Alfalfa Sprouts: Anti-Aging Benefits and for Breast Cancer Prevention

Related Articles

Alfalfa sprouts are known tobe the shoots of the alfalfa plant, which were harvested before they become the full-grown plant. The sprouts contain a concentrated amount of certain minerals and vitamins, including vitamin k, calcium, vitamin C. Alfalfa sprouts contain about 8 calories and 0 grams of fat per cup.

Alfalfa Sprouts: Anti-Aging Benefits and for Breast Cancer Prevention
alfalfa sprouts benefits / pixabay

Health Benefits of Alfalfa Sprouts

1. Anti-Aging Benefits

Alfalfa sprouts are proven high-antioxidant food, which helps in protecting your cells from damage that are caused by free radicals. Antioxidants also help in promoting better health and in preventing diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

A study which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed alfalfa sprout’s vitamin K levels, which not only fight vitamin K deficiency, but also help in preventing diseases linked to aging (osteoporosis), artery hardening, cancer, etc.

2. Breast Cancer Prevention

Alfalfa sprouts are a good source of phytoestrogens and isoflavones, ‘which are plant compounds that mimic human estrogen. The Nutrition Journal reported some of the ways nutrition can curb breast cancer, including alfalfa sprouts.

3. Diabetes Prevention

The NIH reported alfalfa sprouts as possible but still unproven treatment for diabetes. The NIH reported small reductions in blood sugar in animals who consumed alfalfa.

Although evidence is limited, alfalfa sprouts may be a healthy food that is use in controlling blood sugar fluctuations in individuals with diabetes. According to Nutrition Data, alfalfa is linked with no glycemic load and will not increase an individual’s blood sugar.

4. Fights Cholesterol

Alfalfa sprouts are known antihyperlipidemic, which means they help in reducing the levels of lipids in the blood. Reducing lipid count can have an effect on reducing the symptoms of
coronary heart disease, which is brought on by high cholesterol levels.

A 1978 study which was conducted on monkeys reported that adding alfalfa to their diets, reduced the negative effects of cholesterol, thus proving alfalfa is one of the better cholesterol-lowering
foods
.

See also  How to Use Yoga for Arthritis (3 Yoga Poses)

5. Heart Health

The National Institutes of Health reported that the compounds present in alfalfa may help in preventing atherosclerosis, which is a cardiovascular disease linked with cholesterol plaque in the arteries of the heart. The NIH acknowledges limited scientific evidence of this health benefit, but noted that no large-scale human studies have
conclusively shown its effects.

Also, the NIH reported that alfalfa can reduce both total and LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. Before using alfalfa sprouts in the treatment of any medical condition, consult your health care provider first.

6. Weight Loss

Afalfa sprouts contain about 8 calories per serving, which makes this crunchy food a perfect choice for individuals who are trying to lose weight. Self magazine gave alfalfa sprout a five-star rating as a weight loss tool, noting that has low calories, fat, sugar and saturated fat. Also, because alfalfa sprouts are rich in protein and
fiber, they can help in facilitating sensations of fullness for individuals who tend to overeat.

7. Prevent Osteoporosis

Vitamin K helps in building bones, that is why it is important in
preventing and treating osteoporosis. The body needs vitamin K to utilize the calcium, which helps in building bones. Due to the benefits of vitamin K on bone health and ongoing studies that reported the connection between bone health and increased levels of vitamin K, the daily recommended values of this said vitamin has been increased approximately to 50%.

Also, alfalfa sprouts contain notable amount of manganese, which is an important nutrient in preventing inflammation and osteoporosis.

Read More:
1. Astounding Health Benefits of Asparagus
2. Health Benefits of Oregano
3. 6 Amazing Benefits of Papaya You Should Know

More on this topic

Comments

Popular stories