Photo: Anna Shvets

Who should not eat alfalfa?

Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises children, pregnant women, older adults, or anyone else with a compromised immune system to avoid alfalfa sprouts and supplemental products derived from alfalfa seeds ( 16 ).

healthline.com - Alfalfa: Benefits, Nutrition Facts & Side Effects - Healthline

What is the best way to eat pickled beets?

You have pickled beets. Beets are so versatile, you can do practically anything with them, including using their juice to tie-dye your plain white...

Last updated Apr 22, 2019

What is a good breakfast for seniors?

Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Seniors Oatmeal topped with fruits and nuts or seeds. A veggie omelet with a side of whole-grain toast. A whole-grain...

Last updated Jul 6, 2022

Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne or Medicago sativa, is a plant that has been grown as feed for livestock for hundreds of years. It was long prized for its superior content of vitamins, minerals, and protein compared to other feed sources ( 1 ). Alfalfa is a part of the legume family, but it’s also considered an herb. It seems to have originally come from South and Central Asia, but it has been grown around the world for centuries. In addition to being used as feed, it has a long history of use as a medicinal herb for humans. Its seeds or dried leaves can be taken as a supplement, or the seeds can be sprouted and eaten in the form of alfalfa sprouts. Share on Pinterest Harald Walker/Stocksy Nutrient content of alfalfa People typically consume alfalfa as an herbal supplement or in the form of alfalfa sprouts. Because the leaves or seeds are sold as herbal supplements and not as foods, no standard nutrition information is available. However, they are typically a fair source of vitamin K and also contain many other nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, manganese, and folate. Alfalfa sprouts contain the same nutrients and are also very low in calories. For example, 1 cup (33 grams) of alfalfa sprouts contains a mere 8 calories. It also contains the following ( 2 ): Vitamin K: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)

8% of the Daily Value (DV) Vitamin C: 3% of the DV

3% of the DV Folate: 3% of the DV

3% of the DV Thiamine: 2% of the DV

2% of the DV Riboflavin: 3% of the DV

3% of the DV Magnesium: 2% of the DV

2% of the DV Iron: 2% of the DV

2% of the DV Copper: 6% of the DV A cup also contains 1 gram of protein and 1 gram of carbs, which comes from fiber. Alfalfa also has a high content of bioactive plant compounds, including saponins, coumarins, flavonoids, phytosterols, phytoestrogens, and alkaloids ( 1 ). Summary Alfalfa contains vitamin K and small amounts of many other vitamins and minerals. It is also high in many bioactive plant compounds. Alfalfa may help lower cholesterol Alfalfa’s cholesterol-lowering ability is its best studied health benefit to date. Numerous animal studies have shown that it can lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol — which may decrease heart disease risk ( 3 , 4 , 5 ). The cholesterol-lowering effect of alfalfa is attributed to its high content of saponins, which are plant compounds known to lower cholesterol levels ( 6 ). They do this by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the gut and increasing the excretion of compounds used to create new cholesterol ( 6 ). However, there is a lack of recent research on alfalfa and cholesterol in humans. While more research in humans is needed, current studies show promise for alfalfa as a potential cholesterol-lowering agent. Summary Alfalfa has been shown to decrease cholesterol levels in animal studies. This is probably because it contains plant compounds called saponins. Other potential health benefits There is a long list of traditional uses of alfalfa as a medicinal herb. They include lowering blood pressure, acting as a diuretic, increasing breast milk production, treating arthritis, and getting rid of kidney stones. Most of these proposed health benefits have not yet been researched. However, a few of them have been studied to some extent. Improved metabolic health One traditional use of alfalfa is as an antidiabetic, or blood sugar-lowering, agent. Several animal studies have found that alfalfa appears to improve cardiometabolic health by decreasing blood fat and blood sugar levels ( 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ). However, while these findings are promising, more studies are needed to determine whether alfalfa would have the same effects in humans. Menopause symptom relief Alfalfa is high in plant compounds called phytoestrogens, which are chemically similar to the hormone estrogen ( 8 ). This means that they can cause some of the same effects in the body as estrogen. Phytoestrogens are controversial, but they may have several benefits, including easing menopausal symptoms that are caused by decreased levels of estrogen. The effects of alfalfa on menopausal symptoms have not been extensively researched, but there is some evidence to support its use in reducing hot flashes. However, there are also some potential risks. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you are considering using it to treat those symptoms ( 9 ). Antioxidant effects Alfalfa has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions caused by inflammation and oxidative damage. Indeed, alfalfa has some powerful antioxidant properties, as some animal studies have noted that it prevents oxidative stress damage caused by free radicals ( 10 ). Specifically, alfalfa has the ability to reduce cell death and DNA damage caused by free radicals. It does this by both lowering the production of free radicals and improving the body’s ability to fight them. However, these results have occurred in test-tube cell studies in rats or in live rats, mice, and chickens. More research is necessary to find out whether alfalfa would have the same effects in human participants ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ). Summary Alfalfa has many potential health benefits, but only a few have been scientifically evaluated. It may benefit metabolic health, menopause symptoms, and antioxidant status, but more human studies are needed.

