Alfalfa: Health Benefits, Nutrition & Side Effects
Many people have heard of alfalfa sprouts but may not know much about the herb itself. But the more you learn about alfalfa’s health benefits, the more intigued you may be to give this modest legume a second look. Alfalfa isn’t the “trendiest” herb, but it should
definitely be on your radar, because it’s a true “superfood.”
You might remember the popularity of these healthy sprouts in the 1980s when they seemed to be on everyone’s plate, or maybe you associate the name with the vintage television character. But the purple and yellow flowering plant has a much longer history than that and has been prized for its agricultural and health benefits for centuries.
Also known as lucerne, buffalo grass and Meidcago sativa, alfalfa plants have been used as animal feed since Roman times and are now cultivated in many countries. Dairy cows are especially big fans of these plants. They often graze in alfalfa fields and consume more alfalfa than any other livestock.
Although its roots are in Asia, Europe and the United States are the top producers of alfalfa. In fact, America produces a whopping 41 percent of the world’s supply!
The green and white shoots are harvested less than a week after planting, making them a profitable crop. Its long roots and soil-improving bacteria are highly valuable in the agricultural world. Nowadays, all varieties of sprouts are available in grocery stores, farm stands, and even mail-order DIY kits—meaning it’s easier than ever to reap alfalfa’s numerous health benefits.
Alfalfa Benefits
People have been taking alfalfa for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The roots were historically used to lower fever, cleanse the digestive system, and even for weight loss. The roots and leaves were also popular in teas.
Chinese medicine has made use of each part of the plant for over a thousand years. In Chinese, its name translates to, “father of all foods.�
Due to its complex structure, scientists have not yet determined exactly why alfalfa boasts so many health benefits. Researchers do know that it contains an impressive list of healthy vitamins, antioxidant compounds, and minerals like calcium.
Lowers Cholesterol In an animal study from 2008, mice that were fed alfalfa showed lower cholesterol levels than those that were not. Smaller human studies have found similar results; in one study, after eight weeks, participants’ blood cholesterol levels decreased by 18 percent.
So how does it work? Scientists believe compounds found in alfalfa called saponins help lower cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol your digestive system absorbs.
Anti-Inflammatory For those that suffer from asthma or arthritis, alfalfa powder could be a godsend: it contains anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids which may ease symptoms of
both ailments. Flavonoids, including ones found in alfalfa like biochanin-A, could also help boost immune function, protecting your body from infections like colds and the flu.
Anti-Aging Alfalfa’s antioxidant content means it may even assist with cell damage associated with disease and aging—especially when it comes to your skin. The vitamins found in alfalfa could help reduce signs of aging like wrinkles, discoloration, and sagging.
Menopause Relief One recent discovery suggests that menopausal women may find relief from hot flashes by adding alfalfa supplements to their diet, especially when combined with sage. Since it contains calcium, it’s also effective in preventing menopause-related bone loss. Combine these supplements with weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones and prevent fractures throughout menopause.
Strong, Healthy Hair In the beauty arena, alfalfa shines when it comes to hair loss. Since your skin and scalp need a healthy mix of vitamins A, C, E, and K (and since alfalfa is rich in all four), adding this supplement to your nutrition routine may be just the thing you need to reduce hair loss and get thicker, longer locks.
Nutrient Content Raw alfalfa sprouts have a mild, crunchy taste that can be tossed on a sandwich or in a salad.Their tiny size means they don’t need long to cook–when your stir-fry, soup, or stew is almost done,try adding a few sprouts for a boost of nutrition.
Alfalfa is chock-full of vitamins and nutrients including Vitamins A, C, E, K, manganese, folate, and copper. Adding a handful of sprouts to a side dish adds less than eight calories to your recipe and only a single gram of carbohydrates per cup.
Did You Know? ● Diabetic mice were given alfalfa extract, and it lowered their blood sugar levels ● Breast cancer patients achieved better sleep after eating alfalfa. ● Growing your own sprouts is quick and only requires water and seeds. ● California produces the most alfalfa. ● Only certain species of bees can effectively pollinate this plant.
Alfalfa Side Effects and Dosage If you’d prefer not to grow the herb, alfalfa extract or powder still offers health benefits while being easy to use and shelf-stable.
Stir one tablespoon of alfalfa powder into water, smoothies, or juice.
Patients with autoimmune disorders, kidney problems, cancer, diabetes, or other conditions should check with their doctors before taking this supplement. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant or nursing. Certain medications, including ones used to treat blood conditions, and some vitamins can interact with alfalfa, so check your medication list carefully before adding it to your diet.
The Bottom Line Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich addition to your healthy diet. Alfalfa supplements are available as tablets or capsules, making it easier than ever to reap the benefits of this plant if you can’t grow it yourself. And those benefits are impressive: alfalfa supplements can help lower cholesterol, prevent hot flashes, and even keep your hair strong and healthy. There’s a reason this tiny herb has been a medicinal powerhouse for thousands of years — it may be a little herb, but it packs a big punch.