Alfalfa is a plant used to know as the food for livestock. Other names of alfalfa are Lucerne and/or Medicago sativa. It is also known as a medicinal herb for humans. Alfalfa contents various nutrients, such as Vitamin K (typically high in Vitamin K), Vitamin C, Copper, Manganese, Folate, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Iron, and much more. Alfalfa’s ability in cholesterol-lowering is its best studied health benefit to date. Some studies (but not enough studies to be conclusive) have shown the effect in animals as well as in humans in lowering cholesterol levels. Other Potential health benefits include:
- Improved metabolic health
- Relieving menopause systems
- Antioxidant effects
Alfalfa might be benefits to most people. However, there are always issues with some individuals. Consulting with your doctor before consuming it, if you…
- are pregnant
- take blood thinning medications
- have an Autoimmune Disorder
- have a Compromised Immune System
Adding Alfalfa into your diet: you could take supplements or eat the sprouts. Sprouts are easily added to sandwiches, salads, etc.
ALFALFA SPROUTS NUTRITION
Alfalfa sprouts are very low in calories but provide a number of vitamins and minerals, which makes them a perfect supplemental item to add to your favorite meals.
A serving of 100 grams of alfalfa sprouts have (daily value percentage):
- 23 calories
- 2.1 grans carbohydrates
- 3.99 grams protein
- 0.69 gram fat
- 1.9 grams fiber
- 30.5 micrograms vitamin K (38 percent DV)
- 8.2 milligrams vitamin C (14 percent DV)
- 36 micrograms folate (9 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligram manganese (9 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligram copper (8 percent DV)
- 70 milligrams phosphorus (7 percent DV)
- 27 milligrams magnesium (7 percent DV)
- 0.1 milligram riboflavin(7 percent DV)
- 0.9 milligram zinc (6 percent DV)
- 1 milligram iron (5 percent DV)
- 0.1 milligram thiamine (5 percent DV)
- 155 IU vitamin A (3 percent DV)
Some claim it helps with diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, urinary tract infections, menstrual problems, other disorders, etc. However, there is only little evidence to support the claim. However, there is little evidence to support these supposed benefits.
In United States, FDA (Food and Drug Administration does not yet approve it as safe and effectiveness dietary supplements. Before you plan to take alfalfa supplements, it is important to consult with your family doctor or healthcare provider.
Reference:Â
- Alfalfa (healthline) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alfalfa
- Alfalfa – Uses, side effects, and more (WebMD) https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-19/alfalfa
- What is Alfalfa (very well health) https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-alfalfa-4584280
