Alfalfa 150 G

Alfalfa is an easy, fun sprout with a fresh flavour!  Alfalfa is one of the most popular sprouts due to its versatility. The taste of alfalfa is mild and fresh, so it can be added to any meal to add some extra crunch and nutrients. Try it also in a green smoothie!

One hundred grams of alfalfa sprouts contain:

• Calorie: 23 kCal
• Carbohydrates: 2.1 g
• Proteins: 4 g
• Fats: 0.7 g
• Fibre: 1.9 g
• Water: 92.8 g
• Calcium: 32 mg
• Magnesium: 27 mg
• Potassium: 79 mg
• Phosphorus: 70 mg
• Vitamin C: 8.2 mg

Health Benefits of Alfalfa Sprouts 

1. Improves Heart Health 

Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. Today’s lifestyle and diet include more unhealthy fats, like LDL cholesterol, building up in arteries and causing various health disorders like atherosclerosis, heart attack and strokes. 

A study demonstrates that over the course of two months, patients who took alfalfa seeds three times daily saw improvements in their health. It lowered their LDL cholesterol levels. It is primarily due to saponins, a compound in alfalfa sprouts, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. A lowered LDL may further lead to better blood circulation and heart health. 

Saponins neutralise fats and reduce their effectiveness in the body. They also inactivate certain enzymes in the body that synthesise fats. As a result, they help reduce the excess fat quantity in the body. So, you may use alfalfa sprouts to treat and regulate hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol. Similarly, you may use it to prevent any severe heart conditions.

2. Improves Liver Health

A study suggests that alfalfa extracts help repair damaged liver tissue. They help mend the delicate structures of the liver that help in detoxification. In addition, alfalfa extracts also help remove excess fat deposits around the liver. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory effects may reduce excess inflammation around the liver. As a result, it helps in better liver functioning.

3. Improves Gut Health

Seed germination of Alfalfa can increase its nutritional value. In addition, soaking these seeds in water may release and activate many metabolites. These metabolites react with the gut microbes to provide health benefits. For example, the consumption of alfalfa sprouts can reduce the risk of IBS and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Alfalfa sprouts also contain many proteinaceous enzymes that our body needs. Some of these enzymes include lipases, amylases, and invertase. All these enzymes help in biochemical processes in the body. For example, lipase helps in fat digestion, amylase in carbohydrate digestion, and sugar digestion. In addition, these enzymes help strengthen the digestive system. 

Therefore, alfalfa seeds can lead to better bowel movement and prevent constipation. They also help reduce other disorders like gas, bloating, acid reflux and flatulence. 

Alfalfa sprouts help neutralise the acidity in the stomach, thus preventing acid reflux. Alfalfa is also a good source of dietary fibres. A study suggested the effectiveness of soluble and insoluble fibres from alfalfa on nutrient digestion.  

4. Boost Immunity 

Alfalfa contains antibacterial and antiviral properties. It means, consuming Alfalfa may decrease the number of harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. As a result, it can prevent severe infections and illnesses. A study suggests Alfalfa’s antimicrobial properties were due to saponins. Additionally, alfalfa sprouts are a rich source of chlorophyll. Studies have established that chlorophyll is a green pigment that can protect against bacterial infections. 

Also, Alfalfa contains a high amount of vitamin C. Consuming one serving of alfalfa sprouts can satisfy 15% of the required daily intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known for boosting immunity. Its importance was evident during the pandemic. Vitamin C can increase the production of white blood cells and other immune molecules. 

5. Increases Testosterone Levels

A study suggests that regular consumption of alfalfa may increase testosterone levels. In addition, quercetin present in alfalfa sprouts may help increase testosterone production in males. However, further research is required to figure out the exact mechanism. 

6. Anticancer Properties

Alfalfa sprouts show cytotoxic effects against many cancer cells. It means they cause cell death of cancer cells. A study demonstrates the anticancer effects of alfalfa extracts against leukaemia cell lines. 

Alfalfa contains many antioxidants and phytochemicals like phytoestrogens, lutein, beta-carotene, and flavonoids. Also, L-canavanine present in Alfalfa enhances the anticancer effects. These compounds stop the growth of cancer cells by interfering with their cell cycle. In addition, alfalfa sprouts are a rich source of antioxidants. The function of antioxidants is to prevent the risk of cancer. 

However, many factors may lead to cancers. Some of these include genetic mutations, exposure to radiation, and inheritable cancers. In addition, free radicals may cause genetic mutations due to damage to the cells. Free radicals are present in many chemicals, foods and the atmosphere. They are reactive compounds that can react with our DNA and cells. They cause damage and thus lead to mutations. Therefore, antioxidants are essential to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. 

7. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The anti-inflammatory properties of Alfalfa can help prevent and reduce many ailments, like arthritis. Many alternative medicines and natural medicines for arthritis contain alfalfa extracts. It can relieve joint pain due to inflammation in arthritis. In addition, it may alleviate symptoms of other similar disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Alfalfa contains saponins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, other bioactive molecules like phytoestrogens and antioxidants help reduce inflammation. These molecules reduce the production of inflammatory substances like prostaglandin. 

8. Rich Source of Antioxidants 

Free radicals are found in a wide variety of substances, foods, and the environment. They are harmful reactive compounds that can react with our DNA and cells. They may cause damage to our cells and lead to mutations. Therefore, it would help if you took antioxidants to reduce their damage. Antioxidants decrease the reactivity of free radicals, thus preventing cellular damage and oxidative stress in the body. Some antioxidants in Alfalfa are saponins, copper, manganese, and selenium. 

9. Rich Source of Vitamins

Alfalfa sprouts are rich in vitamin content. Some vitamins found in high quantities are vitamin B, B2, B9, vitamin C and vitamin K. These vitamins provide many health benefits. For example, vitamin C helps boost immunity. Vitamin K helps speed up healing and helps in the blood clotting process. It can help speed it up and reduces the chances of infection in the wound. It also helps improve healing. 

Furthermore, vitamin K and the calcium and magnesium in alfalfa help bones. They can increase bone strength and prevent bone disorders. For example, osteoporosis is a common bone disorder that can cause holes and pores in the bones. It makes them weaker and more likely to break. Therefore, a regular supply of vitamin K, calcium and magnesium is essential to bone strength. 

The vitamin B complex helps stimulate metabolism in the body. Additionally, they aid in enzymatic activities occurring inside the body. These reactions are necessary for digestion to occur. Therefore, it can cause an improvement in digestion and metabolism. It may also give you more energy.

10. Weight Loss

Alfalfa sprouts are low in calories. They contain only 7.6 kcal per cup of serving. Also, they have a low glycemic index. It shows how it is a nutritionally dense food. It means that it contains an abundance of minerals, nutrients, and vitamins but low calories. It’s a great food if you are trying to lose weight. It keeps you full for longer and provides a good amount of nutrients. Moreover, it is rich in proteins and dietary fibres. Therefore, it keeps you satiated, which can prevent overeating. 

The fibre-rich sprouts also help in losing weight. That is because the sprouts reduce the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars in the intestines. Additionally, the vitamin B complex found in alfalfa sprouts helps enhance metabolism. As a result, it can prevent excess fat build-up in the body, thus promoting weight loss. 

Days to Grow: 5