ALFALFA (Medicago sativa)

It has been chosen as an ingredient for Wonderup because: it contains phytoestrogens - and more specifically: Cumestrole (whose structure is similar to that of estradiol, which has estrogenic properties), Medicagole and complex coumarines whose structure is similar to that of an estrogenic hormone: stilboestrol. Isoflavones: Biocanole A, Formononetole.

Phytoestrogens regulate the natural production of good estrogens in the body, and stimulate the development of the breast, which in the female body is the main receptor for natural hormones, produced by the body thanks to the balancing action of phytoestrogens.

Other characteristics and properties

Alfalfa is a perennial herbaceous plant. It has been for millennia the secret of the longevity of some animals thanks to its high content in minerals, vitamins, proteins and enzymes. The deep rooting system of alfalfa allows the plant to glean nutrients from deep under the top soil. This nutritional feeding system provides the plant with protein (it is made up of 18% protein, 5% more than eggs and 15% more than milk), beta carotene, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, isoflavonoid phytoalexins, isoflavone phytoestrogens, and the alkaloids asparagine and trigonelline.

Thanks to the richness in elements necessary to life, such as vitamins, minerals, aminoacids and trace elements, it is appreciated for its invigorating action against fatigue, and also to strengthen nails and hair.

The plant is a rich source of chlorophyll and serves as the largest commercial source of chlorophyll. Alfalfa, barley, wheatgrass, and spirulina, which all contain chlorophyll, have been found to aid in the healing of anemia, hemorrhaging, diabetes, gastritis, ulcers, colon disorders, body and breath odor.

* rich in minerals such as Phosphorus, Silicon, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Cobalt

* rich in vitamins - contains vitamins A, Beta-carotene, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B12, C, D, E, K, Folic Acid

* rich in aminoacids (the building blocks of protein in the body) necessary for muscular growth

* retards the onset of old age, prevents artheriosclerosis and degeneration, prevents ostheoporosis thanks to its high content in Calcium and other minerals as well as phytoestrogens (cumestrole)

* sexual tonic

* improves resistance to illnesses

* estrogenic - regulates the production of estrogens (female hormones)

* promotes the function of the pituitary gland - a glandular body located at the base of the brain and attached by a stalk to the hypothalamus, from which it receives important neural and vascular outflow; the anterior portion secretes several hormones under the control of the hypothalamus, and the posterior part (neurohypophysis) stores and releases hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus

* trophorestorative - affects endocrine system and hormone function due to its ability to enhance growth and restore function of a tissue, organ or gland

* antihemorrhagic - affects immune system and reactivity due to its ability to prevent or arrest hemorrhage - effect due to the presence of Vitamin K.
Alfalfa contains as much as "20. 000 -40. 000 U. I. of natural vitamin K. This substance protects from hemorragies and helps coagulate blood, and is also used to stop excessive menstrual flow and in chronical cases of nosebleeds. .

* eupeptic - promotes good digestion

* detoxifying and depurative - affects liver and detoxification systems due to its ability to cleanse and purify the system, particularly the blood, by promoting the excretion and removal of waste material.
Alfalfa's blood-purifying properties have been attributed to its high chlorophyll content. In fact, it is probably due not only to chlorophyll but also several other components. It thus acts as a general tonic by removing toxins from the blood. Alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver.
Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine uses Medicago Sativa to purify blood and detoxify the organism.

* antiulcer - affects digestive system and nutrition due to its ability to prevent and/or treat ulcers, usually refers to ulcers formed on mucous membranes (i.e. stomach, intestines)

* antiarthritic - used to treat arthritis and rheumatism

* anti-inflammatory - affects immune system and reactivity due to its ability to counteract inflammation. Alfalfa has been utilized in folk medicine for centuries as a cure of all inflammations, including rheumatism and arthritis.

* diuretic - affects liver and detoxification systems due to its ability to increase the secretion of urine, and excretion of waste through the urine

* antioxidant - prevents damage to cells by inhibiting oxidation and by trapping free radicals - thanks to the presence of Manganese, Copper and Zinc - thus protects the development of healthy tissue

* hypoglycemic - reduces blood sugar levels - affects endocrine system and hormone function due to its ability to reduce or control high blood sugar, which is predominantly the responsibility of the pancreas. Used to treat hyperglycemia, thanks to the presence of the alkaloids asparagine and trigonelline

* hypocholesterolemic - reduces cholesterol levels (due to the presence of saponins) - affects liver and detoxification systems due to its ability to reduce or controls high cholesterol and bring about lower cholesterol levels in both the blood and the liver.
Several studies have indicated that the ingestion of alfalfa reduces cholesterol absorption and atherosclerotic plaque formation in animals. High molecular weight alcohol (triacontanol, octacosanol) reduce cholesterol and serum lipids

By providing a mild antithrombotic effect from its coumarin derivatives, alfalfa further aids the circulatory system.

History and curiosities:

Alfalfa is an amazing plant. It has an extremely deep root system which allows it to get nutrients from the deep underground that are normally missed by other plants.

The plant was used by Arabs as feed for horses because they claimed it made their horses swift and strong. They named it Al-fal-fa which means "father of all foods".

Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine uses Medicago Sativa to purify blood and detoxify the organism.

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