Alfalfa sprouts are immature shoots of the alfalfa plant. It contains vitamins C and K, copper, folate, manganese, iron, folate, magnesium, riboflavin, and thiamine.
Bioactive compounds such as phytosterols, coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins are also present.
Alfalfa, which is made from Alfalfa Sprouts, is best taken when added to sandwiches and soups or stir-fried. This vegetable is prone to various bacteria such as salmonella, e.coli, and listeria. Hence it is great if it could be grown in one’s backyard.
Though most of the benefits are still being researched, traditionally they have proven beneficial to natives. It is considered alternative medicine.
Benefits of Alfalfa
Acts as an antioxidant– Generally aids in the repair of cells. It helps in reducing brain damage caused by stroke or brain injury because it lowers cell death and damage caused by free radicals. This happens by lowering their productions increasing the body’s ability to fight them.
Lowers high blood pressure and cholesterol– The presence of saponins lowers cholesterol absorption and increases the excretion of the compounds used to create new cholesterol. In turn, it facilitates lowering blood pressure hence regulation of cholesterol levels.
Combating diabetes– Alfalfa sprouts lowers blood sugar by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. It also lowers the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) thus boosting metabolism.
Acts a natural antidiuretic – It increases the secretion of salts and water releasing sodium in the urine. That process cleans the uric acid and gets rid of kidney stones.
Alleviate menopause symptoms– Phytoestrogens contained within the alfalfa can decrease the symptoms of menopause. This is often due to the reduction of the estrogen hormone during menopause such as hot flashes. Alfalfa works because it mimics the hormone.
Production of breast milk– Saponins, amino acids, and phytoestrogens present in alfalfa increase the production of breast milk traditionally.
Do not take alfalfa if:
- You are old.
- Compromised immunity/autoimmune because bacteria invade it is very easily that may cause additional sickness and the amino acid l- canavanine has proven to induce lupus-like symptoms.
- Pregnant and lactating mothers because it may cause contractions in the uterine wall.
- Taking medication that is blood thinners due to its high content of vitamin K makes the medication less effective.
