Alfalfa is a plant that grows all over the world, all through the year. Like many herbal remedies, its health benefits have been known for many generations and have survived through tradition and culture. Both the stem and the leaves of the plant are believed to offer cures for a variety of conditions. The alfalfa extract is also used in cuisine.

The versatile plant, whose name translates directly as 'Father of all foods', is high in many vitamins and minerals, including A, B, D, E, K, and is very high in protein as well. It is an excellent source of iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium - and that's just scratching the surface. 

If you're skeptical of the usefulness of alfalfa, know that it's been used to feed and heal lifestock for many years. The Arabs would feed their horses alfalfa with the belief that it would enhance strength and stamina. The traditions and rituals are many, and while some might not have conclusive effects, many do.

Alfalfa Powder offers all the benefits of alfalfa, all of which are listed below in detail. Alfalfa can also be consumed in the form of seeds or tablets. One very common form of consumption is tea.

1. Diabetes

Alfalfa has been found to reduce blood sugar levels, so diabetic patients may want to take note of this extraordinary plant. There are many natural treatments which supplement the industry treatment for diabetes, and alfalfa consumption is one of the top ones.

2. Cholesterol

It is believed that alfalfa prevents the absorption of cholesterol on the gut but no clear link has been found. However, its use over an extended period of time and the popular support for it would suggest that it has some cholesterol negating effects. The saponins present in the plant seem to drive this effect.

3. Kidney Problems

All those vitamins we spoke of before, which alfalfa is rich in, help break down kidney stones, which is an extremely painful condition. It also removes any toxins that have accumulated in the urinary tract.

4. Respiratory Conditions

The use of alfalfa, specifically alfalfa seeds, is something of a folk remedy, which is now gaining popularity in other circles. Alfalfa has been used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma.

5. Arthritis and Joint Pain

Alfalfa's positive effect on arthritis and joint pain has been one of its more popular benefits for which it is flocked to. The minerals which it possesses in abundance help in the strengthening and formation of bones. Studies indicate that there is a link between the two.

6. Hair loss and balding

Natural treatments are commonly sought after for hair loss and balding problems and alfalfa is one of those natural cures that do a wonderful job in this regard.

For this treatment, it is recommended that the alfalfa juiced be mixed with an equal amount of lettuce and carrot juice and drunk daily. The triple combination covers all the nutrients and substances necessary for the hair to rejuvenate.

Other Possible Effects

The alfalfa is considered to have many other positive effects. The research into the plant is still early, but if studies can prove that the following unproven effects are true, then the alfalfa truly deserves its place as the father of all foods.

It prevents strokes, increases appetite, aids bowel movements, eliminates digestive problems and acts as an anti-carcinogenic.

Side effects

It's well known that all medication, chemically produced or naturally occurring, must be taken in moderate quantities. An excess of any substance will bring about undesirable and sometimes severe side effects which could make you worse on the whole.

As they should with a lot of medication, pregnant women should avoid consuming alfalfa based products because they contain the hormone saponin. Do not consume alfalfa if you suffer from Lupus, as it aggravates the disease. The general user, and especially those with pre-existing conditions, should always consider consulting a doctor before starting on self-treatment.

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