The plant Medicago sativa, commonly referred to as alfalfa, is a perennial herb belonging to the pea family. Used as hay and feed for livestock over the span of centuries, alfalfa was originally found in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean, but is cultivated all over the world today. Its leaves resemble clover, and its flowers appear in a variety of colors from yellow to purplish-blue.
Primarily grown for fodder in the US, alfalfa contains more vitamins and minerals than most plants, which can be attributed to its unique root system with the ability to reach a depth of 60 feet to absorb the earth's minerals. To top it off, its name, which is derived from the Arabic, means "father of all foods." It certainly deserves this title, considering its wide assortment of vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa boasts vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, sodium, silicon, biotin, folic acid, and trace elements. It also contains eight essential amino acids, has the highest chlorophyll content of any plant, and is especially high in protein when dried.
As a tonic herb, alfalfa has many claims to fame. It is a blood purifier and aids in blood clotting and reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also known as an antidote for discomfort in menopause and during the menstrual cycle. It can allay morning sickness in pregnant women and assist with breastmilk supply.
Primarily grown for fodder in the US, alfalfa contains more vitamins and minerals than most plants, which can be attributed to its unique root system with the ability to reach a depth of 60 feet to absorb the earth's minerals. To top it off, its name, which is derived from the Arabic, means "father of all foods." It certainly deserves this title, considering its wide assortment of vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa boasts vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, sodium, silicon, biotin, folic acid, and trace elements. It also contains eight essential amino acids, has the highest chlorophyll content of any plant, and is especially high in protein when dried.
As a tonic herb, alfalfa has many claims to fame. It is a blood purifier and aids in blood clotting and reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also known as an antidote for discomfort in menopause and during the menstrual cycle. It can allay morning sickness in pregnant women and assist with breastmilk supply.
Medicago sativa
Alfalfa is also known to relieve arthritis, reduce blood sugar levels, and act as a diuretic. Plus, it has the reputation of boosting performance of the digestive and immune systems, as well as acting as a natural allergy reliever.
If you've noticed those little packages of alfalfa sprouts in the produce section of your grocery store, then you're probably already familiar with the most common means of incorporating this great herb into your diet. Alfalfa can also be found in most vitamins and supplements, as it serves as the base for these formulas, due to its easy assimilation by the body. But don't forget all the benefits it has to offer in its dried form, too. Since its flavor is rather bland, you have the option of adding the dried herb to soups, salads, and skillet dishes, enhancing your meal's nutritional value without compromising its flavor.
CAUTION: Alfalfa contains isoflavones (organic compounds) that behave similarly to the hormone estrogen. The FDA cautions against the use of alfalfa if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer and female reproductive system disorders. Because of it's ability to boost the immune system, use caution ingesting alfalfa if you have any auto-immune disorders or if you have a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
If you've noticed those little packages of alfalfa sprouts in the produce section of your grocery store, then you're probably already familiar with the most common means of incorporating this great herb into your diet. Alfalfa can also be found in most vitamins and supplements, as it serves as the base for these formulas, due to its easy assimilation by the body. But don't forget all the benefits it has to offer in its dried form, too. Since its flavor is rather bland, you have the option of adding the dried herb to soups, salads, and skillet dishes, enhancing your meal's nutritional value without compromising its flavor.
CAUTION: Alfalfa contains isoflavones (organic compounds) that behave similarly to the hormone estrogen. The FDA cautions against the use of alfalfa if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer and female reproductive system disorders. Because of it's ability to boost the immune system, use caution ingesting alfalfa if you have any auto-immune disorders or if you have a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).