Alfalfa is a remarkable plant that contains a myriad of essential nutrients that can provide a number of health benefits. Juice prepared from sprouted alfalfa seeds is rich in calcium, folic acid, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, and zinc. It is the only plant that supplies the full range of vitamins, right from vitamin A and vitamin B complex to vitamins C, E, and K. Alfalfa sprouts, placed in indirect sunlight for a couple of days before harvesting, even produce nutritious chlorophyll that has blood-cleansing and healing properties.
The sprouted seeds of alfalfa are the best source of antioxidants amongst all the vegetarian sources. Drinking this juice regularly can help to prevent a large number of degenerative diseases. Conditions like heart disease, menopausal syndrome, osteoporosis, and even cancer are known to be prevented by this amazing plant. One of the active ingredients in alfalfa sprouts is known to inhibit inflammation and is therefore extremely beneficial to arthritics.
You can literally eat your way out of high blood pressure with this plant, which contains something magical to lower the blood pressure. Consumption of alfalfa juice regularly can greatly boost your immunity as it stimulates the activity of your natural killer cells. Recent studies also suggest that an amino-acid called L-canavanine, present in alfalfa, may be a natural agent that is effective in fighting leukemia. Some of the alkaloids in alfalfa have been found to decrease the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the liver, thereby preventing fatty changes.
The juice may also be of use in the treatment of short-sightedness. Patients suffering from ulcers in their intestines stand to benfit from the soothing effects of alfalfa. Menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause are times of increased nutritional demand. Phytoestrogens, which have been proved to be useful in the management of various women's health issues, are present in alfalfa sprouts. However, as is the case with all herbal products, moderation is the key to avoiding adverse reactions. Excessive consumption of alfalfa may cause the breakdown of red blood cells, which is extremely serious.
Research studies have shown that diets high in canavanine, an amino acid found in alfalfa, can aggravate the symptoms of a disease known as lupus. Canavanine is usually present in the seeds and sprouts of alfalfa but not in the mature leaves. Thus, alfalfa tea and capsules made from the leaves are not supposed to contain canavanine. Nevertheless, it is advisable to avoid alfalfa during pregnancy because of the potential harm due to its canavanine content and hormonally active saponins.
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