Alfalfa Sprout

Alfalfa Sprout Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is one of the oldest crops cultivated by humans. Alfalfa is the name more commonly used in North America, whereas, in Europe, it is more widely known as lucerne. It is a legume. It is now more commonly grown as a forage crop. However, it was once widely consumed by humans.

Archaeological studies show that humans consumed this crop at least 8000 years ago. Its origins seem to be somewhere in Iran or Central Asia.¹ From there, it spread to Europe and the Americas. These days it is mainly cultivated as a forage crop in the parts of Europe and North America.

Researchers have found that alfalfa is not only nutritious but rich in numerous phytocompounds, which may explain its numerous health benefits. Thus, it is a good source of flavonoids, phytoestrogens, coumarins, vitamins, terpenes, and digestive enzymes, which may explain its multiple health benefits. Furthermore, sprouting Alfalfa may increase the levels of some beneficial compounds.²

Health Benefits of Alfalfa Sprout

Below are some of the well-known benefits of Alfalfa Sprout:

Increase Milk Production

One of the reasons why Alfalfa Sprouts is so popular as a forage crop is that it can boost milk production in mammals. Although there is little understanding of the underlying mechanism, it appears that it may have something to do with the high content of various phytoestrogens in Alfalfa Sprouts. However, such effects may also be due to other compounds including vitamins and flavonoids.³
Lowers Cholesterol

Studies show that Alfalfa Sprouts may also help reduce cholesterol levels, thus help boost heart health and prevent cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, Alfalfa Sprout is rich in antioxidants and may also help prevent lipid peroxidation.⁴ Finally, Alfalfa Sprouts may work due to their ability to reduce the intestinal absorption of cholesterol.⁵
Reduces the Risk of Kidney Stones

Alfalfa Sprout helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones although the underlying mechanism is not fully understood by science. It may be due to its impact on bile juices and the ability of Alfalfa Sprout to reduce cholesterol absorption. Therefore Alfalfa Sprout may increase the faecal secretion of some of the lithocholic acids.⁵ This effect of Alfalfa Sprouts is further supported by its wider use to prevent kidney stones in Iran and other parts of Middle-East.⁶
Lowers Blood Glucose

Alfalfa seeds are used as a traditional remedy for diabetes. New studies show that they work in numerous ways and help reduce blood glucose levels considerably. In one of the experimental studies, Alfalfa could boost insulin secretion significantly, and in a step wise manner, in diabetic mice.⁷
Relieve Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is not a disease, rather a normal phenomenon. However, it does cause severe distress in many women, causing mood swings, hot flushes, and many other symptoms. These symptoms occur due to a sudden fall in estrogen levels in the blood. It means that phytoestrogens found in Alfalfa Sprouts can help considerably in the condition.³

Side Effects of Alfalfa Sprout

Alfalfa Sprouts are relatively safe and rarely cause any side effects. Nonetheless, it is not recommended to be used as a supplement during pregnancy in women at high risk of breast or uterine cancer due to its phytoestrogenic content. Further, use of Alfalfa Sprouts may worsen conditions like Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, as some of its compounds are not good for these conditions. Additionally, it may interact with some medications like blood thinning agents.⁸

Properties

Cholesterol⁵
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁷
Digestive Function⁴^,⁵
Digestive Restoration⁴^,⁵
Galactagogue (Increases Mothers’ Milk)³— High/Good Levels of Flavonoids²
High/Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds²
Kidney Support⁵^,⁶
Lactation Assistance³
Menopause³

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