Why our microgreens’ high nutrient levels are important

Farmer John’s microgreens are superfoods packed with nutrients that are said to slow the aging process, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and more.   You don’t have to look very far to find the research that supports such claims. (we provide links here to WebMD, Healthline, Medical New Today and more)  

Microgreens have concentrated levels of antioxidants (including beta carotene) and other healthy nutrients.  Here’s how that translates into health benefits:

Antioxidants:

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in our bodies, and this is thought to boost overall health.  Why?   Because an excess of free radicals in the body has been linked to:

  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Stroke
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Emphysema
  • Parkinson’s disease

Antioxidants can protect against the damage that free radicals cause, which is why so many health benefits – including slowing the aging process – are attributed to antioxidants.

Beta Carotene (an antioxidant)

Our bodies convert Beta Carotene into vitamin A (or retinol). Vitamin A is well-known as an important nutrient for vision, though it also helps in maintaining healthy organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Researchers have found evidence that beta carotene may improve cognitive function, produce protection against UV radiation and prevent certain cancers.

B Complex Vitamins

B vitamins have a wide variety of impacts on your health.  Some can be quite obvious as it’s easy to notice positive effects on:

  • Energy levels
  • Eyesight
  • Brain function
  • Digestion
  • Muscle tone

Other less obvious benefits include:

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Growth of red blood cells
  • Hormone production

Vitamin K:

  • Maintains strong, healthy bones
  • Promotes normal blood clotting, reduces bruising

Further reading, beyond the links provided above:

  • USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, USDA SR-21.
  • Xiao, Zhenlei, Gene R. Lester, Yaguang Luo, and Qin Wang (2012). Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60 (31), p 7644-7651.