What Is Good About Alfalfa Sprouts?

Alfalfa is an herb that was originally used as a food source for livestock in China and the Middle East. This herb grows wild throughout much of Asia, North Africa and Europe. The seeds of the alfalfa plant can be sprouted by soaking them in distilled water for about 12 hours, then letting them sit at room temperature for two to three days. The edible sprouts may offer several benefits.

Check with your physician before using alfalfa for any medicinal purpose.

Vitamin K

Alfalfa sprouts are rich sources of vitamin K -- a cup of fresh alfalfa sprouts provides about 10.1 mcg of this vitamin, or about 15 percent of the recommended daily intake for adults, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. Vitamin K aids in the production of platelets that form blood clots. This helps reduce bleeding from skin wounds, intestinal lesions and peptic ulcers. This vitamin also plays a role in the absorption of calcium, which may prevent loss of bone density.

Cholesterol Reduction

The chemical compounds in alfalfa sprouts may help lower levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins in your bloodstream, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." These are the components of blood cholesterol that contribute to fatty blockages in your circulatory system. Reducing low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides may help reduce your risk of stroke, coronary artery disease and heart attack.

Antifungal Properties

Alfalfa sprouts may help prevent fungal infections, according to Castleman. The chemical compounds in this herb may help destroy fungi that cause conditions such as vaginal yeast infections, thrush and versicolor, a skin infection that causes sensitivity to sunlight. Alfalfa may also boost your immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells that attack virus cells, fungi and bacteria in your body.

Considerations

Always remove unsprouted seeds from alfalfa sprouts. Unsprouted seeds contain cananavine, an amino acid that may have toxic effects on your liver and kidneys, according to Castleman. Cananavine may also contribute to pancytopenia, a blood disorder characterized by clotting difficulties, and has been linked to lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease.

Alfalfa sprouts contain saponins, which are chemicals that may inhibit the production of red blood cells. This may lead to weakness, fatigue and fainting.