Alfalfa is a plant used for animal feed and occasionally for human consumption. It has unique characteristics, including toxicity to itself, making crop rotation necessary. Alfalfa is high in fiber and nutrients, making it an excellent feed supplement for horses and cattle. Alfalfa sprouts are a healthy supplement for humans, but some experts caution against consuming them due to the presence of canavanine.
Alfalfa is a plant used extensively as animal feed and occasionally as food for human consumption. It has been cultivated since at least the 5th century BC, with a surge in popularity in the early 17th century.
The plant has a number of rare characteristics that differentiate alfalfa from other food crops. It is toxic to itself, so it cannot reproduce in areas where a crop already exists. For this reason, it is necessary to plow a crop that has finished before planting the following season’s crop. The mature plant is very high in fiber, making it less than ideal for human consumption, although fine for most pets.
Alfalfa intended for use as hay is harvested just before it begins to flower. The crop is cut and left to dry before being harvested and tied into large bales. It is packed with nutrients and vitamins, making it an excellent feed supplement for horses and cattle.
Dehydrated alfalfa is also widely used as feed, particularly for horses. Densely packed with vitamins and minerals, it will consistently outperform specialized horse conditioners to provide healthy energy, according to many horse health experts. A diet that consists solely of alfalfa can sometimes cause intestinal problems in farm animals, so grass hay is usually included in a diet high in alfalfa.
Alfalfa sprouts are very popular as a healthy supplement to salads and other raw foods for people. They are often touted as one of the best sources of a wide range of minerals and vitamins. One cup (33 grams) of sprouts contains 0.6 g of fiber, 1.3 g of protein and a tiny amount of sugar. It is rich in vitamins, with small amounts of beta carotene, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folic acid, and a substantial supply of vitamin K. It also contains a good range of minerals, with calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus , potassium and zinc and larger portions of copper and manganese.
Some experts believe people shouldn’t eat alfalfa sprouts because they contain a small amount of a non-protein amino acid called canavanine. Studies suggest that high levels of this chemical can disrupt immune function, leading to autoimmune disorders. The amount of canavanine in the buds is very low; however, research is ongoing.
As feed for horses, its compact size, high protein levels and vitamin-rich composition make alfalfa an ideal choice. Its quality varies widely, however, people are advised to purchase it from a trusted distributor to ensure the feed is right for a particular animal. For humans, alfalfa sprouts are just good news. With no unhealthy qualities and more than enough vitamins, minerals and proteins for anyone looking to live a healthier lifestyle, they’re ideal for adding to a salad or sandwich.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
