Alfalfa
Alfalfa is one of the most beneficial foods given to us by the creator. Alfalfa is one of the richest sources of all minerals necessary for great health. Alfalfa is one of the earliest cultivated plants, used for centuries for feeding livestock. This probably is true in part because Alfalfa is easy to grow, thrives in many varied climates throughout the world, and provides an excellent protein-rich food source. The name Alfalfa comes from the Arabian al-fac-facah, for “Father Of All Foods”. Its high protein content and abundant stores of vitamins make Alfalfa a good nutritional source for humans.
Alfalfa is a leaf that has many health benefits. Alfalfa is high in fiber an a member of the legume group. The plant has been used to stimulate lactation. It is also use as a treatment for dyspepsia, anemia, loss of appetite, and as a poultice for boils and insect bites. Alfalfa is good for colon disorders, hemorrhaging, and promotes pituitary gland function. Alfalfa is popular in the treatment of menopause symptoms. Alfalfa is used as a tonic to address conditions relative to the kidneys and the reproductive system. Alfalfa has also done service as a musculoskeletal and glandular tonic. Alfalfa has a proven cholesterol lowering effect, possesses antibacterial action against gram negative bacteria such as Salmonella typhi, and it contains at least one protein with known anti-tumor activity. Alfalfa alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Alfalfa is used in treating digestive problems and with regards to heart health. Alfalfa herbal supplements can be used as an overall tonic because of Alfalfa’s detoxifying effect related to its alkalizing nature. Alfalfa herbal supplements are a good source of: chlorophyll, beta carotene, calcium, and the vitamins D, E and K.
Alfalfa is often touted as one of the best sources of a wide range of
minerals and vitamins. Alfalfa leaves contain flavones, isoflavones, sterols, and coumarin derivatives. Alfalfa is high in vitamin content, providing beta-carotene, vitamin B-complex, vitamins C, E, and K, and can be used as a nutritional supplement. Alfalfa is also higher in protein than many other plant foods. It is vitamin rich, with small amounts of beta carotene, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate, and a substantial helping of vitamin K. It also contains a good range of minerals, with some calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and larger helpings of copper and manganese. Alfalfa is probably more useful as a source of easily accessible nutrients than as a medicinal herb. Alfalfa is an excellent source of most vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is critical in blood clotting, so Alfalfa may have some use in improving clotting. It also contains trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium,iron, phosphorous, and potassium. This abundance of nutrients has made Alfalfa a popular tonic.
Many people advocate the use of dried Alfalfa and Alfalfa sprouts to enhance health. Alfalfa is used as to treat arthritis, diabetes, digestive problems, weight loss, ulcers, kidney and bladder problems, prostate conditions, asthma, and hay fever. Alfalfa leaf saponins have been shown to lower plasma cholesterol, decrease intestinal absorption of cholesterol, and prevent atherosclerosis. Alfalfa facilitates efficient ingestion of the entire nutriments found in it. Bean sprouts of Alfalfa are well known as preferable food plant due to their main components of fibers and vitamins which are said good for the human body. Due to its generally high nutritive value, Alfalfa could possibly help to prevent fatigue associated with vitamin/mineral deficiency or protein energy malnutrition in disadvantaged parts of the world. The antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties of Alfalfa provide relief from arthritis pain and aid in healing intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders and cancer. In China, In traditional Chinese medicine, juice squeezed from fresh Alfalfa is used to treat kidney and bladder stones. Alfalfa has been used for digestive problems for thousands of years, In China, Alfalfa, has been used from thousand of years to cleanse the digestive system and to rid the bladder of stones. The root of Alfalfa is used to reduce fever, improve urine flow, and treat jaundice, kidney stones, and night blindness.
Alfalfa Health Benefits:
Alfalfa aids in increased energy levels due to its high nutritive value. Alfalfa may help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels which can benefit heart health. Alfalfa herbal supplements have laxative and diuretic qualities as well as helping to improve appetite. Alfalfa herbal supplements can relieve pain associated with arthritis and bursitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Alfalfa assists with the treatment of urinary tract infections, and kidney, bladder and prostrate disorders.
The main benefit of Alfalfa is as a food supplement. The seeds and sprouts of Alfalfa are an excellent source of beta carotene and several vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin U, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Vitamin D. Alfalfa is especially also rich in minerals including iron,phosphorus,calcium,potassium,magnesium and silicon.
Alfalfa is believed to have benefit on various conditions such as high cholesterol, menopause and poor appetite. In the old times, Chinese and Indian physicians used young Alfalfa leaves to treat digestive disorders. North American Indians used Alfalfa to treat jaundice and encourage blood clotting. In 19th century, some herbalists used Alfalfa as a tonic for indigestion, dyspepsia, anemia, loss of appetite, and poor assimilation of nutrients. Alfalfa has been found to reduce heart diseases and prevent fluid retention. Alfalfa acts as a tonic, stimulant, appetizer and diuretic, and can assist in the relief of urinary disorders, arthritis and high blood pressure. Alfalfa juice, as a rich source of chlorophyll, is useful in respiratory disorders and discomforts, particularly those relating to the sinuses and the lungs.
Uses Of Alfalfa:
- Alfalfa acts as a great alkalizer of the body.
- Alfalfa is a natural body cleanser.
- Alfalfa enhances the endocrine glandular system, especially the adrenal and pituitary glands.
- Alfalfa helps in eliminating retained water and carbon dioxide.
- Alfalfa also helps with alcohol, smoking, and narcotic addiction.
- Alfalfa helps in eliminating toxic chemicals and heavy metals (lead, aluminum, mercury, etc.) from the body.
- Alfalfa acts as an infection fighter and as a natural deodorizer.
- Alfalfa also naturally strengthens the body.
- Alfalfa is high in chlorophyll & helps in rejuvenating the blood.
- Alfalfa pulls mucus (catarrh) out of the tissues.
- Alfalfa may help in reducing cholesterol level.
- Alfalfa is a natural Remedy for Alterative, diuretic, antipyretic, hemostatic.
- Alfalfa helps in preventing heart disease.
- Alfalfa extracts with a lot of manganese improved the condition of a diabetic who failed to respond to insulin.
- Alfalfa had been used traditionally for treating infections resulting from surgical incisions, bed sores and inner ear problems.
Effects Of Alfalfa:
Although Alfalfa is harmless to most people when taken in the recommended quantities, but it may have some side effects including potential blood thinning effect. Consuming the large amounts of Alfalfa seeds may cause damage to red blood cells.
People who have been diagnosed with lupus, or those who suspect a predisposition to it based on family history, should probably avoid Alfalfa.
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