Alfalfa Benefits, Uses, Nutritional Level, and Side Effects

Have you ever heard of the name “Alfalfa”? Well, most of you might not. Even those who are familiar with this name only recall an animal feed or green sprouts that can be optionally used in a sandwich. 

Well, those people are genuine to an extent because, for years, alfalfa has been used just for animal feeding and as an added ingredient. But the latest studies have revealed many potential health benefits in these normally appearing Alfalfa, and in this blog, we will tell everything related to it.

What is Alfalfa, and how does it look?

In the simplest terms, we can describe Alfalfa as a perennial flowering plant in the legume family. It is highly valued for its exceptional nutritional quality, high protein, vitamin, and mineral content. In fact, it is one of the primary sources of feed for many livestock, such as cattle, horses, sheep, and goats.

Let’s talk about its appearance:

Leaves = Trifolicate (composed of three individual leaflets). These leaves also grow alternately on the stem.
Flowers = Small, pea-like flowers, usually vibrant purple or blue-violet. Some varieties may also have yellow, white, or mixed-colour flowers.
Stem = Slender, branched, and grows erect
Roots = The alfalfa roots can grow feet deep, typically 7-10 feet, but sometimes even 15 feet or more, just to find water.
Fruits/seeds =  After hitting flowering, small, spiral coiled seed pods of green color can be observed. With time, they turn brown and contain tiny, kidney-shaped seeds.

The alfalfa plant can grow in many regions and show up in different forms, i.e, the full “alfalfa plant” seeds, sprouts, powders, and even alfalfa tonic is also available in the markets these days. So, without pushing it further, let’s start the blog:

Sources of Alfalfa

So the next question that strikes is- where does alfalfa come from? 
So the primary source of the alfalfa is its plant itself. Farmers around the world grow it for fodder, green manure, and for sprouting purposes. However, the United States is the largest producer and exporter of this plant.

From the plant, you will get alfalfa seeds that can be sprouted and consumed with salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and so on. You may also make juices or smoothies, or you can choose Alfalfa tonic as a natural health supplement.

Scientific Name of Alfalfa

Medicago sativa is the scientific name given to Alfalfa. But in India, it is known as “Alfalfa”. Although, depending upon the different regions, different names are given to this plant, such as:

Alfalfa Nutritional Content

Appearing quite normal, alfalfa is highly beneficial and nutritious. Below is the nutritional breakdown of 100 grams of alfalfa sprouts:

Alfalfa sprouts nutrition facts

1. The above tablet, indicating nutritional profile, is about 100 grams of raw alfalfa sprouts. The nutrients of dried leaf/tablet supplements may be quite different.

2. Alfalfa sprouts are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food, which makes them a perfect partner for your routine sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps, and smoothies.

3. In addition to traditional nutrients, alfalfa sprouts contain powerful bioactive plant compounds that are associated with many health benefits.

Health Benefits of Alfalfa 

Here comes the heart of our blog, which stands for Alfalfa plant benefits. Although every part of alfalfa is helpful, the sprouts contain the most nutrients, which is the reason they are considered way more advantageous. These benefits include:

1. Helps lower cholesterol levels

Well, you can incorporate alfalfa into your diet if you have any heart-related issues, and it also helps in reducing cholesterol naturally. The saponins present in their fight against LDL, which is the bad cholesterol in your body, eventually lead to improved cardiovascular health.

2. Supports blood-sugar regulation

The studies even suggest that moderate and ideal usage of alfalfa helps to improve insulin sensitivity, which is vital for regulating blood sugar levels in the body.

So if you are diabetic, then yes, you can add alfalfa to your regimen. The high fiber content present in it will slow down your digestion, which in turn reduces the risk of sudden sugar spikes. However, if you are already on any kind of medications for diabetes, then make sure to consult your doctor first to reduce instances such as blood sugar being too low.

3. Good for your digestion

Alfalfa herb uses its fiber-rich content that helps in digestion. It contains enzymes that break down food and promote better nutrient absorption. Additionally, it also promotes bowel movement regularity and the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
If you often experience constipation and digestive issues like gas, bloating, or abdominal discomfort, then alfalfa is the natural and easiest solution. 

5. Strengthens your bones

Many anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-biotic properties in Alfalfa can be helpful for your bones, joints, and muscles. Additionally, it also contains calcium, which is a vital component required for joint health.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain, and spinal problems can opt for alfalfa to get rid of their joint pain, redness, and, most importantly, inflammation.

6. Potential hormonal & menopausal support

Only a few individuals might be aware of the fact that alfalfa is good for female health. Yes, you heard it right - “Alfalfa benefits for women”. Alfalfa contains phytoestrogens, a compound that can mimic estrogen.
Using it with due caution and as per the instructions suggested by a healthcare professional will improve menopausal symptoms or provide hormonal support. However, if you have extreme hormone-sensitive conditions, then you should avoid it.

7. Alfalfa benefits for men

Alfalfa medicinal uses also involve using it for improving male sexual health and fertility. Studies say that when alfalfa is combined with Vitamin E, it improves sperm quality, total count, shape, and mobility.
Additionally, it is helpful for reducing oxidative stress, which helps boost the production of testosterone and nourishes overall male reproductive health. Some individuals also take alfalfa leaf for muscle growth, as it is a rich source of protein and nutrients. 

Alfalfa Side Effects

Doubtlessly, alfalfa tonic benefits in several possible ways and helps to treat many health conditions mentioned above. But now, let’s discuss where the usage of alfalfa could go wrong. So, below are some possible side effects of alfalfa that certain people may experience:

1. Digestive problems: Some people admitted that they experience bloating, loose stools, and other mild digestive issues after using alfalfa tonic, powder, extract, or other supplements available.

2. Worsens auto-immune conditions: Using alfalfa makes your immune system hyperactive. This overactive immune system triggers your existing autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

3. Sun-sensitivity: Well, alfalfa for skin is beneficial, but in certain ways, it can also harm. Excessive alfalfa makes your skin sensitive to sunlight, which increases the risk of sunburn and similar skin problems.

4. Low blood sugar: Despite being available, many Alfalfa benefits for diabetes, the patient should not consume alfalfa on their own, without consulting a doctor. Because when taken along with other medicines, it can lower your blood sugar levels to a serious extent.

5. Blood clots: Due to high vitamin K content, alfalfa may interfere with blood-thinning medications that can cause blood clots in your body. So, make sure to avoid it if you are taking any kind of blood-thinning medications.

Takeaway

So, in a nutshell, we can say that alfalfa is a nutrient-rich plant that can be taken in many forms, such as sprouts, seeds, powder meant for both humans as well as animals. Despite containing high potential to improve our health, we still can not call them completely risk-free.
Always consider your personal health situation and talk to a healthcare professional if you’re using it in supplement/tonic form, especially during pregnancy, dealing with autoimmune/hormone-sensitive conditions, or taking blood-thinning medications.