7 facts about the benefits of alfalfa and possible harm

Alfalfa is an annual plant of the Legume family, which is widely popular in cooking, folk and evidence–based medicine. It contains many vitamins and antioxidants that are valuable for humans.

Studies confirm the health benefits of alfalfa. Its regular use reduces the risk of developing diseases from the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, prevents the appearance of malignant tumors, and strengthens the immune system.

How it is useful – 7 facts

The main beneficial properties of alfalfa are discussed below with links to research.

1. A source of valuable nutrients

Alfalfa rich the following nutrients (per 100 grams of plant):

It also contains a small amount of fiber (about 3 grams per 100 grams of alfalfa).

The main advantage of alfalfa is the presence of natural antioxidant substances in its composition: phytosterols, coumarins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and phytoestrogens. They are the ones respond for most of the biological effects of the plant.

2. Lowering cholesterol levels

An increase in the level of total cholesterol, as well as its atherogenic fractions (LDL, VLDL, TAG) is the main cause of atherosclerotic damage to arterial vessels and the appearance of diseases such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, chronic cerebral ischemia.

Experiments on monkeys demonstrate that alfalfa reduces the concentration of LDL and total cholesterol by increasing the secretion of bile acids through the biliary tract and slowing their reabsorption from the lumen of the digestive tube.

It is important to note that the effect is quite pronounced. In experiments on rabbits the content of total cholesterol and LDL in blood plasma (when eating alfalfa seeds) decreased by 39.5% and 50%, respectively.

Human studies show similar results. Alfalfa is able to reduce LDL levels by 18% against the background of eating 40 grams of seeds 3 times a day for 2 months.

Similar action related with the presence of saponins in alfalfa, which affect the metabolism of cholesterol in the liver, as well as slow down its absorption from the intestine.

3. Normalization of blood sugar

Diabetes mellitus and other pathologies of the glycemic background are extremely common.

According to the data scientists from Egypt, alfalfa increases the sensitivity of peripheral tissues (muscle and fat) to insulin, which leads to more efficient utilization of glucose by cells and a decrease in its content in blood plasma. This property of the plant allows you to reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus or improve the course of this pathology.

According to data employees of the University of Ulster (Koprein), alfalfa also has a positive effect on the course of type I diabetes mellitus. Researchers have proven that the plant increases the rate of insulin secretion by beta cells of the pancreas.

4. Improvement of the course of menopause

Menopausal syndrome is a complex of vegetative-vascular, metabolic and mental disorders that are observed in a number of women during the decline of ovarian functions (after menopause).

Alfalfa contains plant phytoestrogens, which are structurally similar to the hormones of the female genital glands – estrogens.

Specialists of the University of Sienta (Italy) proved that alfalfa is able to eliminate such manifestations of menopause as night sweats and hot flashes. Scientists underline that such an action of the plant is associated with the inhibition of dopamine activity at the brain level under the influence of phytoestrogens.

American Studies show that the use of phytoestrogens also has a positive effect on the quality of sleep – reduces the time needed to fall asleep, makes sleep deeper.

5. Antioxidant effect

Alfalfa is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and the effects of free radicals.

Iranian scientists discovered that alfalfa improves the viability of the body's cells by improving internal metabolism, and also prevents damage to the liver by its own enzymes.

Specialists from Saudi Arabia underline that the medicinal plant has a powerful antioxidant activity, as it inhibits the severity of redox processes in the body.

According to the research and the time spent in Taiwan, Lucerne capable slow down the course of chronic inflammatory processes, which are a risk factor for the early development of chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. The plant reduces the concentration of key markers of inflammation in the blood (interleukins 1 and 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein).

Considering the data described above, it can be concluded that alfalfa is able to prevent the appearance of not only extremely dangerous chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease), but also malignant tumors.

6. Improving metabolism in the brain

Alfalfa contains a special biologically active substance – trigonellin.

