Alfalfa Sprouts Nutrition Facts

The history of sprouts dates back to the 1700's. Sailors on their voyages used to intake 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 they 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 high nutritional value. Like other sprouts of gram, lentil, etc, its sprouts are also thin and appear white, fit for consumption. Alfalfa sprouts are beneficial to human beings as alfalfa sprouts are rich sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Let's take a look at the alfalfa nutritional facts.

Alfalfa Sprouts Nutrition Information

Alfalfa sprouts are highly nutritious and have 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. Alfalfa sprouts have a total calorie content of 31.8kJ, the breakup of which you will find in the table on calories in alfalfa sprouts.

TABLE 1: Alfalfa Sprouts 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

Alfalfa Sprouts Nutritional Benefits

Alfalfa sprouts are a reservoir of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

• It helps to cure kidney disorders, relieves from 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 these sprouts reduce the risk of heart strokes.
• Since the sprouts are rich in minerals, it helps in strengthening the bones and curing arthritis.
• Sprouts are effective in healing whooping coughs.
• Resistance of body to diseases is enhanced as the sprouts are effective in boosting 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 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 consumed. With this we come to the end of the overview of the history of alfalfa sprouts and their nutritional value. Remember these alfalfa sprouts nutrition facts, and try to include these sprouts in your daily diet. Stay fit and fine!!