in grains making it easier to digest for gluten sensitive people.
Secret: Sprouts are good for your blood sugar levels. This could be because the sprouting process reduces the level of carbs that sprouts have. Or, it could be that they have the increased ability to regulate the activity of the amylase enzyme, which the body uses to properly break down and digest sugars.