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Alfalfa
Sprouts
May help prevent: cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure
Alfalfa sprouts are
very low in calories providing only 5 calories per half cup serving.
They are one of the leading sources of D-glucaric acid.
This phytochemical helps to fight cancer by detoxifying a number of carcinogens.
Compared to legumes, alfalfa sprouts provide one of the top sources of
saponins. The flavonoid saponin lowers cholesterol by latching onto cholesterol
in the digestive tract and carrying it out of the system, without allowing
it to be absorbed. These tough disease-fighters also have the ability
to fight colon cancer. It is believed that saponins kill cancer cells
by attaching to the cell’s cholesterol and breaking up the membrane,
killing the cancer cell. These tiny sprouts also supply a source of heart-healthy
B vitamins and blood pressure-lowering potassium.
Action Tip: Alfalfa sprouts add crunch to sandwiches, pitas and burgers
and are tasty in salads. Be sure to try a variety of different sprouts
including broccoli sprouts, sunflower sproutsand alfalfa sprouts. Be
food safe with sprouts by buying crisp sprouts, refrigerating them
immediately, and respecting their best-before date.
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