Years ago, I used to avoid anything with wheat, such as bread and pasta because it made my eczema worse and caused digestive problems for me. At the time, when I cut out wheat, what I missed most was eating toast with almond butter. That was until I discovered bread that had been sprouted – Silver Hills! It’s never caused an eczema flare up and I’ve always found it very easy to digest – thank goodness. You see, sprouted grains are simply better for the gut and the whole body because they are easier to digest.

Sprouted grains have been soaked in water until they begin to germinate. It takes the grain and turns it into a small sprout, releasing vital enzymes in the process. Sprouting is magical because it helps to unlock valuable nutrients making them much easier for our bodies to absorb and digest¹. It also helps to break down some of the starch in the seed². Compared to white bread and whole wheat bread, which are made from ground flours, much of the nutrition is lost in the refinement process. Whereas sprouted grain bread is gently mashed to form a dough and the vitamins and minerals are preserved.

The absorption of nutrients in sprouted grains is greatly enhanced because sprouted grains disable antinutrients like phytic acid¹. Phytic acid is a naturally occurring substance in seeds and grains that binds to minerals including zinc, iron and calcium and prevents their absorption in the small intestine. Sprouted grains provide more bioavailable nutrients compared to other refined flours.³

Sprouted grains also contain more nutrients like protein and less carbohydrates and less fat compared to whole grains.

Sprouting a grain makes it easier to digest because the starches are broken down². The process of sprouting grains neutralizes enzyme inhibitors as well as the sugars that can cause fermentation and gas in the gut. Many people who experience gas and bloating from regular bread do not have this same reaction eating sprouted bread, myself included! Gluten is also pre-digested making it easier on the gut^3,4. It is for this reason that sprouted grains may be easier to eat for those who are slightly gluten-sensitive, however it’s not recommended for someone with a true gluten allergy.

When a grain is sprouted, the concentration of fibre is increased³. Fibre is important for gut health including elimination and detoxification of the colon. Fibre helps to regulate bowel movements and it’s essential to reduce the risk of colon cancer⁵.

And finally, fibre feeds your gut microbiome⁶. The microbiome is made of trillions of bacteria that are essential to a healthy immune system and much more. Consuming a diet high in fibre feeds the friendly bacteria found in your gut.

I’ve been enjoying my almond butter toast on sprouted bread for years with no negative symptoms. Thank goodness for sprouted bread!

Why does sprouted bread make the best grilled sandwiches? Explore the science and art of sprouting to learn why sprouted whole grain bread is a better-for-you choice for your family. Get recipes, tips—and a sprouting STEM activity for kids, too! Get your FREE Why Sprouted Handbook today.

Joy McCarthy, CNP Holistic Nutritionist, is proof that healthy eating can change your life. After healing her own body through holistic nutrition, Joy launched her popular blog, Joyous Health, where she shares her infectious enthusiasm for living and eating well without dieting. We love her passion for living well and her insight in this article on why sprouting is so good for your gut.

Take your learning of sprouted whole grains to the next level. We’ve curated our best articles to help you understand how supporting your health and wellness can start with something as small as choosing a slice of sprouted bread for your morning toast or lunchtime sandwich.