This component possesses pronounced neuroprotective, antimigrenic activity, improves short-term and long-term memory, reduces the risk of infectious, inflammatory and malignant diseases, both of the brain substance itself and its membranes.

Medicinal plant can be used to correct cognitive disorders ( of memory , attention , thinking), treatment and prevention of headaches.

Also proven that alfalfa has a sedative and anticonvulsant effect, which causes its use in depressive disorders and diseases accompanied by convulsive syndrome (epilepsy).

Indian scientists claim that alfalfa is able to reduce the volume of brain damage in ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and accelerate the recovery of affected tissues.

7. Strengthening the immune system

Ukrainian healthcare professionals show that alfalfa has a pronounced immunostimulating effect .

Against the background of the inclusion of the plant in the diet, an increase in the secretion of immunoglobulins (A, G, M) and the activity of macrophage cells is observed.

Experts recommend using the plant in order to prevent immunodeficiency conditions with prolonged use of cytostatics, glucocorticosteroids and antibacterial agents.

Vitamin C makes an additional contribution, which is a powerful immune system stimulant : it accelerates the differentiation of B- and T-link cells, increases the ability of phagocytes to recognize and destroy foreign agents.

Safety and contraindications

In some cases, the use of alfalfa can harm a person, as it is possible to develop a number of undesirable and even dangerous side effects.

Contraindications include:

1. Pregnancy. Proven that alfalfa increases the tone of the uterine muscles. This condition is accompanied not only by a complex of unpleasant sensations (pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen), but can lead to terrible complications: death of the fetal egg, miscarriage, abnormalities of labor activity.
2. Taking medications that affect blood viscosity. The plant contains a large amount of vitamin K, which increases the "coagulability" of blood. The combined use of alfalfa with anticoagulants, disaggregants or thrombolytics can significantly reduce the pharmacological effect of the latter and lead to various thrombotic or thromboembolic complications.
3. The presence of autoimmune pathologies. It is not recommended to take alfalfa in the presence of diseases such as scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, etc. enhances pathological immune response and causes exacerbation of these pathologies.
4. Taking oral contraceptives. It is not advisable to use this group of drugs together with alfalfa. The plant increases the level of estrogens in the blood and can contribute to the onset of pregnancy.

Application Tips

Alfalfa is most often taken in the form of medicines and dietary supplements.

The juice of the plant is used less often, as well as dried grass, flowers, seeds or alfalfa sprouts in the form of teas and decoctions.

Alfalfa seedlings are widely used in folk medicine. Their main advantage is the high level of fluoride in the composition, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of tooth enamel.

Sprouted seeds are also widespread in cooking. They can be used as an accompaniment to any salads or vegetable dishes, as well as instead of a side dish for meat or poultry.

Alfalfa juice is also extremely useful. It is usually used to lower blood pressure, correct glucose levels and total cholesterol in the blood. The maximum daily dose is 75 ml. It is recommended to mix alfalfa juice with juices of various vegetables (beets, carrots).

Many recipes have been developed based on alfalfa. We will describe the 2 most popular ones.

Tea

To make alfalfa tea, you will need:

• 3 tablespoons of chopped herb plants;
• 500 ml of boiling water;

Preparation:

1. Pour boiling water over the alfalfa grass.
2. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Then strain.

Consume 200 ml 3 times a day. You can add a little honey.

Decoction

Will be required:

• 2 tbsp chopped herb plants;
• 500 ml of water.

Preparation:

1. Pour water over the herb, bring to a boil.
2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat. Let it brew for 60 minutes, strain.

Take 60 ml 3 times a day.

Conclusion

1. Thus, alfalfa is a medicinal plant that contains many important vitamins, antioxidants and some minerals.
2. It stimulates the immune system, reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular and endocrine pathologies, improves the course of menopausal syndrome and improves metabolism at the level of brain tissues.
3. Special care should be taken when taking alfalfa due to the presence of contraindications, it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand.