Science-Backed

The Research Behind Microgreens

Not just trendy—backed by peer-reviewed studies from the USDA, Johns Hopkins, and major research institutions. Read the science yourself.

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Peer-Reviewed

Published scientific studies

4-40x Nutrients

USDA-documented density

Health Benefits

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

The Landmark USDA Study

In 2012, researchers at the University of Maryland and USDA analyzed 25 varieties of microgreens and found they contain 4 to 40 times more vitamins and carotenoids than mature vegetables.

Xiao Z, Lester GE, Luo Y, Wang Q.
"Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens"
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012; 60(31): 7644-7651

Read on PubMed →

Comprehensive Health Benefits Review

A 2023 review examined the full range of bioactive compounds in microgreens and their potential health benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and anti-obesity effects.

Bhaswant M, Shanmugam DK, Miyazawa T, Abe C, Miyazawa T.
"Microgreens—A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Health Benefits"
Molecules, 2023; 28(2): 867

Read on PubMed Central →

Broccoli Microgreens & Sulforaphane

Broccoli microgreens contain 20 to 50 times more sulforaphane (a potent cancer-preventive compound) than mature broccoli. Research from Johns Hopkins University first identified sulforaphane's cancer-preventive properties in 1992.

Bouranis JA, et al.
"Sulforaphane Bioavailability in Healthy Subjects Fed a Single Serving of Fresh Broccoli Microgreens"
Foods, 2023; 12(20): 3784

Read on PubMed Central →

Kamal MM, et al.
"Sulforaphane in broccoli: The green chemoprevention!! Role in cancer prevention and therapy"
Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 2021

Read on PubMed Central →

Sunflower & Pea Microgreens

A 2025 study in Scientific Reports (Nature) compared six microgreen varieties and found:

  • Sunflower: Highest calcium and fumaric acid content, high phenolic levels (antioxidants)
  • Pea: Highest phosphorus and copper content, excellent source of plant protein and fiber

Balik S, Elgudayem F, Dasgan HY, Kafkas NE, Gruda NS.
"Nutritional quality profiles of six microgreens"
Scientific Reports, 2025; 15: 6187

Read on PubMed → | Read on Nature →

Radish Microgreens

Radish microgreens consistently rank among the most nutrient-dense varieties. The 2012 USDA study found green daikon radish microgreens had the highest tocopherol (Vitamin E) concentrations of all 25 varieties tested.

A 2020 study found radish microgreens exhibit anti-diabetic and anti-cholinergic activity and should be "used daily as superfoods or functional food."

Ghoora MD, Haldipur AC, Srividya N.
"Sprouts vs. Microgreens as Novel Functional Foods: Variation of Nutritional and Phytochemical Profiles and Their In Vitro Bioactive Properties"
Molecules, 2020; 25(18): 4278

Read on PubMed →

Key Research Findings

  • 4-40x More Nutrients

    Microgreens contain 4 to 40 times more vitamins and carotenoids than mature vegetables of the same variety.

  • Rich in Antioxidants

    High levels of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene provide powerful antioxidant protection.

  • Bioactive Compounds

    Sulforaphane, glucosinolates, and other bioactive compounds show anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory potential.

Taste the Difference

Ready to add these nutritional powerhouses to your diet? Find us at local farmers markets or shop our freeze-dried sunflower microgreens online.

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