15 Benefits of Alfalfa Sprouts and Leaf

Updated: 6/12/2019

Both alfalfa sprouts and leaf that belong to the alfalfa plant (also called Medicago sativa) have been utilized for medicinal purposes for ages. Many wonderful properties and benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf have been investigated in numerous studies and research. Ancient Chinese began to use alfalfa for treating conditions like gastrointestinal problems, kidney stones, etc. Furthermore, alfalfa is considered as one of the effective Ayurveda remedies for arthritis and gastrointestinal diseases. In this article on AllRemedies, we would like to introduce to you a list of amazing benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf.

I – What are Benefits of Alfalfa Sprouts and Leaf – Amazing Uses of Alfalfa for Different Ailments

Alfalfa is well-known as a nutritious plant. Alfalfa is loaded with minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that boost the growth and strength of your bones. Moreover, regular consumption of alfalfa also keeps your body healthy. Alfalfa is a great source of vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, vitamin A, and protein. Furthermore, it is also rich in potassium, calcium, iron, carotene, and zinc[1][2] Loaded with essential minerals and vital vitamins for the health and beauty, alfalfa has been used as an effective herbal remedy for different ailments such as swelling, kidney problems, fluid retention, auto-immune disorder, arthritis, stroke, whooping cough, high cholesterol levels, etc.

Let’s know more about the amazing benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf by reading this article below.

1. Reduce High Cholesterol Levels In Your Body

Controlling cholesterol levels in the body is one of the amazing benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf I would like to introduce to you in this article first. Alfalfa is effective in reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol in your body[3][4]. As a result, regular consumption of alfalfa may help reduce the risk of heart diseases caused by the high level of cholesterol. 

2. Get Rid Of Toxins From Your Body

Having detoxification properties makes alfalfa be considered as a wonderful food to cleanse your body and get rid of toxins from your body. Accumulation of toxins in the body may lead to adverse effects on your health and beauty. It affects the immune system and makes people more vulnerable to illness. Eating alfalfa or taking alfalfa supplements regularly may keep your body healthy from inside.

3. Cure Digestive Problems

Alfalfa is an effective remedy for several digestive problems. Regular use of alfalfa may help prevent stomach ulcers, gastritis, bloating, indigestion, nausea, etc [5]. Alfalfa is loaded with fiber; therefore, alfalfa sprouts are effective for curing chronic constipation[6].

4. Prevent Urinary Tract Infection

Containing diuretic properties, alfalfa may help prevent kidney problems such as water retention. Moreover, the great properties of alfalfa also may reduce the risk of urinary tract infection [7].

5. Treat Kidney Stones

Have you heard about the wonderful benefits of alfalfa for kidneys? The use of alfalfa is effective in dissolving kidney stones because this plant is a great source of vitamin E, C, A, and zinc. You can use both Alfalfa sprouts and powder to treat and prevent kidney stones[8][9].

6. Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

Preventing cancer is one of the amazing health benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf I would like to share with you. That is a reason why you should add alfalfa to your diet. Cancer is a fatal disease that makes hundreds of people from all over the world die each year. Alfalfa contains amino acid canavanine that plays an important role in preventing cancer[10]. Furthermore, alfalfa aids in the binding of carcinogens found in the colon.

7. Aid In Blood Clotting

Preventing nose bleeding and uterine bleeding is also included in a list of amazing benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf because this herb is effective in improving blood clotting. Vitamin K present in both alfalfa sprouts and leaf contributes to this benefit of alfalfa[11].

8. Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease

Arteriosclerosis may lead to heart disease[12]. Fortunately, there are many wonderful foods such as alfalfa that may help prevent arteriosclerosis[13] and reduce the risk of heart disease. Alfalfa is considered as a natural blood thinner. Furthermore, alfalfa may increase rutin found in blood vessels.

