Alfalfa
- December 2, 2020
- Posted by Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh
- 0 Comment(s)
Alfaalfa also known as Lucerne or Medicago sativa, is a pea family which has been used for animal feed since ancient times. The benefits of alfalfa are immense due to its superior content of vitamins, minerals and proteins compared to other foods. Alfalfa is part of the legume family, but is also considered an herb. Apart from being used as fodder, it has long been used as a medicinal herb for humans. Its seeds or dried leaves can be taken as a supplementary supplement, or sprouted seeds can also be used. It is helpful in the treatment of fatal diseases like cancer, diabetes.
It is an herb used as a food item, which is the seeds obtained from the Alfalfa plant. It is used to remove many diseases and to increase the nutritional value of food. It is also used by many Ayurvedic doctors to manufacture medicines.
Table of Contents
Alfalfa Plant –
It is a perennial plant that is also used as an herb which is basically animal feed. It has been widely used since ancient times for the consumption of animals and humans as well as medicines. The main root of this plant (Taproot) is deep in the ground (20 to 30 feet) from which the plant receives adequate amount of nutrients and minerals from the depth of the ground. These plants can also occur in a place where there is a shortage of soil.
Its leaves are alternate and trifoliate. Its flowers are small and arranged in clusters whose color is purple blue. Its fruits are dark brown after ripening, some seeds are light yellow in color which are Kidney.
Alfalfa Nutrition Value
If you have read about Kulthi dal, then you will know that fodder of cattle also has so many nutritious elements that it is beneficial for human society too. The same is the case with Alpha. It is basically Cattle feed, but due to the nutrients and minerals present in it, it works as a medicine for our health.
According to alfalfa nutrients per 100 grams:
- Calories 23
- Vitamin A 155 IU
- Thiamine 1 ml
- Iron 1 ml
- Zinc 9 ml
- Riboflavin 0.1 ml
- Magnesium 27 ml
- Phosphorus 70 ml
- Copper 2 ml
- Manganese 2 ml
- Vitamin C 2 ml
- Folate 36 micro grams
- Vitamin K 5 micro grams
- Fiber 9 grams
- Fat 69 grams
- Protein 99 grams
- Carbohydrate 1 gram
Benefits of alfalfa
Nutrient rich
Alpha-alpha is full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It gives strength to your bones and also helps in their development. Apart from this, it plays an important role in the maintenance of a healthy body. It contains protein and vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Apart from this, it also contains calcium, potassium, carotene, iron and zinc. It can be consumed in the form of seeds, leaves or tablets.
Benefits of alpha-alpha
Alpha-alpha is used to treat a number of health conditions. It is considered to be the highest source of mineral. Many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients present in it make it beneficial. It is used to treat many problems such as kidney problems, arthritis, urinary problems, cholesterol levels, strokes.
Treatment for arthritis
Minerals are required to build and strengthen bones. It is found abundantly in essential mineral alpha-alpha. Hence it is considered very beneficial for the treatment of arthritis. Tea made from alpha-alpha (especially its seeds) gives beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis.
Use of alpha-alpha in diabetes
Alpha-alpha is also known to lower blood sugar levels. Hence it is considered as a natural remedy to overcome diabetes. People suffering from diabetes should consume it.
Remedy for kidney stones
Alpha-alpha can also be used to remove stones from the kidney. Vitamin A, C, E and zinc are helpful in dissolving kidney stones. You can find all these vitamins and minerals in alpha powder and alpha sprout.
Natural treatment of baldness and hair loss
Mix alpha-alpha juice and equal quantity of carrot and lettuce leaves and apply it on hair regularly. This helps in the growth of your hair. This juice rich in nutrients is particularly useful for hair growth and prevention of hair loss.
Beneficial for menstrual problems
The use of alpha-alpha is also very useful for women. Due to the estrogenic properties present in alpha-alpha, it is a very effective way to reduce the symptoms and pain during menstruation in women.
