Because Lucerne contains substances necessary for the health of the digestive tract and mucous membrane – chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamins A, Kiu, fiber and essential amino acids, alfalfa can be described as a medicinal plant, i.e. used in the regeneration of the stomach and digestive system.
What other ingredients does alfalfa contain?
Due to the abundance of ingredients, lucena has a very rich history of use. Due to the endurance and speed of their horses fed with alfalfa, the Arabs highly valued this plant and called it al-fac-facah, or the father of all food. The Spanish later shortened this name, and a new form of the name, more familiar to us, was born – alfalfa. Biologist Frank Bouer called alfalfa (Latin: Medicago sativa) a great healer after he determined that the leaves contain as much as 8 exogenous amino acidsconfirming alfalfa’s reputation as a high-quality protein food for humans and animals. Alfalfa is a rich source of vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, U and K and is rich in minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc.
What medicinal properties does lucena have?
In addition to its unquestionable nutritional values, this plant also has medicinal properties, which is why it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, where doctors recommended it for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, especially stomach and duodenal ulcers. Ayurvedic doctors used alfalfa primarily to treat ulcers and aid digestion, but they also prescribed it for arthritic pain and water retention (edema). 19th century medicine records the use of alfalfa leaves as a tonic for indigestion, anemia, and to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers. One of the basic ingredients of alfalfa is vitamin U – a plant enzyme that promotes the regeneration of damaged mucosa of the digestive system, i.e. supports the healing of stomach ulcers.
What is vitamin U and what does it do?
Vitamin U took its name from the word ulcuswhich translated from Latin means ulcer. According to its chemical form, it is S-methylmethionine and is found most abundantly in foods such as cabbage, peas, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, etc. However, since it is very unstable even at slightly higher temperatures, any heat treatment of these foods leads to its decomposition. It is assumed that it is basic mechanism of action of vitamin U is the ability to bind and inactivate histamine, a molecule that plays an important role in the development of stomach ulcers. Namely, histamine leads to the secretion of gastric juice; the greater the production of histamine, the greater the secretion of gastric juice, which results in the development of ulcers. Vitamin U binds to histamine, which makes the histamine inactive, making the stomach contents less acidic and the ulcer heals faster.
Alkalinizing effect of alfalfa – neutralizing gastric juice
In addition to vitamin U alfalfa contains a significant amount of chlorophyll and minerals that are responsible for the alkalizing effect, i.e. neutralizing stomach acid. Alfalfa supports wound healing by stimulating the growth of new tissue, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial infections. Thanks to its high fiber content, it relieves constipation and flatulence, and, like nopal and inulin, it has a prebiotic effect. It is a natural diuretic, so alfalfa is useful in the prevention of urinary tract infections. Because it has an alkalizing and diuretic effect, it may be a useful addition to therapy for joint and rheumatic pain. Due to the richness of minerals, alkalizing chlorophyll and substances with phytoestrogen properties, alfalfa is considered an ally of women in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Lucerne strengthens the weakened body, contributes to its cleansing and alkalization.
Who is recommended to use products with alfalfa and how to enhance its effect?
How to dose alfalfa products and how long it can be used
Recommended according to the literature daily portion of alfalfa is 2-4 g, but larger amounts can also be taken safely as recommended by a dietitian or doctor.
Due to the high content of fat-soluble vitamins, which – unlike water-soluble vitamins – accumulate in the body, alfalfa can be taken continuously for 2-3 months, after which a month’s break should be taken.
Alfalfa contraindications to use. Who cannot use alfalfa?
People taking oral anticoagulants should not eat alfalfa or other foods containing it vitamin K or should consult a doctor. Alfalfa should not be consumed by people suffering from autoimmune diseases.
