Sprouts have the highest concentration of phytonutrients per calorie of any food. Phytonutrients play an active role in the amelioration of disease.
Alfalfa sprouts have a high antioxidant capacity Alfalfa and clover are high in phytoestrogens that may help against menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease. Cress sprouts may stimulate skin’s inherent detoxification system and make skin more resistant to toxic oxidants. The study also claims that isothiocyanates found in cress sprouts will protect skin cells against DNA damage and thus prevent apoptosis (cell death).Alfalfa Sprouts and Disease Prevention
Studies in humans, animals and cell culture systems suggest that dietary phytoestrogens play an important role in prevention of menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease. Broadly defined, phytoestrogens include isoflavons, coumestans, and lignans. Alfalfa sprouts, soybeans, clover and oilseeds (such as flaxseed) are the most significant dietary sources of isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans, respectively. A number of these compounds have been identified in fruits, vegetables and whole grains commonly consumed by humans.
Proposed mechanisms include estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects, induction of cancer cell differentiation, inhibition of tyrosine kinase and DNA topoisomerase activities, suppression of angiogenesis, and antioxidant effects. Although there currently are no dietary recommendations for individual phytoestrogens, there may be great benefit in increased consumption of plant foods, especially sprouts such as Alfalfa, Clover and Soybean, and flaxseed.
