Summer salad with peanut butter hummus, sprinkled with sprouts and served with rice cakes
I have become obsessed with sprouts recently. I randomly discovered GOOD4U in Tesco the other day and asked them if they would like to be interviewed on my blog to help me and you to learn and find out more about sprouting. They were very excited and agreed straight away, so I hope you enjoy this interview and learn more about sprouts and how good they are for us and our bodies. Let's not forget they taste great too!
Today I am chatting with Michelle, one of the Butler family that founded Good4U, who is a qualified dietitian and sprouting expert.
GOOD4U Sprout Range
Who is GOOD4U Nutrition ?
The Good4U story began in 2004 with the seeds of a great idea! Bernie (my mother) and I (a certified dietitian), were introduced to the sprouting phenomena and the very special 'Super Sprouts' containing a special mix of broccoli, clover, alfalfa and radish shoots was created. Together with my sister Laura, new ideas began to take root and soon afterward Alfalfa Sprouts and Lentil Sprout Mix were introduced to the range. Our vision continues to grow when we introduced Good4U's range of value added roasted seeds! With an impressive range of great products behind us, Good4U needed to get the super healthy sprouts and seeds onto people's tables! We expanded into shops across the UK and Ireland, including Tesco and Sainsbury's. And soon after the awards began coming in!
All production lovingly takes place at two sites in Northern Ireland and Sligo, with a team of 32 dedicated staff. The offices have recently been moved to Sligo, and a vibrant new team has been established there. In 2014 Bernie was appointed President of the European Sprouted Seed Association (ESSA), acknowledging the dedication that she and the rest of the Good4U team give to sprouting. The range continues to grow with the addition of an exciting new range of healthy snacks, perfect for on-the-go! The Good4U community continues to grow too as the Seeds and Snacks travel over to France and the UAE.
At Good4U we see ourselves as an innovative company, supplying high quality products with real integrity and proven health benefits. We are passionate about food and aim to make healthy living easy and accessible with our no-fuss range of superfood snacks and ingredients.
What is sprouting?
Sprouting is a very natural process which essentially turns a seed or grain into a sprouted living food with the addition of heat, light and water.
What are the benefits of sprouting?
Complex biochemical changes occur during hydration and sprouting making nutrients more bio-available which means that they are easier to digest and absorb due to their high enzyme content. The nutritional changes that occur during sprouting are due to the breakdown of complex compounds into more simple form. Sprouting causes increased activities of enzymes, improvements in the contents of total proteins, fat, certain essential amino acids total sugars and B-group vitamins and a decrease in phytates and protease inhibitors.
Simply put, the nutrients in sprouts are both extremely high and easy for your body to absorb.
What are the best foods to sprout?
You can virtually sprout any seed or grain but some need more TLC than others for the best results. The most commonly sprouted seeds are listed below:
Alfalfa, clover, radish, broccoli, lentil, peas, chickpeas, mung beans, soybeans, quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat, sesame, sunflower, cabbage, mustard, radish and daikon, rocket onion and leek.
All of these promote health benefits but especially those with published research carried out on their unique health attributes. In 2004 the University of Ulster carried out research on the anti-cancer properties of Good4U Super Sprouts which contains a mixture of broccoli, clover, alfalfa and radish. www.good4u.co.uk/research
Rice cakes with hummus, sprouts and tomatoes
How often should you include sprouts in your diet?
As much as you can really, there's no limit to how much you should have. We virtually throw them on anything, they are so versatile and add a real crunch to dishes. They are so fresh and vibrant and you can taste the goodness. Jazz up your sandwich, sprinkle on soup, add to pasta dishes or stir-fries, throw into smoothies or boost your salad.
Is it safe to make my own sprouts?
Yes but it's crucial to ensure that you are buying seed from a reputable source. When seed suppliers are not doing the level of testing required there is a risk that the seed may be contaminated. A rise in sprout producers and home growing does not come without its risks and only very recently did this industry become regulated. Good4U have been safely producing sprouts for over 10 years.
Where can I buy your products and which one is your favourite?
In the UK you can buy our sprouts in all Tesco and Sainsbury's and in Ireland they are available in Tesco, Supervalu, Centra and Spar.
My favourite changes all the time! I love all the sprouts, seeds and snacks but at the moment it has to be Super Seed Snack Coconut & Berry flavour, it's great as a snack or on yoghurt for breakfast.
Michelle from Good4U nutrition.
Thank you so much Michelle for your time and expertise!
I hope you guys found this interview useful and that you are ready to try some sprouts or even make some yourself? Let me know
Much love,
Hedi
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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