ALFALFA - `FATHER OF ALL FOODS'

Alfalfa ( Lucerne )

Alfalfa is a perennial herb with a deep rooting system capable of extending twenty-five feet into the sub-soils. Due to this plant's ability to tap into mineral sources often unavailable to other plants, the mineral content is exceptionally valuable. Some modern herbalists have characterised alfalfa as being "the Big Daddy of them all", due to its high nutritional value, and not least because the ash of the leaves is almost 99% pure calcium.

Don't underestimate the power of Alfalfa!

What contributes to muscle integrity? We know the answer to this is calcium! Calcium is integral in strengthening muscles. Alfalfa contains calcium in copious quantities due to its deep rooting characteristic, which seeks out minerals from the sub-soils. Calcium combines with the other minerals in the Alfalfa and, also, helps build a strong skeletal system.

What makes the energy? The complex carbohydrate from the young fibre in the leaves, and also the high levels of iron in Alfalfa which carry oxygen efficiently to the muscle via the haemoglobin, both contributing to sustainable energy levels. Also, the unusually high level of potassium makes this wonderful green powder ideal for sports people and those who live life in the fast lane.

And what about protein? Take a look at Alfalfa with its living protein levels of 660mg per teaspoonful. With all this potential activity taking place, ones mind may stray to thoughts of sore muscles and joints. Don't worry - Alfalfa contains excellent levels of chlorophyll, which is a known anti-inflammatory agent.

Dorothy Hall in her book "Herbal Medicine" says -

  "Alfalfa's properties show why it is so popular. First, for vegetarians, it is an essential dietary source of complete protein. Its 18.9 per cent average protein content is higher than beef and comparable with soybeans. It also contains the nine essential amino acids needed to digest its own protein as well as any other protein consumed at the same time. As it is a legume, its effective buffering of too-acid conditions in the gastrointestinal tract reflects its alkalising properties. It contains pectin, a digestive enzyme that has also shown some protective qualities against harmful effects of radiation on healthy cells. It is high in iron, with the trace of copper needed to absorb the iron well. Its calcium is also above average in the plant world, and it contains useful levels of potassium, silica, phosphorus and magnesium for resilience and strength of the nervous system and its muscular controls. It contains Vitamins B 1 , some B 2 , A and C. Vitamin K is present as well, to create a balance between clotting and anti-clotting mechanisms in blood. It's hard to find anyone who doesn't need Alfalfa in a general food sense."

She goes on to say that Alfalfa is a `head' remedy for conditions such as itchy scalp, irritable eyes and sniffily noses of hay fever sufferers, chronic catarrh of the throat and the `acid' taste on the tongue of older folk. Alfalfa will also help those who react badly to insect stings and bites. The consumption of Alfalfa will aid protein-digestion difficulty, especially that of animal origin.

"Centuries ago, the Arabs used alfalfa as feed for their horses, because they claim that it made the animals swift and strong. They then tried the plant themselves and became so convinced of its benefits to their health and strength that they named the grass "Al-Fal-Fa" which means, "Father of All Foods". The roots of the alfalfa plant burrow deep into the earth to reach minerals that are inaccessible to most other plants. Alfalfa contains vitamins A, E, K, B and D. It is high in protein and contains phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium and other trace elements. Alfalfa has eight enzymes known to promote chemical reactions that enable food to be assimilated properly within the body. Alfalfa has been effective for aiding stomach ailments, gas pains, ulcerous conditions, dropsy, and pain and stiffness of arthritis. It may eliminate retained water, help cure peptic ulcers, and help in treating recuperative cases of narcotic and alcohol addiction and also in treating cases of overweight. Alfalfa is said to possess no unfriendly components and may be given to children and adults of all ages."

Taken from the Nutritional Almanac .

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