In the latest episode of the Eat to Live podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked but profoundly powerful foods on the planet: sprouts. Joining me and Jenna is Doug Evans, sprouting pioneer and founder of The Sprouting Company, and author of the national bestseller The Sprout Book, whose personal story and passion for these tiny plants will leave you inspired—and maybe even rethinking your entire approach to nutrition.
Watch
Listen
The Nutritional Powerhouse That Fights Aging and Disease
Sprouts are far more than a salad garnish. They’re living, breathing nutritional powerhouses, packed with concentrated levels of phytochemicals and chemo-protective compounds that help your body fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and slow the aging process.
In this episode, I break down the science behind sprouts: why they contain fewer enzyme inhibitors, how their nutrient profile differs from mature vegetables, and what makes them uniquely bioavailable and potent when it comes to disease prevention—especially cancer.
Doug’s Journey: From Food Desert to Thriving on Sprouts
Doug’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Decades ago, after witnessing devastating health issues in his family, he turned to nutrition for answers. But it wasn’t until he moved to the remote desert of Joshua Tree—where access to fresh produce was nearly impossible—that his relationship with sprouts became life-saving.
Imagine growing vibrant, nutrient-dense food without soil, sunlight, or a grocery store. That’s exactly what Doug did. In the harshest of environments, sprouts became his sustainable solution—and ultimately, a bridge back to nature.
Sprouting at Home: Simple, Accessible, Empowering
Doug shares how anyone can grow sprouts on their kitchen counter, turning even the smallest space into a micro-farm. His innovative sprouting machine makes the process effortless—even for beginners. More importantly, sprouting at home gives people a sense of food sovereignty and control over their health—an ideal fit for those following a Nutritarian lifestyle.
We also touch on practical tips:
Which sprouts pack the strongest anti-cancer punch
How to chew them properly to maximize nutrient absorption
Why even a small daily serving can elevate your diet and immune defenses
A Simple Habit with Life-Changing Benefits
Sprouts are not just food—they’re a symbol of vitality and simplicity. Incorporating them into your daily routine doesn’t require a huge shift. But the impact on your health can be profound. This episode is packed with inspiration and science-backed insight to help you get started.
And if you’re ready to explore the healing potential of sprouts, don’t miss Doug Evans’s tips and tools for making sprouting a simple, life-affirming habit.
Be sure to subscribe to the Eat to Live Podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.
References
Fouad AA, Rehab FM. Effect of germination time on proximate analysis, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) sprouts.Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment 2015, 14:233-246.
Guo X, Li T, Tang K, Liu RH. Effect of germination on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of mung bean sprouts (Vigna radiata).J Agric Food Chem 2012, 60:11050-11055.
Ebert AW, Chang C-H, Yan M-R, Yang R-Y. Nutritional composition of mungbean and soybean sprouts compared to their adult growth stage.Food Chemistry 2017, 237:15-22.
Mubarak AE. Nutritional composition and antinutritional factors of mung bean seeds (Phaseolus aureus) as affected by some home traditional processes.Food Chemistry 2005, 89:489-495.
Erba D, Angelino D, Marti A, et al. Effect of sprouting on nutritional quality of pulses.International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 2019, 70:30-40.
Fahey JW, Zhang Y, Talalay P. Broccoli sprouts: an exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997, 94:10367-10372.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe his longevity-promoting, nutrient dense, plant-rich eating style.
For over 30 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition. In his medical practice, and through his books and PBS television specials, he continues to bring this life-saving message to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Discover the Power of Sprouts with expert, Doug Evans
May 21, 2025 by Joel Fuhrman, MD
In the latest episode of the Eat to Live podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked but profoundly powerful foods on the planet: sprouts. Joining me and Jenna is Doug Evans, sprouting pioneer and founder of The Sprouting Company, and author of the national bestseller The Sprout Book, whose personal story and passion for these tiny plants will leave you inspired—and maybe even rethinking your entire approach to nutrition.
Watch
Listen
The Nutritional Powerhouse That Fights Aging and Disease
Sprouts are far more than a salad garnish. They’re living, breathing nutritional powerhouses, packed with concentrated levels of phytochemicals and chemo-protective compounds that help your body fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and slow the aging process.
In this episode, I break down the science behind sprouts: why they contain fewer enzyme inhibitors, how their nutrient profile differs from mature vegetables, and what makes them uniquely bioavailable and potent when it comes to disease prevention—especially cancer.
Doug’s Journey: From Food Desert to Thriving on Sprouts
Doug’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Decades ago, after witnessing devastating health issues in his family, he turned to nutrition for answers. But it wasn’t until he moved to the remote desert of Joshua Tree—where access to fresh produce was nearly impossible—that his relationship with sprouts became life-saving.
Imagine growing vibrant, nutrient-dense food without soil, sunlight, or a grocery store. That’s exactly what Doug did. In the harshest of environments, sprouts became his sustainable solution—and ultimately, a bridge back to nature.
Sprouting at Home: Simple, Accessible, Empowering
Doug shares how anyone can grow sprouts on their kitchen counter, turning even the smallest space into a micro-farm. His innovative sprouting machine makes the process effortless—even for beginners. More importantly, sprouting at home gives people a sense of food sovereignty and control over their health—an ideal fit for those following a Nutritarian lifestyle.
We also touch on practical tips:
Which sprouts pack the strongest anti-cancer punch
How to chew them properly to maximize nutrient absorption
Why even a small daily serving can elevate your diet and immune defenses
A Simple Habit with Life-Changing Benefits
Sprouts are not just food—they’re a symbol of vitality and simplicity. Incorporating them into your daily routine doesn’t require a huge shift. But the impact on your health can be profound. This episode is packed with inspiration and science-backed insight to help you get started.
And if you’re ready to explore the healing potential of sprouts, don’t miss Doug Evans’s tips and tools for making sprouting a simple, life-affirming habit.
Your path to better health might start with something as small—and mighty—as a sprout. Check out my favorite sprouter by The Sprouting Company here. I use 3 in my own kitchen!
Be sure to subscribe to the Eat to Live Podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe his longevity-promoting, nutrient dense, plant-rich eating style.
For over 30 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition. In his medical practice, and through his books and PBS television specials, he continues to bring this life-saving message to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.