Juicing For Health - Alfalfa
Name
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) also known as lucerne, holy-hay, and trefoil.
Parts Used
Flowers, Leaves, Petals and Sprouted Seeds.
Information
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae. Due to its long-root system it sends roots down twenty to thirty feet into the ground and brings up the minerals that are not available closer to the surface. For this reason, the Arabic word Alfalfa means "father of plants".
Alfalfa is exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, phytochemicals and other nutrients that contribute to maintaining a healthly body. A great source of protein and is very high in chlorophyll, carotene, the vitamins A, D, E, B-6, K, and several different enzymes. Alfalfa is also rich in the minerals calcium, potassium, carotene, iron, trace minerals and zinc.
Alfalfa was traditionally used as a nutritive tonic, to stimulate appetite, promote weight gain, stimulate lactation in nursing mothers, poor assimiliation of nutrients, promotin pituitary gland function, anemia, diuretic, menopause, arthritis, gout and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Benefits
- Chlorophyll
- Digestive Aid
- Lower Cholesterol
- Phytoestrogens
Alfalfa like other green leafy vegetables are rich in the green pigment chlorophyll which has many benefits such as stimulating growth of connective tissue, help build blood/anemia, prevent germ growth such as bacteria, aid in detoxification and much more.
Alfalfa due to its rich nutrient and enzyme content is great for those with poor digestion and nutritional deficiencies. Helps to stimulate appetite and promote weight gain.
Research has shown that alfalfa supplementation reduced blood cholesterol levels, particularly for individuals with a specific kind of high cholesterol known as type II hyperlipoproteinemia.
Alfalfa is a rich phytoestrogen source which act as weaker estrogens to block receptors so more harmful enviroment estrogens cant be absorbed. This in turn helps balance hormones.
Side Effects/Precautions
Alfalfa must be used in fresh, raw form to provide all nutrients, sprouts are very effective but be sure to rinse and wash well before using to remove mold and bacteria.
Alfalfa is rich in vitamin K that can interfere with the drug's anti-coagulant effects. If you are on Coumadin, you should have been advised on the safe consumption of not just alfalfa but also of all other green leafy vegetables.
The most common talked about precaution with alfalfa is the non-protein amino acid L-cavanine content. L-cavanine, in extremely rare instances of excessive consumption, can cause abnormal red blood cell counts, enlargement of the spleen, or aggravation of lupus although newer studies are showing this to not true. L-cavanine is found in non-heated alfalfa products such as the sprouts and seeds so the best idea if using the sprouts is to not overdo them and you'll be fine.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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