
Alfalfa sprouts are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Go through the article to know more about their nutritional value along with the calories present in them…
The history of sprouts dates back to the 1700’s. Sailors on their voyages consumed excess amount of sprouts and vitamin C to prevent the attack of scurvy. Sprouts are outgrowths from seeds and have a shoot like appearance. They are cultivated on a large scale and generate considerable amount of revenue in the agricultural sector. Alfalfa is a type of leguminous plant belonging to the family of Pea. It is the common name for Medicago sativa. The plant can widely be grown under any climatic conditions and can be cultivated in any geographical location. Alfalfa sprouts are shoots generating from Alfalfa seeds and they have a high nutritional value. Like other sprouts of gram, lentil, etc, its sprouts are also thin and appear white, fit for consumption. They are beneficial to human beings as they are rich sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at the nutritional facts of these sprouts.
Alfalfa sprouts are highly nutritious and have a high water content. They are rich in proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. Cholesterol levels and sugars are absent while mono and polyunsaturated fat level is minimum. Thiamin and vitamin B6 is absent but vitamin K and choline are found in traces in alfalfa sprouts. Copper, magnesium, folate and selenium are also present in small amounts. Phyto-nutrients like beta carotene and beta cryptoxanthin are present in very less quantities. They have a total calorie content of 31.8kJ, the breakup of which you will find in the table on calories.
TABLE 1: Nutritional Value
Nutrients | Quantity |
Total Proteins | 1.3g |
Total Carbohydrates | 0.7g |
Dietary Fiber | 0.6g |
Total Fat | 0.23g |
Vitamin A | 51.1 IU |
Vitamin C | 2.7mg |
Niacin | 0.2mg |
Pantothenic Acid | 0.2mg |
Calcium | 10.6mg |
Iron | 0.3mg |
Magnesium | 8.9mg |
Phosphorous | 23.1mg |
Potassium | 26.1mg |
Sodium | 2.0mg |
Zinc | 0.3mg |
TABLE 2: Alfalfa Sprouts Calories
Total Calories | 31.8kJ |
From Carbohydrates | 10.5kJ |
From Fats | 8.0kJ |
From Proteins | 13.4kJ |
Benefits
Alfalfa sprouts are a reservoir of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
- It helps to cure kidney disorders, relieves fluid retention and swelling.
- The vitamins present in sprouts help to dissolve stones in kidney.
- The juice of the sprouts is used to cure multiple disorders of the heart and they reduce the risk of heart strokes.
- Since the sprouts are rich in minerals, it helps in strengthening bones and curing arthritis.
- Sprouts are effective in healing whooping coughs.
- Resistance of body to diseases is enhanced as they effectively boost up the immune system.
- Alfalfa sprouts have antioxidant properties and they help the body get rid of harmful free radicals.
- Sprout juice has immense medicinal value. It is effective as a treatment for eye problems, skeletal and glandular disorders, intestinal lesions and ailments of the urinary system.
- For people suffering from high levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and high sugar levels, a regular intake of boiled sprouts and its juice is helpful.
It is suggested by the FDA that raw sprouts consumption is not very good and a dietitian’s advice is important to know the exact quantity of alfalfa sprouts that should be ingested. However, once you know the amount you can eat, involve them in your daily diet to reap its many health benefits.