Alfalfa has been used as animal feed for hundreds of years. It mainly belongs to the legume family, but it is also classified as a herb. It is characterized by containing many vitamins, proteins and minerals from other sources of feed.

Not only is it an animal fodder, but it has been used as an important medicinal herb throughout history. Some people still use it as a necessary food supplement to supply many important nutrients for a healthy body.

Alfalfa nutritional value

Alfalfa is characterized by its very low calories, in addition to many important nutrients such as:

• Vitamin K.
• Vitamin C.
• calcium.
• Iron.
• potassium.
• magnesium.
• phosphorous.

Health benefits of alfalfa

Alfalfa has many health benefits for the human body, including the following:

1. Reduce blood cholesterol

Alfalfa contains a high percentage of saponins, a plant compound known to help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Saponins can reduce cholesterol by reducing its absorption in the intestine. Laboratory studies on animals have shown an inverse relationship between eating alfalfa and lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

2. Preventing the risk of developing diabetes

Alfalfa is high in fiber, which in turn helps control blood sugar by slowing down the body’s absorption of glucose.

In a study of diabetic rats, they found a significant decrease in blood glucose after receiving alfalfa extract for twenty-one days.

3. Treatment of menstrual disorders

Alfalfa is characterized by the fact that it contains some plant hormones that mimic in their action the female hormone estrogen.

Some herbalists have confirmed that alfalfa has a therapeutic ability to treat menstrual disorders and relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

There are some other studies stating that it can treat menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

4. Increase the milk production of a nursing mother

Alfalfa is considered to have the ability to stimulate the production of breast milk in a natural and safe way, along with the black seed and fenugreek.

5. Arthritis treatment

Alfalfa is one of the most popular ingredients used in herbal arthritis treatments. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which are associated with relieving arthritis and osteoporosis.

Alfalfa also has benefits because it contains high amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins, which in turn contribute to reducing inflammation.

6. Improve digestive health

The fiber in alfalfa contributes to the treatment of many problems facing the digestive system, such as:

• Infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Bacterial imbalance in the small intestine.
• Indigestion.
• bloating
• convulsion
• constipation.
• diarrhea.

Therefore, it is recommended to take it in the form of tablets regularly to improve bowel movement and digestion.

7. Helps heal wounds

In ancient societies, alfalfa was used as a substance that accelerates the healing process of wounds. Because the important antioxidants and minerals present in it contribute to stimulating blood flow to the affected area. Thus, speedy wound healing and prevention of contamination and transmission of infection.

8. Strengthening the immune system

Thanks to the high percentage of vitamin C found in alfalfa seeds, eating it helps boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. Also, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to prevent any oxidative stress.

It also contains important vitamins such as vitamin B and vitamin E, and their role contributes to spreading antioxidants throughout the body.

9. Detoxing the body

The use of alfalfa seeds in the treatment of kidney diseases is common in the whole world. This is due to its contribution to frequent urination. It also helps to get rid of toxins, salts, water, and excess body fat.

10. Promote respiratory health

Alfalfa has been used for hundreds of years in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as:

• bronchitis.
• flu.
• asthma.
• Colds.
• Viral infections.

Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of alfalfa, which makes it contribute to the treatment of various breathing problems. And also help the immune system detect infections that affect the respiratory tract.

Alfalfa side effects

Alfalfa is generally considered safe to use, but it may cause side effects in some groups, such as:

1. Those who take blood-thinning medications

Alfalfa seeds are rich in vitamin K, which has many benefits for the body, but excessive consumption of it may hinder anticoagulant drugs from working. It is important for groups taking these medications to reduce their intake of vitamin K sources such as alfalfa.

2. People with immunodeficiency

Some groups with weak immunity, such as:

• children.
• pregnant.
• Those infected with the Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

They should avoid eating fresh alfalfa, as contamination of the alfalfa plant from the surrounding farming environment may cause the plant to be a carrier of bacterial diseases such as salmonella. Therefore, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against eating raw plants and sprouts for immunocompromised groups.

3. Lupus patients

A person gets lupus when his body is attacked by his immune system. It is believed that taking alfalfa supplements, which contribute to stimulating the immune system in the human body, causes a reactivation of lupus and some diseases related to this autoimmune disorder. Therefore, it is preferable to avoid eating alfalfa in the case of lupus patients.