Can I drink cucumber juice everyday?

The answer is yes and you should drink cucumber juice regularly every day. To promote the best effect of cucumber juice, you should drink it in the...

Last updated May 4, 2019

What drink increases red blood cells?

Juices like prune juice, beetroot juice, pumpkin juice and spinach juice are rich plant-based iron sources. They are also a powerhouse of various...

Last updated Feb 11, 2022

Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

Safety and side effects Although alfalfa is probably safe for most people, it may cause harmful side effects for some individuals. If you are pregnant Because raw alfalfa sprouts and supplement products derived from alfalfa seeds come with potential food safety risks (such as serving as a reservoir for the foodborne pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and listeria), pregnant people should avoid these products ( 15 , 16 ). If you take blood thinners Alfalfa and alfalfa sprouts are high in vitamin K. Although this benefits most people, it can be dangerous for others. High doses of vitamin K can cause blood-thinning medications such as warfarin to be less effective. Therefore, it’s important for people taking these medications to avoid big changes in their vitamin K intake ( 17 ). If you have an autoimmune disorder There have been reported cases of alfalfa supplements causing the reactivation of lupus in some people ( 17 ). This effect is believed to be due to possible immune-stimulating effects of the amino acid L-cavanine, which is found in alfalfa ( 17 ). Therefore, those who have lupus or some other autoimmune disorders are advised to avoid it. If you have a compromised immune system The moist conditions required to sprout alfalfa seeds are ideal for bacterial growth. Consequently, sprouts sold in stores are sometimes contaminated by bacteria, and multiple bacterial outbreaks have been linked to alfalfa sprouts in the past ( 18 ). Eating contaminated sprouts can potentially make anyone sick, but most healthy adults will recover without long-term consequences. Yet, for people with a compromised immune system, an infection like this can be very serious. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises children, pregnant women, older adults, or anyone else with a compromised immune system to avoid alfalfa sprouts and supplemental products derived from alfalfa seeds ( 16 ). Summary Alfalfa may be harmful for some people, including those who are pregnant, take blood thinners, or have an autoimmune disorder or a compromised immune system. How to add alfalfa to your diet You can take alfalfa supplements in powdered form or as a tablet or use alfalfa to make tea. Because so few human studies have been done on alfalfa seeds, leaves, or extract, it’s hard to recommend a safe or effective dose. The FDA does not tightly regulate herbal supplements, so be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable manufacturer — preferably one that pursues independent third-party testing on its products ( 19 ). Another way to add alfalfa to your diet is by eating it as sprouts. You can add alfalfa sprouts to your diet in many ways, such as in a sandwich or mixed into a salad. You can buy them at health food stores or sprout them at home. Here’s how: Add 2 tablespoons of alfalfa seeds to a bowl, jar, or sprouter and cover them with 2–3 times the amount of cool water.

Why do I weigh the same but look thinner?

Muscle is denser than fat, and as it is more compact within your body, as you gain muscle mass, you end up looking thinner, no matter your physical...

Last updated Nov 30, 2020

Why do sprouts cause stomach ache?

When you only chew them, you release isothiocyanates in amounts that your body will be able to handle and benefit from. Cruciferous vegetables also...

Last updated Jun 17, 2019

Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

Let them soak overnight or for 8–12 hours.

Drain and rinse the sprouts well with cool water. Drain them again, removing as much water as possible. Store the sprouts out of direct sunlight and at room temperature for 3 days. Rinse and drain them thoroughly every 8–12 hours. On day 4, relocate the sprouts to an area with indirect sunlight to allow for photosynthesis. Continue to rinse and drain them well every 8–12 hours. On day 5 or 6, your sprouts are ready to eat. However, be mindful of the high risk of bacterial contamination. It’s a good idea to take precautions to ensure the sprouts are grown and stored in safe conditions. Summary You can take supplements or eat alfalfa sprouts. Sprouts can easily be added to sandwiches, salads, and more. You can either purchase sprouts or sprout your own at home.

healthline.com - Alfalfa: Benefits, Nutrition Facts & Side Effects - Healthline

How do you lose fat around your waist?

To battle belly fat: Eat a healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of...

Last updated Nov 24, 2018

What time should I eat oats?

Oats are a versatile grain that can be eaten at any meal, but you can get the best weight loss results by eating them at breakfast and dinner....

Last updated Apr 23, 2021

Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

How many calories does chewing gum burn in an hour?

11 calories Mayo Clinic researchers claimed gum chewing could burn 11 calories an hour. Jul 31, 2019

Last updated Nov 28, 2018

Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

What kind of soup can you eat on a liquid diet?

Soups bouillon. clear broths (beef, chicken, vegetable) strained and pureed vegetable soup. strained meat- or cream-based soups (may contain pureed...

Last updated Mar 18, 2022