From Seed to Superfood: Unlock the Power of Microgreens at Home
Have you ever noticed the taste of a tomato from a home garden? It’s not just your imagination. It bursts with a flavour and vitality that a supermarket tomato often lacks. That's a taste of what's possible when a plant gets the proper nutrients from rich, healthy soil, and what's possible when you take back control of your food.
Right now, your health journey might feel like a whirlwind of medical appointments and endless questions. It’s a lot, and you are going through it. But what if there was something tangible, simple, and incredibly powerful you could do right now to take back a piece of your power?
This isn't just a gardening project. This is an act of defiance against a system that has often prioritized looks and shelf life over nutrition. This is about reclaiming your health, one seed at a time.
This is your October Project.
The Anti-Cancer Power of the Tiny
My journey from diagnosis to self-advocate taught me that true healing is a partnership between medical science and radical self-advocacy. And sometimes, radical self-advocacy starts with a tiny seed.
Here’s the truth: industrial farming has often focused on yield over nutrition, leading to produce that, while pretty, can be lacking in the nutrients our bodies need to fight off disease. What I learned from my research is that the nutritional content of fruits and vegetables has declined significantly over the past 50 years. This happens because the soil itself has been depleted of essential vitamins and minerals through aggressive farming practices. This is where you take charge.
Sprouts and microgreens are tiny powerhouses—they're incredibly nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These tiny plants, harvested right after germination, contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature vegetable counterparts. By growing them on your windowsill, you're not just getting food; you're getting a concentrated dose of targeted nutrition that helps your body build its natural defences and reduce the inflammation that fuels disease.
Microgreens are not just "tiny vegetables"; they are concentrated powerhouses of nutrition. Many of them contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds than their mature counterparts.
Scroll to the bottom to see the anti-cancer vitamins and more in the seeds I use.
Your Simple, Five-Day Action Plan
You don’t need a green thumb or a backyard. All you need is a decision. This is a low-cost, low-commitment project with a huge return on your investment.
Step 1: Get the Gear. Grab a sprouting mason jar for sprouting or a tray for microgreens (here is the one I use https://amzn.to/4701gup) and a spray bottle. You can find these at any health food store or online. Next, get some organic sprouting and microgreens seeds (broccoli, radish, and alfalfa are great for beginners). TIP: Ensure they are seeds for sprouting or microgreens, as these are food-safe. The others may have come in contact with some yucky stuff that won't matter if you plant outside. And finally, some filtered water.
Step 2:
Get Started. Follow the simple instructions on the seed packet. It’s as easy as putting organic soil on the tray, water in the reservoir, planting the seeds and spraying the seeds with water, and then placing them on a sunny windowsill.
Step 3:
Watch the Magic Happen. You will literally see life spring from a single seed by day 2. It’s a powerful visual reminder of your own capacity for growth and healing.
Step 4: Eat Up. In as little as five days, your sprouts or microgreens are ready. Add them to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or even just eat them by the handful.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Win. You did it. You took a concrete, proactive step to nourish your body and your mind. You just became the CEO of your own nutrition, and that’s a win worth celebrating.
This is just the start. Your power to heal isn't just about what you do in a doctor's office. It's about every single choice you make.
Here are the anti-cancer nutrients in the seeds I use:
Broccoli Microgreens
Sulforaphane: This is the most talked-about compound in broccoli sprouts and microgreens. It's a powerful anti-cancer agent that works by:
Activating detoxification enzymes in the liver
Reducing inflammation
Promoting programmed cell death in cancer cells (apoptosis)
Inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels that feed malignant cells.
Vitamins: Rich in Vitamins A, C, E, and K.
Minerals: A good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.
Protein: They contain a notable amount of protein for a leafy green, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.
Fenugreek Microgreens
Protein: A great source of high-quality protein and fibre .
Vitamins: Packed with a wide range of vitamins, including A, C, and several B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6).
Minerals: A good source of iron, potassium, and calcium.
Other Benefits: They contain a compound called diosgenin which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against diseases. They are also known for aiding digestion.
Arugula Microgreens
Protein: Arugula microgreens are surprisingly high in protein — they can contain up to 25% protein!
Vitamins: Rich in Vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Minerals: High in calcium, iron, and magnesium, as well as potassium and phosphorus.
Other Benefits: They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds called flavonoids and stilbenes, which can help protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Cress Microgreens
Protein: A good source of protein and fiber.
Vitamins: Excellent source of Vitamins C and E, as well as a high amount of carotenoids which convert to Vitamin A in the body.
Minerals: Rich in manganese, calcium, and iron. They also contain more sulfur than most vegetables.
Other Benefits: Known for their antioxidant properties and ability to improve mental function and bone health.
Mustard Microgreens
Protein: A good source of protein, with up to 2.5 grams per 100 grams.
Vitamins: Rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as B vitamins.
Minerals: A good source of calcium, iron, and potassium.
Other Benefits: They contain compounds called glucosinolates that stimulate detoxification enzymes in the liver and have anti-cancer properties. They also have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.
