Native to western Asia and the Mediterranean region, it is the dried leaves that are mainly used in herbal medicine, though the seeds are sometimes also used. Alfalfa sprouts are available as a food, which are eaten in salad dishes and are very nutritious.
Alfalfa is an example of a nutritive herb as it contains many nutrients: vitamin A, B1, B6, C, E, K and protein. This herb yields 10 times more mineral value than the average grain, containing Calcium, Magnesium , Potassium, phosphorus and Zinc.
Alfalfa also contains many other compounds including, chlorophyll, isoflavones, Bioflavanoids and 8 digestive enzymes. Its actions include: anti-cholesterol, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-anaemic and anti-coagulant.
The total antioxidant activity of a food is tested using a measure called the ORAC scale. To counteract the harmful oxidising effects of everything the average person eats, drinks and breathes in a day, around 1650 ORAC units are required in the food and drink consumed daily. Scientists believe that over 80% of the World's population actually fails to get more than 800 ORAC units per day, leaving the body open to damage by oxidation, which can ultimately lead to heart, liver, digestion and kidney diseases and most importantly cancer. Alfalfa contains around 930 ORAC units.
Our experts recommend Alfalfa for the following disorder: