The health benefits of alfalfa grass, its history of use and the value of alfalfa supplements is what we will briefly discuss.

What is alfalfa grass?

It is actually a member of the pea family, a legume. It is an important crop for cattle and other animals, because of its high protein content, much higher than what is found in most grasses. People do not typically eat alfalfa grass, because the high fiber content. However, a young tender alfalfa sprout is a favorite health food.

The mature plant resembles clover, with clusters of small purple flowers, but it typically grows much taller than clover grass will grow. The alfalfa sprout is harvested long before the plant reaches maturity, which accounts for the relative high price of the food, when compared to other vegetables.

Health Benefits

Some of the alfalfa health benefits have been known for 1500 years or more. It was a popular herbal medicine among many traditional healers. It is native to a number of different countries in temperate climates throughout the world.

Modern scientists have confirmed some of the benefits of alfalfa. It has been used to treat anemia, which is likely due to its iron content. It may be beneficial for preventing some of the damage from diabetes and high blood sugar levels, because of its antioxidant and phyto-nutrient content. It has also been used to treat bladder disorders and as an estrogen replacement, to increase breast milk and reduce pre-menstrual syndrome. Alfalfa grass is a known phyto-estrogen, compounds produced by plants that act like the hormone in the human body.

Supplements

Alfalfa supplements are fairly common, these days. They may help relieve the symptoms of menopause, lower unhealthy cholesterol levels; help prevent arthritis and prostate problems. The quality of the supplements varies greatly.

They should be composed of the alfalfa sprout, the leaves or the flowers. Some manufacturers use the entire plant including the roots and seeds. The seeds have the potential to decrease amino acid enzyme activity, which could cause health problems that weight out the benefits of alfalfa.

Supplement Source::Very Important

In order to get the alfalfa health benefits in supplement form, you need to choose a good manufacturer. It is difficult to tell, but the cheapest alfalfa supplements will be of the lowest quality and may include the seeds.

In the best supplements, the extracts from the leaves and sprouts are used as an ingredient; not the only ingredient, just one of many. You get the best value for your money if you shop for a multi-nutritional supplement that contains your basic vitamins and minerals, as well as a number of beneficial extracts.

Alfalfa Synergy

Some of the extracts to look for include gingko biloba, green tea, black cumin, olive leaf, resveratrol and turmeric. These help reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease, our two big killers.

If you strive for optimal nutritional intake, you may live a longer healthier life. The benefits of alfalfa extract are great, but it’s not the only nutrient that you need. For more complete details on Alfalfa Extract and other herbal extracts and their synergistic value, please see my website listed below. Larry L. Taylor