Can you eat alfalfa seeds? (1 Thing to Know)
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, can you eat alfalfa seeds? We will discuss if you can eat alfalfa seeds and some precautions to take. We will also elaborate on how to prepare alfalfa seeds and the health benefits of alfalfa seeds.
Can you eat alfalfa seeds?
You can eat alfalfa seeds that have been cooked. Also, most people eat alfalfa seeds after they sprout.
Alfalfa seeds have a high nutrition profile from vitamin A and C; and some B vitamins. It also has a low glycemic index. Alfalfa seeds have a mild taste and a crunchy texture, which makes them a popular snack for people on a healthy diet.
Alfalfa has been grown to feed the livestock for many years; however, it is beneficial for humans as well.
Are there any precautions to take before eating alfalfa seeds?
Before you eat sprouts, cook them to provide getting a stomach infection. For some people, it is safe to eat alfalfa seeds, but it can cause food poisoning. The FDA advises that children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, aged people, and those with a compromised immune system; should refrain from eating alfalfa seeds raw.
Some bacteria in alfalfa seeds are; E. coli, salmonella, and listeria, which could cause food poisoning, typhoid, and GIT-related illnesses.
Alfalfa is contaminated with such deadly bacteria because they are grown in unsanitary environments.
How to prepare alfalfa seeds?
Alfalfa seeds need to be prepared with care to prevent contamination. It might sound intimidating, but such is the case with most foods, from vegetables to meat. To prevent food-borne illnesses, you must wash your hands and prepare food using sanitized utensils.
If you buy the alfalfa seeds from the store, make sure that they look fresh and have buds.
Follow the procedure below before you consume the alfalfa seeds:
- First, put the alfalfa seeds in a colander and wash them thoroughly by running water for a minute.
- Toss and rinse the alfalfa seeds.
- Lay the washed alfalfa seeds on a paper towel to let them dry.
How to prepare home-grown alfalfa seeds?
To clean the alfalfa seeds that you harvested, you will need to carry a more detailed cleaning process before you sprout them. To treat and disinfect your alfalfa seeds, follow the guide below.
Wash your hands and disinfect your equipment and utensils using 3 tablespoons of bleach in a gallon of water.
Take 3 percent of food-grade Hydrogen peroxide in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture until it reaches 140 Fahrenheit.
Now put the seeds in a metal strainer and let them sit in the Hydrogen peroxide solution at 140 Fahrenheit.
Rinse the seeds in cold water for a minute.
How to sprout alfalfa seeds?
- Put the alfalfa seeds in a glass bowl.
- Add cool water three times the quantity of seeds.
- Mix the seeds around with a spoon.
- Let the seeds soak in water for 12 hours.
- Get rid of the water and rinse a couple of times with some freshwater.
- Cover the seeds and store them in a cool and dry place for 12 hours.
- Follow the procedure of rinsing the seeds for 3 days.
- After three days have elapsed, place the seeds in sunlight.
- Rinse and drain the sprouts for two more days, and on the sixth day, the alfalfa seeds will have sprouted.
What is the nutritional value of Alfalfa?
- Iron
Alfalfa is high in iron. The iron mineral is an important component of hemoglobin. Oxygen binds to the hemoglobin in red blood cells and is distributed throughout the body.
Insufficient diffusion of oxygen to the red blood cells causes a condition called anemia. Anemia causes lethargy, fatigue, and poor concentration. Iron deficiency is common in women more than men and can affect the quality of life to a great extent.
- Proteins
Proteins are crucial for muscle development and growth in children. For adults alike, proteins have an important role in cell-building. Proteins are not only responsible for repairing tissues, but the synthesis of protein-based compounds such as enzymes and hormones.
- Fiber
Fiber is a crucial part of a diet that adds bulk to bowels enable them to evacuate smoothly. When a person takes adequate fiber, it supports bowel regularity and helps ease constipation.
Fiber lowers cholesterol and keeps your lipid profile in check. It gives a person the feeling of fullness which promotes satiety and prevents frequent hunger.
In a nutshell, fiber is good for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, strokes, and heart diseases.
- Vitamin K
Vitamin K has multiple functions in the body, including cancer prevention and building healthy bones, gums, and teeth.
Vitamin K helps to clot blood in case of an injury or bleeding.
In this brief guide, we answered the question, can you eat alfalfa seeds? We discussed if you can eat alfalfa seeds and some precautions to take. We also elaborated on how to prepare alfalfa seeds and the health benefits of alfalfa seeds.
