One thing to be cautious about alfalfa sprouts is an issue I’ve discussed before with sprouting seeds. Blog
Only cultivate your sprouts with healthy, clean water. Wash them thoroughly and wilted or smelly sprouts should be disposed of immediately.
Things to look out for before alfalfa is consumed:
- If you consume an excessive amount of alfalfa it may cause the breakdown of red blood cells.
- Diets high in canavanine, an amino acid found in the alfalfa plant can cause a disturbance in people with lupus disease.
- Avoid alfalfa during pregnancy since its potential canavanine content and hormonally active saponins found in the alfalfa seeds and sprouts of the alfalfa.
Mature leaves have little to no traces of canavaine and is usually used to make alfalfa tea and capsules.
The list above is generally the only risk factors I could dish up in regards to alfalfa. Please post any other risk factors you may be aware about as well. I would love your feed back.