Sprouts are tops in health benefits

I have a friend, a certified health buff, who sends me a bushel of alfalfa from her garden as often as she can. I’m not really a veggie lover; the one and only vegetable I have an enduring relationship with is chocolate (which comes from cacao beans and is, therefore, legally a veggie). Although green is my favorite color, I cringe at the sight of greens. But well-meaning people, like my alfalfa pusher of a friend, try to get me to get more greens into my colorless, lackluster diet.  Alfalfa can be a good fresh start; after all, alfalfa in Arabic means father of plants. Growing in warmer temperate climates, it is a powerhouse of nutrition as it sends its roots down 20 or so feet into the ground and brings up the minerals that you won’t find on the surface.  See, there’s nothing superficial about this plant. Fact is, alfalfa is considered the richest land source of trace minerals and is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc.

The World’s Healthiest Food gives this down-to-earth explanation as to what makes sprouts so nutritious: “[M]any of the foods we eat begin their plant life as sprouts. Sprouting is simply the way that a seed cracks open for the first time and sends a root or a leaf stalk poking upward out of the soil and into the open air. Because the sprouting stage of growth is so unique in the life of a plant, there has been special interest in potential health benefits that might be associated with this stage of growth. In general, sprouts are often more concentrated in certain nutrients — including some key antioxidants — when compared with fully mature plants.”

Alfalfa has a rich, long history. It’s been used by the Chinese since the sixth century as folk remedy for diseases/health conditions like indigestion, high cholesterol, arthritis, asthma, bladder problems, hayfever, allergic rhinitis, and irregular menstruation.

This amazing herb is said to nourish the digestive, skeletal (it’s got minerals needed for the formation and strengthening of bones), glandular, and urinary system. It helps cure kidney problems, relieves fluid retention and swelling. Got kidney stones? Alfalfa’s vitamins A, C, E, and zinc have been proven to help dissolve kidney stones. It cleanses the blood, liver, and bowel. It lowers cholesterol levels. It’s likewise a home remedy for diabetes as it reduces blood sugar levels.

And hair ye: The juice of alfalfa, taken daily in combination with equal amounts of carrot and lettuce juice, can help in hair growth and prevent hair loss.

However, take these friendly words of warning: Excessive consumption of alfalfa may cause a breakdown of red blood cells. Pregnant women should avoid regular daily consumption of alfalfa or its supplement because of its canavanine content (an amino acid) that can aggravate lupus. And if you’re considering using alfalfa for any health condition, it is best to consult your doctor first.

Here’s another small but terribly nutritious sprout: watercress. Scoring a perfect 100 in a recent study defining powerhouse fruits and vegetables, watercress is packed with 17 nutrients — potassium, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K.

Other sprouts that have sprouted a whole world of health benefits are: wheatgrass, high in vitamins B, C, E, and many minerals; mung bean, a great source of fiber, protein, and vitamins C and A; lentil sprouts which have 26-percent protein; and Brussels sprouts which are packed full with fiber, manganese, B vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, choline, and healthy phytochemicals.

You can find these little wonder sprouts in the produce section of most big supermarkets and health food stores. Or you can grow them yourself in your backyard. Pick your sprouts straight off your garden and enjoy them fresh or add them to your salad or juice.

Excuse me while I finish my veggie pizza smothered with alfalfa sprouts.

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Hazardous waste disposal

DEAR CONSUMERLINE,

For a long time now,  I’ve been looking for some government agencies or institutions that are tasked to dispose (properly) of old batteries. I have plenty of rechargeable batteries size AA and mercury in bottles and thermometers, and, until now, I don’t know where to bring them. Please tell me where. OSCAR

DEAR OSCAR,

There’s a list of transport, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) that’s authorized to handle hazardous waste.  The list provides you with information as to the companies and contact details of the accredited TSDs, including the types of waste they handle and the expiration date for their registration.  However, in your email, you mentioned something about “mercury in bottles.”  May we know how much mercury in bottles you need to dispose of?  We’re not sure if the listed TSDs are capable of environmentally sound management of mercury waste.  It will be useful to find this out with your TSD of choice.

For further information and guidance, do get in touch with the hazardous waste management section of the DENR-EMB in Quezon City at 928-1212 (phone), 928-4497 (fax) or hazwaste@emb.gov.ph.  Our DENR-EMB colleagues will be happy to assist you.

MANNY C. CALONZO

EcoWaste Coalition