Guest guest Posted January 19, 2005 Report Share Posted January 19, 2005 The " MacroNutrient " - Alfalfa Leaf JoAnn Guest Jan 18, 2005 21:42 PST Daniel B Mowry, Ph.D. " Alfalfa contains an enormous quantity of nutrients, in a form that is easily digested and assimilated by man. It is up to 50% protein, contains a good quantity of beta-carotene, chlorophyll and octacosanol. Herbalists have used alfalfa for many different purposes. Most of these applications bear one-to-one correspondence to the various nutrients in the plant. The one word that keeps appearing is " tonic " . This plant is a " kidney tonic " , " prostatic tonic " , " reproductive tonic " , " musculoskeletal tonic " , " glandular tonic " and so forth. Alfalfa has traditionally been one of the best herbal treatments of arthritis, gout and rheumatism. Alfalfa has a proven cholesterol lowering effect. Steroidal " anti-inflammatory " action is suggested by its content of naturalplant steroids, and some research found a natural estrogenic effect on ruminants (grazing animals). Alfalfa has also been shown to possess antibacterial action against gram negative bacteria (such as Salmonella typhi), and it contains at least one protein with known " antitumor " activity. " - James F. Balch, M.D Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. High in chlorophyll and nutrients. Alkalizes the body and " detoxifies " the body, especially the liver. Good for all colon disorders, anemia, hemorrhaging, diabetes, ulcers and arthritis. Promotes pituitary gland function. Contains antifungus agents. " -- Dr. Donna Schwontkowski Alfalfa has been used for centuries by people world-wide for overall support and rejuvenation. Because of its deep root system, alfalfa is a rich source of the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, potassium and trace minerals. Specifically, it is one of the best sources of protein and is very high in chlorophyll, carotene, the Vitamins A, D, E, B-6 and K, and several digestive enzymes. This may be why it is said to help reconstitute bone and when fresh, is beneficial for rickets. Alfalfa is one of the most studied plants. Research suggests that it may inactivate dietary chemical carcinogens in the liver and small intestine before they have a chance to do the body any harm. It is commonly used for bladder infections. Used on the skin or in the bath, Alfalfa is good for fatigue and muscle tenderness. It is also used to reduce pain and inflammation of rheumatism and arthritis. Alfalfa is used as an appetite stimulant, vitality augmenter (tonic), a digestive stimulant, for insomnia, and to relax the nervous system. --- The World Preservation Society " Because of a long root system which absorbs abundant minerals, alfalfa is very high in minerals and vitamins, particularly iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, trace minerals and vitamin K. it helps to remove toxins and to neutralize acids.. It is good for anemia, menopause, arthritis, gout, stabilizing blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia) balancing pituitary gland, and detoxifying the blood and kidneys. Alfalfa helps soothe ulcers, the liver and acts as a heart tonic. It helps with estrogen production and morning sickness. It has a natural fluoride and is a mild " diuretic " . Alfalfa may be used for reducing fevers and rheumatism and has a mild laxative effect. It is good for cystitis or an inflamed bladder and relief from bloating and water retention. " --- -The deep rooting system of alfalfa allows the plant to glean nutrients from deep under the top soil. This nutritional feeding system provides the plant with many nutrients not present in our food supply. Alfalfa contains protein, fat beta carotene, vitamin E, vitamins B1, B2, C, D and K, isoflavonoid phytoalexins, isoflavone phytoestrogens, and the alkaloids asparagine and trigonelline. The plant is a rich source of chlorophyll and serves as the largest commercial source of chlorophyll. Several studies have indicated that the ingestion of alfalfa reduces cholesterol absorption and atherosclerotic plaque formation in animals. Alfalfa plant saponins and fiber have been shown to bind significant quantities of cholesterol in vitro. In one study, cholesterol-fed rats actually had a decrease in liver cholesterol accumulation when concomitantly fed alfalfa. By providing a mild antithrombotic effect from its coumarin derivatives, alfalfa further aids the circulatory system. Alfalfa's blood-purifying properties have been attributed to its high chlorophyll content. In fact, it is probably due not only to chlorophyll but also several other components. It appears that alfalfa works on inflammation (arthritis, rheumatism) and as a general tonic by removing toxins from the blood. High molecular weight alcohol (triacontanol, octacosanol) reduce cholesterol and serum lipids while the flavonoids relax the smooth muscles. The alkaloids help reduce blood sugar levels and the saponins support the digestive system by helping to balance the intestinal flora. The high amount of beta carotene in alfalfa acts to strengthen epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of the stomach, and could be the source for its beneficial effect on ulcers. Extracts of alfalfa have also been shown to produce activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The above information was taken from the Green Book by Woodland Publishing ----- ALFALFA was first discovered by the Arabs, who named it the father of all foods as it is one of the most complete foods there is. It is more nutritious than almost any other herb, contains many important enzymes, proteins, minerals, vitamins and has been used for food and medicine for thousands of years. ALFALFA