Bean Sprouts: 5 Health Benefits

While bean sprouts can come from any bean, the most common ones come from mung beans and soybeans. Bean sprouts are nearly fat free and filed with fiber, making them a weight-loss friendly food. They are loaded with nutrients, low in calories and they help you feel full longer, to help reduce snacking and overeating. People consume bean sprouts around the world, but they are most common in Eastern Asia, where they are included in many dishes. Bean sprouts health benefits include the ability to boost eye health, reduce anxiety and strengthen the immune system.

Bean Sprouts Health Benefits

1. Helps Reduce Anxiety

Bean sprouts health benefits include the ability to help reduce anxiety, thanks to the Vitamin C they contain. In a study conducted at the Joanna Briggs Institute at the University of Adelaide in Australia, researchers found that being deficient in Vitamin C can have a direct effect on mood and sleep patterns. The study showed that a Vitamin C deficiency may cause problems with the production of important neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to anxiety and sleep disorders. Eating Vitamin C foods, like bean sprouts, can help stabilize mood to reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Maintains Eye Health

Thanks to the folate they contain, bean sprouts health benefits include healthy eyes. A clinical trial published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that folic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 can help minimize age-related macular degeneration. (1)

3. Supports the Immune System

Bean sprouts health benefits include a strengthened immune system. The Vitamin C in bean sprouts supports a healthy immune system to help the body fight off viruses and bacteria that lead to illness and infection. Bean sprouts health benefits also include healthy cells. The iron in bean sprouts works to help kill of damaging pathogens in the body. (2)

4. Reduces the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Thanks to the Vitamin K they contain, bean sprouts health benefits include a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. A study published in the American Society for Nutrition found that Vitamin K has the ability to help reduce the onset of heart disease. The body uses Vitamin K for blood clotting and to help inhibit the buildup of calcium in the blood vessels. Bean sprouts health benefits include a healthy heart and a properly functioning cardiovascular system. (3)

5. Builds Strong Bones

Bean sprouts health benefits include the ability to help build strong bones, thanks to the many nutrients they contain, including manganese. Manganese plays an important role in maintaining bone health. When manganese is combined with calcium, Vitamin D, magnesium, zinc and copper, it can help improve bone mass. By helping to maintain strong bones, bean sprouts health benefits also include a reduced risk of osteoporosis.