I try to eat raw alfalfa sprouts twice a week. Depending on what is available at the supermarket,  I’ll alternate between alfalfa sprouts, alfalfa and broccoli sprouts,  onion and alfalfa sprouts (onion sprouts are a tad bitter) and salad sprouts.  I only buy organic sprouts. I normally buy organic or pesticide-free  veggies that we eat raw.

My alfalfa sprouts salad  yesterday was very refreshing!  I paired it with Korean kimchi, cool cherry tomatoes, Kobe beef jerky and crunchy meat floss.  The Kobe beef jerky and crunchy meat floss were bought from Japan and Taiwan respectively by the MIL recently.

I used Mat Kimchi brand of kimchi imported from Korea. It’s my first time buying this brand and the girls and I are pretty satisfied with it. The spiciness level is very acceptable and even those who cannot stomach spicy food should be able to take this brand of kimchi.  I always try to get kimchi that has added Lactobacillus for its health properties and Mat Kimchi’s kimchi has this beneficial bacteria.

The health benefits of eating raw alfalfa sprouts are myriad.

Some of alfalfa’s benefits include:

Cancer Prevention Properties:
Alfalfa sprouts are rich in canavanine, an amino acid analog known to be beneficial in fighting leukemia, pancreatic and colon cancer as well as fibrocystic breast tumors.

Lowering Bad Cholesterol Levels:
Alfalfa sprouts are rich in saponins, a chemical compound believed to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

Improving Heart Health:
Saponins are also believed to reduce atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries) and other cardiovascular diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
The anti-inflammatory properties of saponins are believed to help prevent strokes, reduce the inflammatory process in arthritis and lower chronic inflammatory disorders.

Rich in Antioxidants:
Alfalfa sprouts are known to be one of the vegetables with the highest amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial in boosting the immune system as well as fighting free radicals. Antioxidants have long been known to lower the rate of cancer, stroke and heart disease.

Immune System Booster:
Studies have shown that saponins also play a role in the immune system by boosting the activity of natural killer cells, T-lymphocytes and interferons.

Weight-Loss Properties:
Alfalfa sprouts not only taste delicious but are also low in calories. They are rich in protein and fiber, making this vegetable a great alternative to greasy, fatty foods, which means it can help efforts to lose and control weight.

Improving Bone Health:
Estrogen, a compound found in alfalfa sprouts, are believed to help increase bone formation and improve bone density, therefore helping prevent osteoporosis.

Controlling Blood Sugar:
Studies have shown that consuming alfalfa sprouts may help manage diabetes. Limited studies have shown a small reduction in blood sugar levels; however, more research on the benefits of alfalfa sprouts in reducing blood sugar levels are needed in order to substantiate this argument