• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

SimplyHealth.io

Health and Wellness Information

  • Natural Cures
  • Diet & Nutrition
  • Fitness
  • Conditions

14 Health Benefits of Alfalfa

Search Articles Here

Alfalfa is a leguminous plant, Medicago sativa, of Europe and Asia, having compound leaves with three leaflets and clusters of small purplish flowers. It is widely cultivated as an important forage crop around the world and as a nitrogen fixer and used as a commercial source of chlorophyll. It is also called Lucerne.  It is used for grazing, hay, and silage, as well as a green manure and cover crop.

Alfalfa is typically consumed by humans as an herbal supplement or in the form of alfalfa sprouts. Because the leaves or seeds are sold as herbal supplements and not foods, there is no standard nutrition information available. However, they are typically high in vitamin K and also contain many other nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, manganese and folate. Alfalfa sprouts contain the same nutrients and are also very low in calories.  Alfalfa is rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Copper, Manganese, Folate, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Magnesium and Iron.

1.      Alfalfa May Help Lower Cholesterol

Alfalfa’s cholesterol-lowering ability is its best studied health benefit to date. Numerous studies in monkeys, rabbits and rats have shown that it can lower blood cholesterol levels. A few small studies have also confirmed this effect in humans. One study of 15 people found that on average, eating 40 grams of alfalfa seeds 3 times per day decreased total cholesterol by 17% and “bad” LDL cholesterol by 18% after 8 weeks.

Another small study of only 3 volunteers also found that 160 grams of alfalfa seeds per day could decrease total blood cholesterol levels. This effect is attributed to its high content of saponins, which are plant compounds known to lower cholesterol levels.

They do this by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the gut and increasing the excretion of compounds used to create new cholesterol. The human studies done so far are too small to be conclusive, but they show promise for alfalfa as a treatment for high cholesterol.

Next »

Our Newest Articles

15 Causes of Receding Gums

You might have noticed some receding in your gum line as time goes on. It might have progressed at a … [Read More...] about 15 Causes of Receding Gums

14 Most Common Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. This … [Read More...] about 14 Most Common Symptoms of Lupus

15 Frequent Causes of Low Platelets

There are several blood disorders, including low platelets. Blood is comprised of several different … [Read More...] about 15 Frequent Causes of Low Platelets

Primary Sidebar

15 Natural Ways to Relieve Calf Pain

Sore calf muscles can be irritating, painful and debilitating at times, but believe it or not, this … [Read More...] about 15 Natural Ways to Relieve Calf Pain

14 Known Symptoms of Compound Fracture

Compound fractures are fractures that cause the bone to completely break in half, resulting in two … [Read More...] about 14 Known Symptoms of Compound Fracture

Popular on SimplyHealth.io

15 Home Remedies to Relieve Avulsion Fracture

Avulsion fractures happen when a small piece of bone breaks off the site of the main fracture, … [Read More...] about 15 Home Remedies to Relieve Avulsion Fracture

14 Uncomfortable Tooth Abscess Symptoms

A tooth abscess may start as a cavity or tooth decay and develop into an infection that can spread … [Read More...] about 14 Uncomfortable Tooth Abscess Symptoms

14 Common Causes of Stomach Gurgling

If your stomach constantly interrupts you because of the gurgling sounds it makes, you may be … [Read More...] about 14 Common Causes of Stomach Gurgling

You May Also Like

14 General Symptoms of Mumps

Mumps is a rather unpleasant virus that can affect pretty much anyone at any time. It causes the … [Read More...] about 14 General Symptoms of Mumps

16 Phenomenal Benefits of Wearing a Knee Brace

Braces are one of the greatest medical devices out there; they can be applied to a thousand … [Read More...] about 16 Phenomenal Benefits of Wearing a Knee Brace

10 Unusual Skin Diseases

Your skin is a very important organ in your body. In fact, it is the largest organ of the body and … [Read More...] about 10 Unusual Skin Diseases

Disclaimer

This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.

  • Search
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Cookie Declaration
  • Push Notifications

Copyright © 2023 · All Rights Reserved