Alfalfa Sprouts Nutrition FactsAlfalfa sprouts nutrition value is extremely high as being once recognized as the 'father of all foods'. Alfalfa- medicago sativa belongs to the pea family and it can be grown in any location or climate. • Known as the oldest plant used for livestock feed, with records of its use going back to 1000 BC, alfalfa originated in Iran and was first discovered by Arabs. • Romans and Arabs used to feed their horses alfalfa, claiming that it made them strong and fast. • It is still one of the most nutritious forage crops in the US with a very high yield potential and the greatest amount of protein per acre and also a wonderful honey crop for bees. • The Chinese have used alfalfa since the sixth century to relieve swelling and fluid retention and to treat kidney stones. • Alfalfa has a root system that can reach down more than 40 feet and it is drought resistant. • Sprouts are used in salads, and the alfalfa leaves may be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. 
Alfalfa Sprouts Nutrition and Health Benefits:• Alfalfa sprout is one of the best sources of anti-oxidants among all vegetables. • Alfalfa slows down the aging process, helping you maintain your youthful looks longer, and stay energetic and healthy as you mature over time. • It is ideal for weight loss and best not to include too many alfalfa sprouts if you are interested in gaining weight. • Alfalfa leaves contain protein, vitamins A, C, D, E, and the coagulant, vitamin K. They also contain trace minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, and carotene. • Alfalfa helps lower the bad cholesterol- LDL and improve the good cholesterol- HDL. • It can help detoxify the body, especially the liver. • Vitamins A, C, E and Zinc found in alfalfa sprouts are proven to help dissolve kidney stones. • It promotes good pituitary gland function. • Alfalfa is helpful in the treatment of diabetes as it is known to stabilize blood sugar levels as a low GI food. • Isoflavones in alfalfa are believed to be responsible for estrogen-like effects and alfalfa is occasionally used to treat symptoms of menopause. 
• Alfalfa works as a restorative tonic and helps to treat chronic and acute digestive weaknesses. • Alfalfa contains essential enzymes which are required for food digestion. • Plant estrogens also help increase bone formation and density and prevent bone breakdown or osteoporosis. • L-canavanine amino acid in alfalfa sprouts may be effective in fighting leukemia. Alfalfa Sprouts Side Effects:• Avoid eating alfalfa seeds, because they contain relatively high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine and may cause damage to red blood cells. • Too much alfalfa may lower the amount of potassium that you have in your blood. • Homostachydrine and stachydrine in alfalfa promote menstruation and may lead to miscarriage. So it may be wise to not consume alfalfa during pregnancy or to first ask for advice from a practitioner. • Alfalfa contains vitamin K, so it may be a good idea to avoid taking it if you have heart or blood disorders. • Long term usage of alfalfa could trigger photosensitivity and red blood cell deficiency. • Overall, it is not an essential nutrient as such; so, you cannot be deficient and please be careful not to overeat it. References: http://www.juicing-for-health.com/ alfalfa-sprouts-nutrition.html. http://www.nurtureyourown.com/Sprouts/19/ 10-great-benefits-to-eating-alfalfa-sprouts. http://www.homeremediesweb.com/ alfalfa_health_benefits.php. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ alfalfa sprouts nutrition facts.html.
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