Alfalfa

Alfalfa

Alfalfa (derived from the Arabic word for “the father of all foods”) is a flowering herb from the pea family that is naturally high in protein as well as many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, C and E, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. Alfalfa is nutritionally dense thanks to its large root structure, which enables it to absorb and store nutrients more efficiently. Because alfalfa is a nutrient powerhouse, it is commonly used as a natural remedy in a wide array of medical conditions.

Benefits of Alfalfa

Rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, this medicinal herb has a broad range of health benefits, including:

Cancer Prevention

Alfalfa contains certain flavonoids that have anti-cancer properties. Several studies have shown that flavonoids such as L-canavanine, medicarpin and millepurpan in alfalfa were able to inhibit the growth and reproduction of several human cancer cell lines by inducing programmed cell death.[1-4]

Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Alfalfa can help normalize blood cholesterol concentrations in patients with abnormally high cholesterol levels. According to one study, administration of 40 g of heat prepared alfalfa seeds 3 times daily at mealtimes for 8 weeks can significantly decrease elevated cholesterol levels without changing the diet.[5] The researchers observed that patients who received alfalfa seeds had a 26% reduction in total cholesterol and 30% reduction in low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Reduced Risk of Autoimmune Diseases

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, taking alfalfa pills can help prevent autoimmune diseases.[6] The immune function-boosting effect of this medicinal herb can be attributed to its high nutritional value.

Relief from Digestive Problems

Taking alfalfa can improve your general digestion and help cure a wide array of digestive problems. According to a 2012 study, aside from being jam-packed with essential vitamins and minerals, alfalfa contains as many as 8 digestive enzymes which can effectively treat indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, and gastritis, as well as stimulating the appetite.[7]

Healthy Skeletal Frame

Studies show that vitamin K-rich foods such as alfalfa can help maintain strong bones by utilizing calcium properly.[8] Alfalfa sprouts also have a decent amount of manganese, which is also an essential nutrient in preventing bone breakdown.

Strong Immune System

Two 100-gram servings of alfalfa sprouts contain more than 14 percent of your recommended daily value of vitamin C.[9] An overwhelming body of clinical research shows that consuming vitamin C-rich foods such as alfalfa helps boost the immune system and prevent a wide array of diseases.[10-12]

References:

1. Gatouillat G, Magid AA, Bertin E. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaf extracts in sensitive and multidrug-resistant tumor cells. Nutrition and cancer. 2014; 66(3):483-91.
2. Rosenthal GA, Nkomo P. The natural abundance of L-canavanine, an active anticancer agent, in alfalfa, medicago sativa (L.). Pharmaceutical biology. 2000; 38(1):1-6.
3. Gatouillat G, Magid AA, Bertin E. Medicarpin and millepurpan, two flavonoids isolated from Medicago sativa, induce apoptosis and overcome multidrug resistance in leukemia P388 cells. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2015; 22(13):1186-94.
4. Donaldson MS. Nutrition and cancer: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet. Nutrition Journal. 2004;3:19. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-3-19.
5. Mölgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis. 1987; 65(1-2):173-9.
6. Farnsworth NR. Alfalfa pills and autoimmune diseases. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1995; 62(5):1026-8.
7. Gaweł E. Chemical composition of lucerne leaf extract (EFL) and its applications as a phytobiotic in human nutrition. Acta scientiarum polonorum. Technologia alimentaria. 2012; 11(3):303-10.
8. Weber P. Vitamin K and bone health. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2001; 17(10):880-7.
9. J. Ruppenthal (5 November 2008). Fresh Food from Small Spaces: The Square-Inch Gardener’s Guide to Year-Round Growing, Fermenting, and Sprouting. Chelsea Green Publishing. pp. 80–. ISBN 978-1-60358-145-5.
10. Ströhle A, Hahn A. [Vitamin C and immune function]. Medizinische Monatsschrift fur Pharmazeuten. 2009; 32(2):49-54; quiz 55-6.
11. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Annals of nutrition & metabolism. 2006; 50(2):85-94.
12. Sorice A, Guerriero E, Capone F, Colonna G, Castello G, Costantini S. Ascorbic acid: its role in immune system and chronic inflammation diseases. Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry. 2014; 14(5):444-52.