Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)
Benefits of Alfalfa
- Hair and nails
- Skin
- Where it's from: Native to South and Central Asia. Grown globally.
- Form: Powder
What is Alfalfa?
Alfalfa (or lucerne) is a legume that has been cultivated for centuries and is a staple of Ayurvedic herbal practice. It has become popular in the West for its vitamin and mineral content and its natural antioxidant compounds, including saponins and other plant compounds with antioxidant activity.
What does the research say about Alfalfa?
Alfalfa has been the subject of wide-ranging research. In laboratory studies, alfalfa saponins protected cells exposed to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the cell-level effect of 'free radicals', unstable molecules produced naturally and by sunlight, pollution and other environmental factors.
Further laboratory research on skin cells looked at alfalfa's effect on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, the cells that build the structure of skin, hair and nails.
You may also enjoy reading 'Best foods for hair loss & thinning' and 'Ultimate advice for hair loss, from an expert nutritionist'.
AnaGain™
AnaGain™, sourced from pea sprouts which are rich in phytonutrients, is clinically shown to rebalance the hair life cycle, supporting hair growth and fuller, thicker hair.
Bamboo Silica
Silica is most often associated with the maintenance of healthy hair, skin and nails. It helps to promote hair strength and thickness as well as reduce hair thinning.
Biotin
Biotin, which is abundant in legumes, is a B Vitamin that helps the body make use of the energy from food, helping break down carbohydrates into energy.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne Pepper is not only a delicious ingredient for cooking, it is studied for a range of health benefits, including hair growth and blood circulation, due to its active ingredient 'capsaicin'.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient which our body doesn’t produce, so we need to gain it in our diet. It supports a range of functions from our nervous and immune systems to the healthy colour of our hair.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Horsetail
Horsetail is a fern that grows wild in Northern Europe and America. It was first used by ancient Greeks as a remedy for improving the appearance of hair due to its high levels of silica.
Iodine
Iodine is an important mineral needed for the production of thyroid hormones, helping maintain the body’s metabolic rate, healthy skin and hair, and is crucial during pregnancy.
