Nutrient Value Of Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts add extra flavor and crunch to anything from sandwiches to omelets. Alfalfa sprouts have a mild flavor and can be added to a variety of foods to provide additional texture without an increase in calories. Sprouts are available in many grocery and health food stores. Alfalfa seeds can also be easily sprouted at home.

Types of Sprouts

Sprouts can be grown from any vegetable seed. Alfalfa sprouts are grown from alfalfa seeds that would grow into the plant alfalfa. Other common sprouts are bean sprouts, mung bean sprouts and radish sprouts.

Nutrition

Alfalfa sprouts contain no fat or cholesterol and are not a significant source of calories. Sprouts have a high water content, which makes them low in nutrients. One cup of alfalfa sprouts has only 10 calories. Alfalfa sprouts contain 1.3 g of protein per cup and 1.2 g of carbohydrate.

Micronutrients

Alfalfa sprouts have very small amounts of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, vitamin C and vitamin A. The nutrients in alfalfa sprouts are low enough to be considered insignificant.

Antioxidants

According to "The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry," alfalfa sprouts have a relatively high level of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are chemical compounds found in food that protect cells from dangerous molecules called free radicals. Antioxidants may stop free radicals from damaging cells, which might slow or prevent cancer.

Cholesterol-Lowering Compound

Alfalfa sprouts are also a good source of saponins. Saponins are found in many plants, and according to research from Cornell University may help lower serum cholesterol levels by preventing the absorption of cholesterol.