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Alfalfa Is One Of Nature's Most Nutrient-Rich Foods
from:Most people have likely heard of alfalfa in relation to its use
as an important animal feedstuff without understanding that it
is one of nature's most nutrient-rich foods. It appears to be a
trait with most people, that what is used for animal feed cannot
possibly be healthy to humans.
This completely ignores the fact that humans are themselves
mammals, and what is good for the biochemistry of one mammal is
likely (though not necessarily) good for most. A look at alfalfa
and why it has been used to feed livestock is a good place to
start a discussion on its merits as a nutritional supplement for
human beings.
Alfalfa is a legume, or member of the pea and bean family, that
has long been used as animal food and has been given the
nickname "Queen of Forages". It is behind only corn, wheat and
soybeans as the fourth largest crop grown in the USA, and the
vast majority is for animal forage. In fact there is twice as
much alfalfa grown in the USA as cotton. Its nutritional value
is not only from its high protein content of around 20%, but
also from its exceptional vitamin and mineral content.
Although grown predominantly for animals, humans also eat
alfalfa sprouts, although by far its greatest nutritional use is
in supplement form. Before discussing specific claimed benefits
such as its use in lowering blood glucose and cholesterol,
alleviating the symptoms of arthritis and helping with digestive
problems among only dozens of other traditional uses, it would
be useful to review the nutritional content of the legume in
terms of vitamins, minerals and any other biochemical content
that could provide more general health benefits.
The vitamin and mineral content is not disputed, being
determined by chemical analysis. It is not so much what is
present in terms of variety that is impressive, but how much of
each that alfalfa contains. Natural protein that is easily
assimilated by the body has already been touched on, ranging
from around 15% to over 20%. Many people also stress the rich
chlorophyll content, but apart from the magnesium, chlorophyll
has no nutritional benefit to humans. However, now for the
impressive facts:
Alfalfa contains a high concentration of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6,
B12, C, D, E and K and also Niacin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid,
Biotin and Folic Acid. It is also rich in the following
minerals: Boron, Calcium, Chlorine, Cobalt, Copper, Iron,
Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur
and also some trace minerals. When you purchase alfalfa
supplements you also get eight essential amino acids, necessary
for the biosynthesis of proteins, enzymes and DNA.
Little wonder then that alfalfa has a long history of medicinal
uses, and is also used as a feed for animals, providing
practically all of their protein, vitamin and mineral dietary
needs. The same could also be said of humans, and alfalfa is not
classed as a 'superfood' without good reason.
However, it is easy to determine the fact that this plant is of
high nutritional value, but when or why should you take alfalfa
supplements, especially if you have a good dietary regime? In
fact several facts are known through studies of the plant and
also by traditional and established usage for certain ailments.
Although not all claims can be scientifically verified beyond
all doubt, it has been generally agreed that alfalfa is
instrumental in reducing the uric acid content of your system,
and is hence useful in the treatment of certain types of
arthritis, and also perhaps gout.
Although the latter has not been unconditionally proven it has
been traditionally used to treat gout that is caused by
deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, and further,
alfalfa also contains many of the minerals recommended for its
treatment. It is not, therefore, an unreasonable assumption that
it should be an effective treatment. There are a few medical
applications of alfalfa that have been carried out under
controlled conditions, and while the official line is that more
testing is required to firmly establish any benefits gained by
taking the supplement, many people claim that it has been
effective in the treatment of their own medical conditions.
Atherosclerosis, which is caused by excessive deposition of
cholesterol in the arteries, has been reported to be reduced in
animal studies, and while many people also claim that their
condition has improved, more evidence is necessary before their
claims can be scientifically supported. This, however, could be
connected with the greater body of evidence suggesting that
alfalfa supplements can help to reduce your LDL cholesterol
levels.
It is free radical oxidation of low density lipoproteins that
render the cholesterol attached to them more liable to be
deposited excessively in your arteries, thereby causing the
aforementioned atherosclerosis. The evidence of the effect of
alfalfa in reducing LDL cholesterol is very promising, and if
substantiated could well provide the proof needed that the
supplement does indeed reduce the incidences of cholesterol
plaques inside your arteries.
The same is true with regard to the reduction in blood glucose
claimed to occur after taking an alfalfa supplement. Recorded
human data is scarce, although once again some people claim that
the supplement has improved their condition. However, in this
case it is clear that more evidence is required before any
claims can be made with any degree of confidence.
It is probably wise not to regard alfalfa as being a panacea for
any of the above conditions, but it is also fair to regard it as
being very rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. Perhaps this
is why it is believed to help with some common digestive
complaints, and also help to control high blood pressure and
improve your mental function. Whatever your belief in the health
benefits of alfalfa supplements, you should consult a physician
before relying on it as a definitive treatment for any
condition. This is particularly true if you are also being
treated for another condition.
Alfalfa might not specifically interact with any other drug, but
you should always check up with your doctor when using any
natural remedy in association with a prescription medicine. It
contains a number of other vitamins which might interact with
specific medications. Vitamin K, for example, can interfere with
the action of blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin. This is not
specific to alfalfa, and any foodstuff rich in a specific
nutrient could equally interact with prescription medicines.
However, widespread homeopathic use over a long period of time
has indicated that alfalfa has few if any side effects. It is
effectively used in traditional Chinese medicine for the
treatment of kidney problems and its name is derived from the
Arabic for 'father of all foods'. With over 300 nutrients and
phytochemicals, alfalfa is one of nature's most nutrient-rich
foods, and its saponin and isoflavone content alone is
sufficient to warrant many of the health claims made for it.
About the author: Darrell Miller
More information on Alfalfa as a food supplement is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store.
http://vitanetonline.com/
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