What are the benefits of alfalfa extract?
Early research shows that alfalfa could have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. For instance, one animal study found that the plant’s potent compounds were able to trap free radicals created by nicotine, provide an immune system boost, raise antioxidants, and even improve how well food is turned into energy. It’s also said to reduce the risk of heart attacks. It may also help with an inflamed prostate, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach problems, and diabetes. There are reports that alfalfa works as a diuretic.Alfalfa has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory activity and can improve the damage caused by inflammation.There is a long list of traditional uses of alfalfa as a medicinal herb. They include lowering blood pressure, acting as a diuretic, increasing breast milk production, treating arthritis, and getting rid of kidney stones.Alfalfa sprouts are a medicinal plant used to improve liver function, reduce fluid retention, regulate blood sugar levels, decrease cholesterol, control high blood pressure, prevent infections, and alleviate symptoms of menopause.Reduced visceral fat: Alfalfa promotes lean growth in animals, producing meat with less intramuscular fat, which is therefore healthier. Higher concentration of omega-3: In the meat of animals fed with alfalfa, there is a better proportion of omega-3 and omega-6, leading to a more balanced human diet.
What is the medicine alfalfa used for?
It is also used for high cholesterol, asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, upset stomach, and a bleeding disorder called thrombocytopenic purpura. People also take alfalfa as a source of vitamins A, C, E, and K4; and minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and iron. Alfalfa is high in vitamins K and C, and it contains folate, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, and copper. Historical but undocumented medicinal uses of alfalfa include treatment of stomach upset, arthritis, bladder and kidney problems, boils, and irregular menstruation.Alfalfa is a flowering plant and known for its use as a medicine in toning up the appetite and digestion and favorably influencing nutrition.Linked to Healthy Weight Management Alfalfa leaf is very low in calories, making it a possible addition to a healthy weight loss plan. Plus, alfalfa’s rich micronutrients can help ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need during a caloric deficit or increased exercise.In some traditional systems, particularly in Western herbalism, alfalfa has been used to “support the kidneys” and as a mild diuretic. Historical texts and herbals describe its use to encourage urine flow and to help “cleanse” the urinary tract, which led to the association with kidney support.Alfalfa contains protein and vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Nutrient analysis demonstrates the presence of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.
What is alfalfa used for?
Alfalfa is most commonly grown as food for livestock animals. In humans, it’s often eaten as a garnish, and seems to prevent cholesterol absorption in the stomach. People use alfalfa for high cholesterol, diabetes, indigestion, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich herb with saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids that may support metabolic health . Studies have shown that Alfalfa may support healthy insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce oxidative stress, all important factors in supporting overall metabolic health.Previous studies showed that adding alfalfa seed in human diet reduced triglycerides and LDL, improved HDL levels, and decreased blood glucose [7, 8]. Therefore, alfalfa leaves are traditionally used in South Africa as an effective treatment for diabetes [9, 10].Use alfalfa for lower blood pressure Phytonutrients in alfalfa such as L-canavanine and chlorophyll help in increasing immunity.Long-term use of alfalfa, especially the seeds, has an immune-stimulating effect and can worsen autoimmune conditions such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. Weak estrogenic effects make use of alfalfa in patients with risks for breast or uterine cancer inadvisable.
Who cannot take alfalfa?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before taking any herbal medicines. Alfalfa may reduce how well birth control pills work. If you take alfalfa and use birth control pills that contain estrogen, use an additional form of birth control. Alfalfa contains high amounts of vitamin K. Research has shown that it can lower high blood pressure and also decrease menopausal symptoms, such as cramping. Today, Alfalfa can be found in the form of tablets or capsules. Alfalfa sprouts is more frequently eaten the Alfalfa itself. Every part of the Alfalfa plant is used to make herbal supplements.Alfalfa: A Staple in the Fields & the Medicine Cabinet But did you know that Alfalfa is a potent ingredient for perimenopause support? Alfalfa contains phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that resemble estrogen and provide safe, natural hormonal support.
Is alfalfa good for your liver?
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Western herbalism, where it is often considered a nutritive tonic and used to support general health, including the liver. Anti-Inflammatory Properties. The compounds in alfalfa have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.It’s also said to reduce the risk of heart attacks. It may also help with an inflamed prostate, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach problems, and diabetes. There are reports that alfalfa works as a diuretic.May Act As a Natural Diuretic Some herbalists use alfalfa as a natural diuretic (water pill) for treating urinary tract disorders, including renal calculi (kidney stones) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some look at alfalfa as a way to naturally detox and flush out the body.Alfalfa contains high amounts of vitamin K. This can reduce the blood thinning (anticoagulant) action of the medicine warfarin. If you’re taking this medicine, ask your healthcare provider how much alfalfa you can eat. Alfalfa may decrease blood sugar.Besides the antioxidant role of alfalfa, its beneficial effects on some diseases such as diabetes, thalassemia, various cancers, renal disorders, and hypercholesterolemia have been also identified.
Does alfalfa cause weight gain?
By helping in improve digestion, appetite, and providing essential nutrients, it helps supports healthy weight gain. SBL Alfalfa Malt can be helpful in the following conditions: Fatigue: An extreme tiredness or lack of energy that can be physical, mental, or both. Alfalfa tonic can indeed help with weight gain. It’s a natural supplement that stimulates appetite, enhances digestion, and provides essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals .The most common source of alfalfa is its sprouts, which are often added to salads, sandwiches, or consumed raw. These sprouts are not only low in calories but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet.When taken by mouth: Alfalfa leaves are possibly safe when used short-term. But taking alfalfa in high doses or long-term is likely unsafe. Long-term use might cause reactions similar to the autoimmune disease called lupus in some people.Folk practices have suggested that alfalfa can cleanse or detoxify the body, which is sometimes interpreted as supporting liver function. The rationale is largely based on its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, such as chlorophyll, which are believed to promote overall wellness.