Your immune system is composed of organs, glands, specialized cells and substances all working together to protect you from infection, disease and excessive aging. Although no human studies have been conducted on the immune-boosting properties of alfalfa sprouts, they are rich in nutrients that your immune system needs to function optimally. Boosting your immune system is accomplished by eating nutrient-rich foods, but regular exercise, adequate sleep and reducing stress are important factors also.
Immune Boosting Nutrients
Your immune system needs a variety of essential nutrients to carry out its functions efficiently. Strong antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E scavenge and eliminate free-radicals, which cause inflammatory reactions and tissue deterioration. Vitamin C stimulates the synthesis and enhances the function of many specialized immune cells, such neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes, according to "Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health." Vitamin A is needed to maintain mucous membranes that prevent pathogenic microorganisms from penetrating your sinuses, eyes and intestines. B-vitamins are required for metabolism, which provides your immune system with the energy it needs. Zinc is also important for immunity, as a deficiency reduces natural killer cell activity.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa is a rich source of many nutrients, making it one of the most nutritious foods in the world, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It contains about 25 percent protein by weight and is a good source of lysine, an essential amino acid that is needed for producing hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Antibodies are substances your immune system makes in response to disease-causing organisms, which allows for faster and stronger immune response during subsequent invasions. Alfalfa contains many minerals, including zinc. Further, alfalfa is a good source of beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, and vitamins C, D, E, K and the main energy producing B-vitamins.
Alfalfa and Energy
You immune system requires a high percentage of the energy your body produces. Alfalfa sprouts contain virtually all the nutrients required for energy production, including vitamins B-6 and B-12, folic acid, all eight essential amino acids and the highest percentage of chlorophyll of any plant, as cited by "The New Healing Herbs." Vitamins B-6 and B-12 are the primary vitamins needed for cellular metabolism, which burns glucose molecules in order to produce ATP, your body's energy storage molecules. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and can be metabolized into glucose when needed. Folic acid and chlorophyll stimulate the synthesis of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all your cells. According to "Human Biochemistry and Disease," well-oxygenated tissues deter the growth of microorganisms and cancer, which reduces the burden on your immune system.
Alfalfa and Alkalinity
Alfalfa sprouts have a particularly strong alkalizing affect on your body. Most tissues, especially your blood, must be alkaline or basic in order to function efficiently. Many foods within the standard American diet are acidic and force your body to take measures to reduce the acidity, which is energy costly and compromises immune function. According to "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition," eating alfalfa sprouts not only reduces acidity, but they can deter pathogens that thrive in acidic environments, such as most bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. As mentioned above, deterring infections reduces the burden on your immune system.
References
- "Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health"; G. Combs; 2008
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
