Benefits of Alfalfa Plant

Because of the abundance of nutrients and the many benefits of alfalfa, lucerne or medicago sativa, some people consider it as a superfood. Alfalfa is rich in phytoestrogens or dietary estrogens and has the ability to cause estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects.

The alfalfa plant is high in protein. It contains eight essential amino acids and has high amounts of chlorophyll. There are also vitamins A, B6, D, E and K. Some of the minerals present are potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. It also contains beta carotene and octacosanol. The reason the alfalfa plants are so rich in nutrients is because the roots grow so deep in the ground. The roots are able to have access to the nutrients underneath. They can grow as deep as 20 feet or more.

Because of all the nutrients available from the alfalfa leaf, it produces antifungal, anti inflammatory and anti arthritic properties. It can also act as a natural laxative, a detoxifying agent, is diuretic, nutritious and easily digested.

Studies found that phytoestrogens may prevent cardiovascular disease, brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease and osteoporosis. Alfalfa may also ease the symptoms of menopause. Studies have shown that alfalfa leaf extract helps in lowering cholesterol. The ability to reduce blood cholesterol is due to the presence of octacosanol. This may help reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

The compounds in alfalfa sprout have also shown to have positive effects in protecting against prostate, breast and bowel cancers.

The benefits of alfalfa include treating sleeping difficulties. In homeopathic medicine, alfalfa tonic is used as a natural remedy to improve sleep, relieve fatigue and restore mental alertness.

Another one of the benefits of alfalfa sprout is it may help prevent allergic reactions and also hay fever.

Because of its anti inflammatory properties, it is helpful in treating pains associated with arthritis.

Including alfalfa in your diet may also keep your hair strong. It can then reduce hair from falling out.

Another one of the benefits of alfalfa found from studies in animals is that it has the potential to lower blood sugar.

As a detoxification agent, alfalfa extract can help cleanse and detoxify the body from toxins. The compounds in alfalfa leaf stimulate the bile and cause it to remove the unhealthy substances from your system.

And as a natural diuretic, taking alfalfa tablets may prevent swelling caused by excess water retention.

Other benefits of alfalfa include controlling body odor and treating bad breath because of the high chlorophyll content. It can also aid in digestion, treat peptic ulcers and may help in the healing of gout.

Alfalfa may benefit pregnant women. It may help reduce morning sickness. Studies found that the vitamin K in alfalfa may reduce bleeding right after giving birth. Taking alfalfa tablets may help in the production of breast milk. But pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking any dietary supplements.

Studies have shown that people with lupus should avoid alfalfa as it triggers attacks and breakouts.

Alfalfa leaf extracts are sold as alfalfa tables or pills, capsules, alfalfa powder, alfalfa tea, alfalfa tonic and alfalfa liquid extract. Alfalfa seed extracts are also sold as dietary supplements.

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