Alfalfa, the king of plants
- reduces cholesterol
- reduces blood sugar levels
- enzymes break down food
- thins mucas (sinus, intestinal)
- alleviates allergies / congestion
- promotes liver health
- detoxifies the body
- relieve pain and stiffness of arthritis/bursitis
- anti-cancer activity because of isoflavone/phytoestrogens content
- alleviate postmenopausal “hot flashes”. 1
- If cut before it blooms, alfalfa is low in fiber and high in energy.
- improves soil structure and condition, and controls weeds in subsequent crop rotations.
- Alfalfa is a good source of protein, B-complex vitamins, and certain minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.
- Alfalfa could help prevent fatigue associated with vitamin/mineral deficiency or protein energy malnutrition in disadvantaged parts of the world.
- absorbs significant quantities of cholesterol. The direct interaction of saponins and cholesterol is thought to be responsible for the ability of alfalfa and other saponin-containing plant materials to reverse diet induced cholesterolemia in rats. Alfalfa saponins also interact with cholesterol found in intestinal cell membranes. This potentially alters cholesterol metabolism by interfering with intestinal absorption of cholesterol. 3
- absorbs bile acids in the small intestine which then enter the large intestine and are eliminated along with steroids. Since steroids normally facilitate cholesterol absorption, their elimination provides another possible mechanism to reverse or prevent cholesterolemia. 4
References
- Alfalfa, Supplementwatch.com, 2002
- International Forage Factsheet Series, http://www.forages.css.orst.edu/Topics/Species/Legumes/Alfalfa/International_Fact_Sheet.html
- Hwang J, Sevanian A, Hodis H, Ursini F. Synergistic Inhibition of LDL Oxidation by Phytoestrogens and Ascorbic Acid. Free Radical Biol Med, 29(1); 2000:79-89; Malinow M, McLaughlin P, Stafford C, Livingston A, Kohler G. Alfalfa saponins and alfalfa seeds. Atherosclerosis, 37;1980:433-438; Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson A. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis, 65,1987:173-79.
- Story J, LePage S, Petro M, West L, Cassidy M, Lightfoot F, Vahouny G. Interactions of alfalfa plant and sprout