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Alfalfa

Probably better known to many people as alfalfa, this plant has been a constant companion to humans for thousands of years. Alfalfa is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and chlorophyll, the green "blood" of plants. Particularly noteworthy is its high calcium content, which together with phosphorus forms the basis for our bones. Traditions have been preserved from the Arab world in particular, according to which people regularly ate alfalfa, drank it as a tea infusion and used it as a medicine.

It was used to treat digestive problems, heart disease, bad teeth, eye problems and age-related complaints. Some of these uses have been confirmed by scientific experiments in recent decades. A great deal of research has been carried out in America in particular and alfalfa has been rediscovered for our times. The Arabs loved to feed it to their horses because they recognized that it kept them healthy and made them fast and enduring. They also gave the plant its current name, which loosely translates as "father of all foods". The word alfalfa literally means "highly qualified food".

Description

It grows to a height of around 1 meter and is similar to clover. It also has a deep root system, sometimes up to 10 meters deep, which allows it to survive droughts well. Like other legumes, it has the ability to absorb nitrogen from the air with the help of symbiotic bacteria and is therefore able to produce protein-rich food independently of the nitrogen present in the soil.

What does alfalfa do?

  • flushes toxins out of the joints
  • regenerates the bone structure by providing calcium and phosphorus in large quantities for skeletal development
  • contains plenty of chlorophyll, the green plant pigment that has a blood-purifying and blood-forming effect
  • the fiber contained in alfalfa has a positive effect on intestinal function
  • increases vital energy in cases of mental and physical exhaustion
  • deacidifies blood and tissue
  • Alfalfa is rich in rutin (a bioflavonoid), which protects the fine capillaries from becoming permeable and fragile
  • dehydrates due to its vitamin K and saponin content
  • Has an anti-inflammatory effect
  • helps to regulate the acid-base balance
  • strengthen the immune system
  • inhibit bacterial growth
  • Improve the health of the oral cavity
  • Improve wound healing
  • improve the metabolism
  • Protect cells from free radicals
  • slow down the ageing process
  • positively influence the energy and vitality of the body

The regeneration of tissue, skeleton and cartilage depends on a balanced ratio of proteins, magnesium and vitamin C, which can only be provided by natural, non-denatured plant foods such as barley grass, spirulina and alfalfa. Important digestive enzymes have been found in alfalfa (as much as in barley grass), including catalase and SOD (superoxide dismutase); both enzymes act as cell protection against oxidation processes. The hormone-like substances cumestrol and the isoflavonoids in alfalfa activate oestrogen production and the development of the mammary glands; they also promote calcium deposition in the bones. During breastfeeding, breast milk production is stimulated. Alfalfa is particularly rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, sulphur, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, boron and zinc, vitamins A and C, all B vitamins including B12 and D.

Who needs alfalfa?

  • People with decreasing bone density, e.g. to support osteoporosis
  • Children and adolescents who are growing
  • People who suffer from iron deficiency
  • People who do not consume enough vitamins and minerals as a result of an unbalanced diet, e.g. slimming cures and diets
  • People who are constantly tired and exhausted
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Athletes and bodybuilders who train hard.

Needs in sport

Alfalfa supports the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates, has a positive effect on the digestive system and has a strong dehydrating effect. Above all, the regulating effect of the body's own water balance reduces the risk of cellulite and obesity. The natural active ingredients in alfalfa flush free radicals out of the body and reduce the risk of heart attack. Its dehydrating effect prevents the symptoms mentioned above, detoxifies the body (liver detoxification) and alleviates the symptoms of arthrosis and rheumatic pain. Studies confirm the high content of phytonutrients (e.g. sapoins), which in turn keep cholesterol levels low. Alfalfa also contains 8 important enzymes as well as vitamins A, E, K, B6 and D. Vitamin K is particularly important for the body as it is crucial for blood clotting. Alfalfa is a very good source of calcium and phosphorus, which ensures strong bones and teeth. Alfalfa stimulates the pituitary gland (hypophysis), encourages it to release hormones optimally and is therefore the most excellent natural vitamin for body, mind and soul.

Dosage

Some natural healers recommend taking 500-1000 mg of dried leaves a day or 1-2 ml of tincture three times a day.

Safety and side effects

Alfalfa leaves may be safe and harmless for most adults, but long-term use of alfalfa seeds is probably not safe and harmless. Alfalfa seed products may cause reactions similar to those of the autoimmune disease lupus erythematosus. Alfalfa may also greatly increase skin sensitivity to sunlight in some people. For this reason, care should be taken to ensure adequate sun protection while using alfalfa, especially for people with fair skin types.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Alfalfa may not be safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding in quantities higher than those normally found in food. There is evidence that alfalfa may act like estrogen and this could affect pregnancy.

"Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis or others: Alfalfa could cause the immune system to become more active and this could exacerbate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. There are two case reports of SLE patients who experienced an exacerbation of their disease after long-term use of alfalfa seed products. If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, it is best to avoid alfalfa until more is known.

Hormone-sensitive diseases such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and endometriosis: Alfalfa may have the same effects as the female hormone estrogen. Therefore, you should not use alfalfa if you suffer from a disease that could be aggravated by oestrogen.

Diabetes: Alfalfa may lower blood sugar levels. For this reason, diabetics using alfalfa should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels.

Kidney transplants: There is one report of rejection of a donor kidney after three months of use of a supplement containing alfalfa and black cohosh. This reaction was probably due more to the effects of alfalfa than to the effects of black cohosh. There is evidence that alfalfa may improve the function of the immune system, which could reduce the effects of drugs such as cyclosporine used to prevent donor organ rejection.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining alfalfa with the following medications:

Hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills):

Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Alfalfa may have a similar effect to oestrogen in some areas, but not as strong as the oestrogen contained in contraceptive pills. Taking alfalfa could reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. For this reason, additional contraceptive measures such as condoms should be used while taking Alfalfa.

Oestrogen preparations

Large amounts of alfalfa may have a similar effect to oestrogen in some areas, although the effect is not as strong as with oestrogen preparations. Taking alfalfa in combination with oestrogen preparations could reduce the effectiveness of these preparations.

Drugs that reduce the function of the immune system

Alfalfa appears to improve the function of the immune system. By improving immune system function, alfalfa may reduce the effectiveness of drugs that reduce immune system function.

Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight

Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. High doses of alfalfa can also increase sensitivity to sunlight. Taking alfalfa in conjunction with medications that may increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the risk of sunburn, blistering of the skin, or rashes on skin areas exposed to the sun. For this reason, you should use a sunblock and wear protective clothing when spending time in the sun.