By Sabrena Salahudeen
Alfalfa is the great equalizer, for holistic and hormonal balance. Touted as a “super food”, this highly prized mineral food contains a large amount of chlorophyll, which acts as an internal deodorizer and body cleaner. With grass roots stretching over 100 ft. into the earth, alfalfa absorbs all minerals, rare trace elements, eight essential amino acids and all known vitamins.
It detoxifies and tones the colon and urinary environment, controls bleeding, lowers cholesterol and acts as a diuretic. The phytoestrogens, daidzein and genistein block certain hormonal-based cancers as well as ease menopausal distress. If you have an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, only use mature alfalfa sprouts and leaves medicinally, by asking your practitioner if she deems it acceptable. Young sprouts and leaves contain the amino acid canavanine that aggravates autoimmune disorders. Alfalfa is an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, P, K and carotene.
Sprouted alfalfa must be cleaned properly and rinsed several times to prevent possible contact with E.coli. I recommend getting a herbal supplemental form, organic sprouted leaves, medicinal tea, or a germinating kit. This plant should be harvested once it has grown one to two in. The growing time is four to six days, depending on room temperature. Young plants are distinguished from adult ones depending on whether a couple of leaves have formed.