Alfalfa Leaves
Important Information about Nutritious Alfalfa Leaves
Alfalfa leaves are commonly called many other things such as trefoil, holy hay, Lucerne, medicago, and sativa. Of all cultivated plants, Alfalfa is one of the oldest. In fact, for many centuries, alfalfa has been used as hay for livestock but it can also be consumed by humans. In addition to being planted and grown in a garden or used to accent a flowerbed, it is common to see open fields of alfalfa leaves throughout western states.
In addition to alfalfa leaves being interesting to look at, they are also highly nutritious. These leaves contain vitamins C, E, and K, a small amount of vitamin A, and beta carotene. In addition to the leaves being used, other parts of the alfalfa plant are beneficial to include the sprouts and seeds. Even parts above ground are used for making supplements, herbs, and natural teas.
While some people love eating alfalfa leaves, the sprouts are also commonly consumed. If you were to look at a salad bar in your local grocery store, you would find fresh alfalfa sprouts. Then for supplements, most contain alfalfa leaves and seeds or you could purchase a powdered form. For tea, leaves and seeds are used. For a single cup of tea, approximately two teaspoons of product would be used. For making tea, the alfalfa leaves or seeds would steep in boiling water for about 10 minutes.
One of the best sources for vitamin K is alfalfa leaves, which is a vitamin that helps the blood to clot by converting calcium into protein so a type of netting is created that captures the red blood cells. In addition, vitamin K works along with vitamin D and glutamic acid to form special connections for bones. Without these three nutrients working as a team, the body would not have the capability of utilizing calcium needed for strong bones and teeth.
Alfalfa leaves also make sure that calcium does not enter artery lining, which is commonly referred to as “hardening of the arteries.” This problem happens when cholesterol in blood vessel linings is replaced with calcium, called calcification. Therefore, alfalfa leaves along with vitamin D and glutamic acid are vital to good health.
While more information is needed, several studies show early promise of alfalfa leaves and seeds lowering high cholesterol levels. A specific type of high cholesterol called Familial Hypercholesterolemia rarely responds to traditional medication. However, research shows that when alfalfa is taken for two months, this type of cholesterol was lowered by as much as 20% when compared to numbers associated with standard medical treatment.
You will also find that alfalfa leaves and seeds can be used to stimulate the production of breast milk in lactating women. While this plant alone has shown to be successful for this purpose, milk production appears to be increased even more when alfalfa leaves and/or seeds are coupled with fenugreek or thistle. Now, while alfalfa has a long list of healthy properties that help with all kinds of health issues, there is one risk that you need to understand.
When alfalfa leaves or seeds are stored in water, which is commonly done, but the water becomes contaminated, eating the food would present a health risk. The best way to avoid this is by smelling the water first, choosing only fresh leaves and seeds, or rinsing the alfalfa leaves and seeds off thoroughly prior to eating.