The health and beauty marketing teams of today want us to fear aging and play off of our natural fears to make us buy various serums, creams, etc. To be fair, it is scary to notice new wrinkles, fall asleep on the couch at 10pm, or continue to tell ourselves that we will fit back into those jeans we’ve resisted dropping off at the thrift store (you know the ones.) It is easy to see why, according to staticians, “the global anti-aging market was valued at around 62 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 and is expected to increase to some 93 billion by 2027.”

Aging Isn't The Problem

The reality is that aging is part of life. Those pills, creams, and shots beauty companies are always pushing are either temporary or totally ineffective most of the time. The good news is that we can optimize our bodies to age more gracefully by prioritizing good health and nutrition. Want nice skin? Observe how different foods affect your skin, energy, and overall well-being. Want to get stronger? Focus on a balanced diet that allows you to build that strength. Whatever good habit you are working on for better health, the answer likely includes consuming more vegetables. Introducing microgreens! The young, nutrient packed vegetable seedling.

What Are Microgreens?

The term microgreen encompasses a vast number of plants but is essentially the young cotyledon stage of common everyday vegetables. They are harvested just after the seed has germinated but before it develops true leaves and bulky stems. These baby plants have recently become the subject of extensive research. The findings are astounding!

What Makes Microgreens So Mighty?

Microgreens contain various phytochemicals (antioxidants) and high ammounts of vitamins and minerals that help with everything from avoiding cancer to losing weight to improving organ function to... you guessed it… reducing the impact of age. Microgreens have all of these benefits and have them in such a high concentration that you can’t find a better source! Let's break down the top 5 microgreens for antiaging effects and why you should grow them!

Top 5 Microgreens For Healthy Aging

Radish

Radish sprouts are most known for their powerful punch of flavor! If you love the taste of raw radishes, you will LOVE radish sprouts and microgreens! Not only are they delicious, but they actually inhibit cancer cell growth. “Researchers found that microgreens from four species of the Brassicaceae family (broccoli, radish, etc.) inhibited the growth of human colorectal cancer cells.” Cancer is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world and is more likely to happen as we age. Eating microgreens daily can have a significant positive impact on one’s chances of avoiding cancer and similar diseases by supporting your body’s ability to protect and heal itself.

Amaranth

Amaranth is one of the few microgreens that was identified to have a perfect mineral profile for human consumption. This means that daily consumption of amaranth microgreens can directly combat mineral deficiencies and improve bodily health and wellness. Considering joint pain, hair loss, muscle weakness, and brittle nails and bones are all direct results of mineral deficiencies, as well as common complaints in aging adults, it is safe to say that amaranth microgreens can reduce the effects of age in many cases.

Kale

Kale microgreens have actually been studied more than other microgreens due to their intense nutritional benefits. According to researchers, “...microgreen kale contained higher concentrations of most minerals than adult kale…” We already know how kale is good for us and this study, confirming that kale microgreens have even higher concentrations of those vital nutrients we need and love, is almost too good to be true!

Red and Purple Cabbage

A 2021 study highlighted the benefits of various microgreens for use in areas with low agricultural value since they can be grown indoors and in small spaces. They said, “Purple cabbage microgreens consist of vitamin E greater than 40 times its fully grown equivalent.” In addition, “…red cabbage microgreens tended to hinder weight gain triggered by a high-fat diet plan program…” They also found Red and Purple Cabbage have very high Vitamin C content, much higher than that of their fully-grown vegetable counterparts. To sum it up, purple and red cabbage microgreens have high vitamin E content (necessary for skin health), hinder weight gain, and have high vitamin C content (necessary for immune system function). I think we can all stand to benefit from that!

Broccoli

Last but most certainly not least, broccoli microgreens are one of the most well-known superfoods. Food Science researchers say, “...studies demonstrated that broccoli seedlings possess various biological properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and antidiabetic activities.” Pair that with their signature earthy flavor and irresistibly tender yet crunchy texture, and you will have a major new superfood on your hands. Add them to sandwiches, salads, or smoothies for a delectable and health-boosting meal.

Who Can Grow Microgreens?

One of the many benefits of microgreens is that they are accessible to basically everyone! You don’t need to have a yard, garden, patio, or even a sunny window to grow these year-round. All you need is a tray, a growing medium, seeds, and a grow light. They don’t need a lot of space, and they grow incredibly quickly, all being ready for consumption in about 3 weeks or less. You don’t even really need a grow light if you have a bright place to grow, but studies have shown that higher light intensity increases antioxidant presence in microgreens.

Microgreens are Mother Nature’s multivitamin, and it comes as no surprise that nature has the solution to helping us feel better for longer. They are easily grown on a countertop in Alaska, Hawaii, South Dakota, or Tennesee. You’ll never have to wonder what went into them, and they’ll always be closer than the drugstore. You can follow our simple growing guides for growing in soil and hydroponic setups for a quick start.

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I also reside, and I love all things plants! I got a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and found the first work-from-home job I could get. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!