|
ISS
820 East 20th Street
Cookeville, TN 38501 USA
931 526 1106
Bob@sproutnet.com
中文版
En espaņol
| |
Alfalfa
sprouts - your secret anti-ageing weapon
By Brenda Chew,
TODAY, August 1,
2005
Worried that
the signs of ageing are taking over your face? Try including alfalfa sprouts in
your diet. Alfalfa sprouts contain an abundance of antioxidants that can
prevent widespread cell destruction, thereby protecting one against the ongoing
signs of ageing.
Another plus
factor for women: Alfalfa sprouts contain plant oestrogen. Oestrogen increases
bone density and prevents osteoporosis, which is a condition where bones become
fragile and fracture easily. As oestrogen is a type of female hormone,
alfalfa sprouts are also helpful in controlling the irritable symptoms
experienced during menopause and premenstrual syndrome.
Resembling bean sprouts with flimsy stems, alfalfa sprouts also contain a high
amount of beneficial compounds called saponins. Saponins are said to lower
bad cholesterol without decreasing the level of good fats in the body.
Saponins also stimulate and boost the immune system by increasing the
disease-fighting activity of certain cells known as lymphocytes in the body.
As alfalfa sprouts contain vitamins A, C and E, they must be ingested in
their raw form to prevent heat from destroying the vitamins. Add them to
sandwiches for that extra zing or use them as a crunchy alternative to lettuce
in salads.
Choose alfalfa sprouts that look fresh and crisp. Avoid sprouts that are brown,
or have dry and wilted roots. Remember to only buy sprouts that have been
properly stored in the correct temperature - alfalfa should be kept in chilled
conditions. If not stored properly, alfalfa sprouts can be potential breeding
grounds for bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria can give you
a nasty bout of food poisoning. So, people who run the risk of contracting
food-borne diseases might want to give raw alfalfa sprouts the cold shoulder.
|
