Benefits of Alfalfa Sprouts

You're probably most familiar with alfalfa as feed for horses or other animals, but many people believe alfalfa sprouts hold significant nutritional benefits for humans too. No one will deny that alfalfa contains several key nutrients. However, it also contains several dangers you should be aware of before you decide to eat it.

Identification

• The name alfalfa comes from Arabic words which mean "the father of all foods." A member of the legume family, alfalfa is a green, leafy plant that can be grown at any time of year, in any climate, and is ready for harvest in seven days. The alfalfa sprouts are thin white strings with green tops. Traditionally used for hay, its nutrients are just as vital to humans as to horses.

Nutrients

• Alfalfa is high in protein and rich in several minerals, including calcium, potassium, folic acid, iron and zinc. It's high in vitamins A, C, E and K and includes essential enzymes needed to help with food digestion. The sprouts can even contain chlorophyll, if they are exposed to indirect sunlight for several days before harvest.

Theories/Speculation

• There are many touted benefits of eating alfalfa sprouts, but scientific evidence hasn't proven these claims. However, evidence suggests alfalfa sprouts may aid with digestion and constipation and may help with blood clotting and encourage bone growth. Many recommend alfalfa sprouts to ease symptoms of menopause. Used in combination with another herb, such as fenugreek or marshmallow, alfalfa sprouts may stimulate lactation. Alfalfa also may work as an anti-inflammatory.

  There is some evidence to suggest alfalfa sprouts block cholesterol absorption and lower cholesterol. This is especially true in people with familial hypercholesterolemia, which doesn't typically respond well to traditional drug treatments. It's also possible the vitamin K in alfalfa sprouts keeps calcium deposits from attaching to arterial clogs, thus preventing arteriosclerosis.

Considerations

• If you are on anti-coagulant medications, such as Coumadin, or anti-rejection medications after a transplant, you should stay away from alfalfa sprouts. The high vitamin K content can interfere with the drug's intended purpose. Also, if you're in a risk group for lupus, you should probably avoid alfalfa. There is some debate about whether or not L-cavanine found in uncooked alfalfa sprouts can cause or exacerbate lupus.

Warning

• There have been several reports, most recently in February 2009, of salmonella outbreaks due to alfalfa sprouts. When purchasing sprouts, you should avoid those that look limp or have a foul odor. No matter what your sprouts look like, you should always wash them before eating. Alternately, you can grow your own alfalfa sprouts at home, avoiding the risk of contamination.