Treatment of respiratory diseases
Alpha-alpha juice is a very good source of chlorophyll so it is also effective in the treatment of respiratory problems. Its juice is used to solve problems caused by shortness of breath, especially lungs and sinuses.
High blood pressure alpha-alpha
Treatment of hypertension is one of the health benefits of alpha-alpha. Its intake helps soften the hardened arteries, which can naturally reduce high blood pressure.
Intestinal medicine
Alpha-alpha is used as a medicine for the treatment of stomach related diseases. Regularly consuming small amounts of alpha-alpha seeds also strengthens immunity against stomach diseases. You can also use alpha-alpha as tea.
Reduce fat
If you are trying to lose weight, alpha-alpha sprouts can be a healthy and tasty option for you. Alpha-alpha sprouts are an ideal low calorie diet. Which are free from sugar, fat, saturated fat or cholesterol. This crisp food is full of fiber and protein, so after eating it you feel full for a long time.
Benefits of alfalfa reduce cholesterol
You know that an overdose of cholesterol can cause many diseases in your body, especially heart related problems. But if you are familiar with the benefits of alfalfa then it can help you to diagnose all such problems. Alfalfa has the ability to reduce cholesterol.
Studies in animals suggest that alfalfa can control blood cholesterol. If alfalfa is consumed regularly, it can reduce total blood cholesterol. This effect is due to the high amount of saponins in alfalfa, which lowers cholesterol levels.
Use of alfalfa for hypothyroidism
Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone is present as a molecule in this medicinal plant. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone is found in sufficient quantities in the animal world but its availability in the flora is unknown. The TRH hormone found in alfalfa is biologically active in animals.
For this reason, alfalfa helps in the treatment of hypothyroidism as well as diseases of prolactin in polycystic ovaries. Alfalfa may be an effective natural treatment option for hypothyroidism.
Alfalfa’s properties prevent aging
The benefits of alfalfa are very useful for us due to the good amount of antioxidants. Alfalfa sprouts prevent damage caused by free radicals to our body cells. Antioxidants promote better health as well as protect us from serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
A study shows that the vitamins found in alfalfa sprouts not only cater to vitamin deficiency but also help prevent many diseases associated with aging.
The benefits of alfalfa prevent osteoporosis
Vitamin K plays a major role in the formation of bones, Alpha K contains a very good amount of Vitamin K. This is why alfalfa helps prevent osteoporosis and treat it effectively. The body needs vitamin K to make sufficient use of calcium, which builds bones. Manganese is also good in sprouted seeds of alfalfa which helps prevent osteoporosis and inflammation. You can reduce the chances and symptoms of osteoporosis by regular consumption of alfalfa.
Benefits of alfalfa for breast cancer
A good amount of isoflavones and other phytoestrogens are present in alfalfa that function similarly to human estrogens. Consuming high amounts of isoflavones as a diet helps reduce the effects of cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence. According to studies, alfalfa can prevent breast cancer.
Loss of alfalfa
- Alpha is safe for most people, but it can be harmful for some special people, so those people should avoid consuming alpha.
- Excessive consumption of alfalfa can cause uterine exacerbation or contraction. Therefore, its use should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Due to an overdose of vitamin K, you may increase your risk if your blood is thin, in such a situation alpha alfa should not be consumed. This may reduce the effects of your blood thinning medications.
- If you are taking any type of medicines, contact your doctor before using alpha.
- Alfalfa can lower blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic and consume alfalfa, be careful, and keep your blood sugar checked regularly. This can greatly reduce the amount of blood sugar in your body, which can be fatal for you.
Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh is the younger Vaidya in Chandigarh Ayurved & Panchakarma Centre. He is the fourth generation in his family who is practicing as a general consultant in Ayurved & Panchakarma treatment at Chandigarh. In his practice, he had treated more than 1 Lakh Plus patients worldwide.