What Are The Benefits Of Alfalfa Powder?

Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, is a legume commonly found in feed for farm animals. However, it's also been used medicinally in eastern countries such as China and India, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Introduced to the Americas by Spanish settlers, alfalfa is also increasingly popular in the West for its purported healing abilities and is available in supplement form, including powder. However, if you are pregnant, have hormone-sensitive cancer or an inflammatory disease such as gout, you should not take alfalfa. Check with your health care practitioner before using any supplement.

Antioxidant

Like other plant foods, alfalfa is rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E. These compounds fight free radicals and protect you from the ravages of aging as well as lower the risk of infections and disease. Antioxidants in alfalfa also help to prevent DNA damage, according to the International Sprout Growers Association.

Blood Disorders

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, alfalfa has traditionally been used to fortify and cleanse the blood. It may also be beneficial in treating mild cases of anemia and restoring hemoglobin levels to a normal range. Anemia is the result of a deficiency of red blood cells, which reduces the supply of oxygen to tissues and organs.

Cardiovascular Health

Alfalfa lowers cholesterol and plaque build-up in the arteries, which reduces your risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke. This cholesterol-lowering effect is due to the rich saponin content in alfalfa, which, along with fiber in alfalfa, binds to cholesterol, explains the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The leaves of the plant are more effective at reducing cholesterol levels than the sprouts.

Elimination and Excretion

Although alfalfa may not be as rich in fiber as some other plant foods, it's still a good source of this colon-cleansing nutrient. According to Castleman, studies show that alfalfa can also bind with carcinogens in the colon to help eliminate them faster. Alfalfa also has been used as a diuretic agent; this benefit has not been proven scientifically. Still, you should not use alfalfa if you're taking diuretics as it can increase the activity of these medications, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.