All About Alfalfa – And More!

Known also as a tonic herb, alfalfa offers extensive health-support benefits through its more than 300 nutrient-rich properties. These are nutrients such as the essential vitamins (inclusive of vitamin A, the complete B-vitamin spectrum, vitamins D, E, K, and U); biotin; calcium; iron; magnesium; niacin; phosphorous; potassium.
Also included are eight essential enzymes which facilitate the bioavailability of ingested foods, namely: amylase (digestion of starches); coagulase (conversion of proteins); lipase (catabolism of fats); emulsin (release of sugars); invertase (conversion of cane sugar to dextrose); pectinase (catabolism of carbohydrates); peroxidate (oxidisation of blood); and, protase (digestion of proteins). Additionally, alfalfa’s supply of chlorophyl is four times greater than that of any other vegetable source.

Chlorophyl
● Chlorophyl is a green pigment, present in all green plants. It plays an important role in the health of plants as it is responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis. It also supplies that rich, deep-green pigment found in green leafy vegetables such as callaloo or kale. Chlorophyl contains vitamins, antioxidants, and therapeutic properties which are beneficial to one’s body.
● As indicated by the results of various clinical and other research studies, the health benefits of chlorophyl may include:
1. Accelareted recovery time for skin wounds in tandem with reduction of inflammation (redness and swelling) due to the decrease in bacterial growth, which reults from –
2. Blood-building by improving the quality of red blood cells
3. Cancer prevention through stimulation of the immune system
4. Control of body and faecal odours
5. Cleansing of the intestines
6. Detoxification of the blood
7. Elimination of fungus from the body
8. Energising of the body
7. Management of body weight, through the:
8. Management/suppression of food cravings and the:
9. Management/suppression of hunger
10. Natural deodorant

Enzymes
Working as catalysts, these help to enhance the digestive process by breaking down ingested vitamins and nutrients to build cells, as well as in reactions that transform energy into a usable source for one’s body. As such, they also play an essentioal role in support of one’s immune system. The food we consume contains protein, fats, carbohydrates and macronutrients; in order to prevent indigestion and/or inadequate absorption which could result in malnutrition and adversely affect the good or the bad bacteria in the digestive tract, these food nutrients must be broken down and made absorbable to our body, by enzymes.

Food sources of these essential enzymes include:
● Avocado
● Banana
● Mango
● Papaya
● Pineapple
● Turmuric
● Watermelon

Health Benefits of these enzymes include:
● Bone health promotion
● Boosting of immune system
● Cardiovascular health
● Diabetes treatment regimen
● Healthy skin
● Increased metabolic rate
● Joint inflammation prevention
● Leaky-gut syndrome prevention
● Liver health
● Stomach inflammation prevention/treatment
● Weight loss

Conversely, Symptoms of an inadequate intake of essential enzynes can include:
● “Allergies” (a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially pollen, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive or sensitised; hypersensitivity)
● Bloating (especially after meals)
● Cholesterol imbalances
● Constipation and/or diarrhoea
● Decreased energy
● Excessive flatus (gas)
● Heartburn/indigestion
● Inflammation and pain
● Insomnia/trouble sleeping well
● Skin problems

Since ingested enzymes are destroyed as soon as they fulfill their purpose, they must be replaced on a continual basis, to maintain optimal health and thus prolong life.

Phytonutrients
These are some of the thousands of natural chemicals produced by plants and are also known as phytochemicals, “phyto” referring to the Greek word for plant. While they protect the plants from germs, fungi, bugs, UV radiation, and other threats, they also provide significant health-protecting qualities that benefit humans who consume plant foods. Common classes of phytonutrients include:

Phytonutrient Health Benefit features include those of:
Antininflammatory
Antioxidant
Blood pressure management
Immune boosting
Liver health-promotion

While their antioxidant qualities lead the pack in healthful benefits, phytonutrients are also known for other characteristics:

Types of phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are available in supplement form. However, they are best consumed as nutrient-rich foods, since supplements don’t provide all the necessary nutrients to sustain the body and, in rare cases of high dosage, can be toxic.

Concentrated Sources include:
Legumes, tree nuts, whole grains, and many spices. Since many phytonutrients also supply the pigment that gives food their deep hues, one can identify many phytonutrient-rich foods by looking for colourful foods; for example, blue or purlple foods uch as blueberries, blackberries and red cabbage – rich in flavonoids; yellow-orange foods such as carrots, winter squash, papaya, and melon – rich in beta-carotene; red or pink foods such as tomatoes, guava, watermelon – rich in lycopene; and green foods such as kale, spinach, callaloo, and collard greens – rich in chlorophyl.

However, because not every phytonutrient gives colour, it is important to not overlook certain off-white foods as well; for example, garlic onions and leeks are rich in powerful sulphur-containing phytonutrients.

Carotenoids
Carotenoids are pigments in plants that are responsible for the bright-colored hues of vegetables and fruits. There are more than 600 carotenoids, and they must be consumed through foods and sources of fat. Some common types of carotenoids include:

  • alpha-carotene
  • beta-carotene
  • beta-cryptoxanthin
  • lutein
  • lycopene
  • zeaxanthin

Carotenoids act as antioxidants, and some can be converted into vitamin A. They supportimmune system function, eye health, and reduce your risk of cancer. Some foods rich in carotenoids are:

Ellagic Acid

Ellagic acid is a phytochemical known for reducing cancer risk and lowering cholesterol. Ellagic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The highest levels of ellagic acid are present in raspberries. Other foods rich in this compound include:

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found predominantly in grapes — specifically, the grape skin. This compound supports cardiovascular and cognitive health. Resveratrol has also been associated with increased cerebral blood flow.

Resveratrol can be found in other foods:

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are one of the largest groups of phytonutrients. This compound is rich in antioxidant properties and anticancer activity. There are many subgroups of flavonoids, including:

  • flavones
  • anthocyanins
  • flavanones
  • isoflavones
  • flavonols

Some foods rich in flavonoid compounds are:

Phytoestrogens

These compounds are associated with reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Phytoestrogen mimics estrogen in the body, which may be beneficial for women in relieving discomfort from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Be mindful of your intake of phytoestrogens and get to know how they may impact your body, as everyone is different.

Foods rich in phytoestrogen compounds include:

Glucosinolates

Glucosinolates are compounds found predominantly in cruciferous vegetables. They are known for helping to regulate inflammation, metabolic function, and stress responses. Glucosinolates have also been associated with cancer prevention. Studies in rats and mice found that the compounds that form from broken down glucosinololates inactivate carcinogens and protect cells from DNA damage. However, this has not been proven in human studies. Common foods rich in glucosinolates include:

Increasing the amount of phytonutrient-rich foods in your diet can boost antioxidant activity and your immune health.

Although these compounds are available in supplement form, they are best consumed through natural foods, specifically fruits and vegetables.

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Published by

Dahana Baxter

Dahana Baxter

The LORD has graciously blessed Dahana Baxter with the privileged experience of being a fourth generation, life-time Adventist. By His grace she currently holds local church membership in the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and is a Co-host/Presenter on ABL. In eager anticipation of the imminent soon return of Jesus Christ, her greatest joy is found in exalting and serving Him at any post that He assigns her in His Advent-hour Vineyard. To this end she covets your earnest biblical prayers on her behalf.