Belonging to the pea family, alfalfa is actually a legume. They can easily be harvested for home smoothie recipes in just seven days and while adding excessive amounts might deliver a ‘grassy’ taste to the drink, just a small quantity of the sprouts has the ability to boost the nutritive value of the drink significantly.
The year-round availability makes them a convenient and inexpensive smoothie ingredient which rejuvenates the body and delivers age defying nutrients.
Very Berry Sprouted Smoothie Recipe
- ¼ Cup Alfalfa Sprouts
- 1 Stalks Organic Celery
- ½ Banana
- ½ cup Frozen Mixed Berries
- ½ Cup Fresh Orange Juice
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend thoroughly.
Add-ons
- ¼ inch fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup pineapple
- ½ cup baby spinach
Nutritional Information
Alfalfa sprouts have an abundance of nutrients like calcium, manganese, folic acid, magnesium, phosphorous, molybedenum, silicon, potassium, zinc and sodium. Additionally it provides a wide array of vitamins like vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, B6, B12, C, D, E as well as K.
Alfalfa sprouts also contains vital enzymes. Lipase is the tearing enzyme, amylase breaks down starches, coagulase clots blood, emulsin converts carbohydrate compounds to glucose, invertase converts transforms cane sugar to dextrose, peroxidate has an oxidizing effect on the blood, pectinase forms vegetable jelly and protease aids in digesting proteins.
Health Benefits of Alfalfa
Alfalfa sprouts supply the body with a large array of nutrients that aid in the overall well-being and fitness of the body. They are the greatest source of anti-oxidants among all vegetables and can aid in alleviating many degenerative diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, and menopausal symptoms to name a few. The anti inflammatory compounds help those suffering from arthritis. Some studies indicate that the amino-acid known as L-canavanine found in alfalfa sprouts might the natural compound effective against leukemia. Regular use of alfalfa sprouts boosts the immune system. The sprouts are not only gentle but healing as well for patients with ulcers.