cleans, builds and strengthens the body and rebuilds decayed teeth. The alkaloid in the leaves strengthens the central nervous system, helps prevent cholesterol accumulation in the veins, helps chemical imbalance and neutralizes uric acid, just to mention a few of its many attributes. It has been found helpful for numerous conditions, including arthritis, ulcers, high blood pressure, constipation, infections, asthma, allergies, anemia and many others. ALFALFA has very deep roots, commonly growing to 60 or 80 feet deep and some ALFALFA roots have even been found more than 100 feet deep. This is why it is so rich in minerals. Much of our soil has been seriously depleted by using agricultural chemicals and the surface of the soil no longer is rich in minerals as it used to be, so it is difficult to get the minerals we need in our food. Trace mineral deficiency can act to impair hereditary transmission, as shown by the abnormalcies that are becoming more common. The ability of nutritional deficiencies to affect genetics via soil depletion, over processed foods, too much sugar and bad fats were first recognized in the 1930's. Nature has been making normal birds, butterflies and animals for millions of years. If wild animals can do it, whey can't we? It is because they, by their instinct, select the right foods and do not meddle with nature's food by changing it? The condition of any civilization's soil is crucial to their health and their very existence. ----- Rich in Many Vitamins and Minerals ALFALFA was brought to America around 1850, Peru, and today is the largest crop grown in this country. By nature ALFALFA is very alkaline, which helps to eliminate excess uric acid, and extremely rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll promotes healing more than almost anything, as it is more like our blood than anything there is outside of our bodies. ALFALFA has many different compounds of calcium in it. It is also rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, E, K, D, B6, and U and protein. It has high amounts of phosphorus, iron, potassium, chlorine, sodium, silicon, magnesium, B1, B2 and B12. ALFALFA is such a good all around herb, that many different animals live on it alone for their diet. A surprising fact about ALFALFA is that it is higher in *protein* than beef. ALFALFA is 18.9 percent protein, while beef is 16.5, eggs are 13.1, whole wheat is 13.8 and milk is 3.3 percent protein. It contains all eight essential enzymes, lapase to break down fat, amylase sucrase which converts cane sugar into dextrose, peroxidase which is an oxidizing aid for blood, pectinase to digest starches, coagulase to coagulate milk and help to clot blood, emulsion to act on sugars, which helps digestion and protase which digests proteins. Alfalfa is one of the most complete and rich of all foods. In addition to its high content of vitamins and minerals, it is also high in proteins. Furthermore, it also contains every *essential* amino acid. Its detoxification surpasses most of other food tested. Higher resistance to disease and prevention of exhaustion were also reported in tests. Another study showed that Alfalfa contains eight essential enzymes that are important for food digestion. Being more technical, Alfalfa contains vitamin A, D, E, K, U, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Panthothanic acid, Inocitole, Biotin, and Folic acid. In the mineral range, it contains Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Chlorine, Sulfur, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Boron, and Molybdenum. It also contains fiber, Proteins, and trace elements such as Nickel, Lead, Strontium and Palladium. Blood detoxifier (i.e. toxemia in pregnancy) and Nutritional supplement. Mildy laxative and naturally diuretic. Good for acid stomach, alcoholism (nutrition support), allergies, anemia, appetite stimulant, arthritis, cancer, cholesterol, diabetes (lowers sugar), gout, high blood pressure, jaundice, kidney cleanser, improving lactation, radiation damage, ulcers, urinary tract problems, vitamin and mineral defficency. Used as a bitter digestive remedy, general tonic, antipyretic, alterative, for acid conditions in general, inflammations and rheumatism. Possibly anticholesterolemic (octasanol) and antithrombotic (due to coumarins), antispasmodic for smooth muscles (flavanoids), Blood sugar control due to alkaloids present and is beneficial for both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Neutralizes uric acid in cases of arthritis and bursitis. Used for arthritis, pain and stiffness.Used for hyperacidity (reduces gastric acid production), good acid balancer and digestive aid. Taken for stomach ailments and ulcerous conditions. Aids in preventing cholesterol build up in veins. Benefits digestive and blood systems, bladder and prostate. Aids in chemical imbalances. Has beneficial effect on pituitary gland. Used for water retention. Used for colds. Useful for protein allergies (sinus,hay fever,milk,eggs,etc), anemia, menopause (weak phytoestrogens) Used for cystitis, bladder inflammations, sluggish appetite,chronic appendicitis, cramps (calcium content), fatigue,fever, glandular problems, hemmorrhages, teeth. Reputed to reduce tissue damage of radiation therapy. Activity shown against gram negative bacteria. Anti-tumor activity. Aids in assimilation of proteins and calcium, will assist in changing body systems from acid to alkaline. Helps produce saliva. High in vitamin K to produce clotting of blood. Saponin content believed to deep clean cells and bind serum cholesterol, radioactive deposits and toxins for elimination. Leaf alkaloids strengthen nervous system. _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.