Alfalfa

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is also known as the lucerne. It is native to the Near East and central Asia. It has been introduced to Europe, central Africa, China, North America, and South America. Alfalfa is a crop. It is used to feed livestock.

Nutritional value


Alfalfa is high in protein, calcium and other minerals, vitamins in the B group, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Nutrition Research Center, Alfalfa Nutritional Value . Nutritionresearchcenter.org (21 March 2008). Retrieved on 17 October 2011.
 The Facts About Alfalfa, Melissa Kaplans' Herb Care. Anapsid.org. Retrieved on 17 October 2011.
  The sun-dried hay of alfalfa has been found to be a source of vitamin D, containing 48 ng/g (1920 IU/kg) vitamin D2 and 0.63 ng/g (25 IU/kg) vitamin D3.Horst R.L. et al 1984. The isolation and identification of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 from Medicago sativa (alfalfa plant). Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 231 (1): 67–71.  There is reference to vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 being found in the alfalfa shoot; this is awaiting verification.Chemical Information Mushrooms are not allowed in Jain vegetarianism, making alfalfa the only known source which Jains can use to make vitamin D2 supplements.

Other websites

 Medicago sativa at Tropical Forages

References

Category:Faboideae
Category:Territory symbols of Delhi