Health Benefits of Alfalfa

Alfalfa the name may sound funny, but in fact it is a genuine superfood offering numerous health benefits. Alfalfa is a plant which sends its roots down twenty to thirty feet into the ground and brings up the minerals that are not available on the surface. Alfalfa is simple legume in the pea family of plants. 

Alfalfa is rich in several vitamins and minerals including potassium, phosphorus, biotin, folic acid, iron, and calcium as well as vitamins A, C, E, all the B vitamins, and vitamin K4 with the addition of a rather large portion of protein for a plant source. However, various isoflavones in alfalfa may offer the most exciting health benefits.

Health Benefits of Alfalfa
Alfalfa has been used in Chinese traditional medicines since the sixth century to treat several health conditions. It is considered the richest land source of trace minerals. Rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients Alfalfa makes an amazing herbal remedy. Its specific benefits include

1) Helps in treating respiratory disorders 

As alfalfa juice is an excellent source of chlorophyll, one of the benefits of alfalfa is that it is effective in treating respiratory discomfort and disorders especially those that are caused on account of problems with the lungs or sinuses

2) Good for hairs

Besides the alfalfa health benefits, this plant is also considered to be beneficial for hair growth. Drink alfalfa juice with lettuce and carrot on a daily basis to result in thick and healthy hair.
3) Reduces bad cholesterol

In one study, 15 patients who took an alfalfa seed preparation for eight weeks, without changing diet or exercise levels, had a 17 percent reduction in cholesterol and a significant reduction in LDL ("bad") cholesterol associated with atherosclerosis.

4) Good for bones

Since alfalfa is very rich in minerals needed for the formation and strengthening of bones, a tea made from alfalfa (especially from its seeds) has shown beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis.

5) Reduces menstrual pain

Because of its strong estrogenic properties alfalfa is very effective in reducing the symptoms and pain associated with menstruation in women.

6) Effective in stomach problems

It is advisable to consume a small amount of alfalfa seeds on a daily basis as it helps in building ones immunity against stomach distress. Similarly, if alfalfa is consumed in the form of tea along with some mint, it is known to help against hyperacidity as well as the digestion of the food more so after a rich meal.

7) helps to dissolve kidney stones

Vitamins A, C, E and Zinc are proven to help dissolve kidney stones. You can find these vitamins and minerals in Alfalfa powder and Alfalfa sprouts.

8) Helps in diabetes

The health benefits of alfalfa also include its effectiveness in treating diabetes naturally as it helps those individuals who are not able to properly utilize insulin.

9) Regulates bowel moments

Alfalfa is also known to help in regulating the bowel movements and improving the digestion process which in turn helps in the better assimilation of the food consumed.

10) Useful in treating inflamed bladder

Another one of the medicinal uses of alfalfa is that being a diuretic it is known to be very effective in the treatment of dropsy as well as the inflammation of the bladder.