9. Strengthen The Immune System

Regular consumption of alfalfa may increase the natural body’s resistance to illness and diseases by strengthening the immune health[10]. That is also one of the health benefits of alfalfa. This benefit of alfalfa sprouts and leaf is due to the presence of the phytonutrients like chlorophyll and L-canavanine in alfalfa. A healthy immune system plays an important role in protecting your body against illness, diseases, and the growth of tumors in the body.

10. Relieve Menopause Symptoms

Because of several amazing health benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf, you should think about using alfalfa if you experience menopause symptoms[11]. It is due to the presence of phytoestrogens in alfalfa[14] which are effective in reducing menopause symptoms[15].

11. Prevent Rheumatism

Alfalfa contains anti-rheumatic effects due to its essential nutrients and beneficial properties[16]. You can use this ingredient for treating arthritis[6].

Alfalfa can be used to make tea. Alfalfa tea is loaded with nutrients. You can drink a cup of alfalfa tea before each meal to improve the appetite. Alfalfa is considered not only an ideal appetizer but also an effective remedy for faster recovery from different illnesses.

12. Cure And Prevent Anemia

Anemia is caused by iron deficiency and poor blood production. Fortunately, curing and preventing anemia is amazing benefits of alfalfa[2]. The use of alfalfa may promote blood production and boost the iron absorption in the body because of the presence of chlorophyll in alfalfa sprouts and leaf. People who have a low iron level in their body should add alfalfa to their diet.

13. Treat Diabetes

Alfalfa consumption may help prevent and treat diabetes type 2 by reducing the blood sugar levels in the body[17].

14. Maintain Healthy Skin

Talking about the benefits of alfalfa, we cannot skip its benefits on the skin. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll that is effective in stimulating new skin and healing wounds[18]. Moreover, alfalfa is a source of vitamin A which may prevent natural aging by reducing the wrinkles[19]. Additionally, vitamin C in alfalfa helps prevent dry skin and vitamin E reduces inflammation on the skin[20][21].

15. Make Hair Healthy

Containing a lot of vitamins, alfalfa is beneficial for promoting new hair because vitamin deficiency is one of the main causes of hair loss[22][23]. In addition, with a high content of protein, we may be sure that alfalfa is one of the effective home remedies for hair growth[24].

II – What Are The Side Effects Of Alfalfa?

Although there are numerous health and beauty benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf, it is still important for us to take alfalfa in moderation to avoid unwanted side effects. For instance, alfalfa contains an amino acid known as canavanine that may put you at a higher risk of the disease lupus[25]. Canavanine is not found in mature alfalfa leaf; however, this amino acid is present in the sprouts and seeds of the alfalfa plant. Moreover, in some cases, alfalfa sprouts have been contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli, which are the causes of diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In case that you use medicine warfarin, vitamin K in alfalfa may reduce the blood thinning (anticoagulant) action of this medicine[26]. As a result, people often take alfalfa capsules or tea made from alfalfa leaves to avoid the unwanted side effects caused by canavanine

Remember to consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you and decide that you have to take medicine or not. Moreover, in case some drugs or medications cannot combine with alfalfa supplements, advice from a healthcare professional is needed, especially for the pregnant and breastfeeding women.

III – Where And How To Buy Alfalfa

You can buy alfalfa capsules and take it daily to provide essential nutrients and benefits of alfalfa. It is recommended taking two alfalfa capsules daily. However, as we have mentioned above, it is still essential for you to consult your doctor before taking supplements to avoid the adverse side effects of overconsumption. In some health food stores, you can easily find alfalfa seeds and leaves with good quality for making the ideal nourishing tea.

Those are 15 health and beauty benefits of alfalfa sprouts and leaf we would like to introduce to you in this article. We hope that you can find this article useful. Have you consumed alfalfa? You should feel free to leave your opinions in the comment section below the post and we will answer them as soon as we can.

References:

Reviewed By Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Heather M. Duquette-Wolf, RD, CSSD [Link]