Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) is a perennial flowering plant native to Iran which lives from five to twelve years, it is also known as Lucerne, Purple Medick and Trefoil. It looks similar to clover with clusters of small purple flowers. Alfalfa is now grown throughout the world as forage for cattle but in sprouting form, it has many nutritional benefits to humans.

Alfalfa produces pale, fine green spindly shoots; these shoots are packed with starches, oils and nutrients to help the plant grow. These nutrients convert in to vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins and sugars which make them an extremely good food source. Sprouting beans tend to produce less wind when digested than beans that have not sprouted because the germination process uses up the indigestible sugars in the seed. Alfalfa sprouts can be bought in the shops but they are easily grown at home in jam jars within six days.

Alfalfa sprouts contain concentrated amounts of phytochemicals which can protect us against disease such as pancreatic, colon and leukaemia cancers, osteoporosis, fibrocystic breasts tumours, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease and symptoms associated with PMT and the menopause. If you are trying to give up smoking, alfalfa sprouts are a good food to eat, this is because they are an alkaline food and research has shown that alkaline foods reduce the amount of nicotine depleted in the urine which reduces cravings.

Nutrients

• Beta-carotene

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

Benefits

• Low in calories

• Reduces inflammation

• Stimulants the immune system

• Detoxifies

• Aids sexual activity

• Easy to digest protein

• High in antioxidants, saponins and phytochemicals

• Prevent DNA destruction

• Protect from the ongoing effects of aging

Drawbacks

Some people may be allergic to alfalfa sprouts especially those suffering from lupus.