Red clover, scientifically termed as Trifolium pretense is an herb belonging to the legume family, which even includes beans and peas. Red clover is used in herbal medicine typically for treating respiratory problems, skin issues, bone health issues and also women’s health problems. Red clover is packed with several nutrients and is also known for its excellent health benefits. Let us read further to know about some of the best health benefits of red clover.
Nutritional Facts Of Red Clover:
Red clover is known to have brightly colored flowers that contain several nutrients like calcium, magnesium, chromium, phosphorus, niacin, potassium, vitamin C, and thiamine. They are also packed with isoflavones or the compounds that act as phytoestrogen or the plant chemicals which are quite similar to the estrogen or female hormone. Isoflavones are considered to be dietary supplements for osteoporosis, high cholesterol levels and menopausal symptoms. Apart from this, red clover also contains flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin; phenolic acids, and saponins.
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Red Clover:
Might Be Beneficial In Treating Menopausal Symptoms:
Though there are some research that shows that some forms of red clover might help in improving symptoms of menopause-related depression and anxiety. However, there are no specific research that shows its efficacy in reducing symptoms of menopause like night sweats, sleep habits, or frequent hot flashes.
There are several small studies which have been conducted to see if red clover might actually help in relieving the discomforts of menopause, especially those of the hot flashes. Though there are some anecdotal supports for this, there is no conclusive evidence to back this up.
In fact, a research review that was conducted in the year 2013 notes that phytoestrogen treatments which also include red clover, are not effectively proven to alleviate menopausal symptoms.(1)
Red Clover Might Benefit In Bone Loss:
Red clover might benefit in bone loss. There are ongoing research on if isoflavones lower the loss of bone mineral density in case of postmenopausal women. In some studies, red clover is used as one source of supplements.
One review that was done in the year 2016 concludes that there may be some beneficial effects on bone health.(2) However; a review of 2017 found that different formulations of red clover might be effective or might be ineffective.
It Is Essential For Treating Heart Diseases:
One more health benefits of red clover is that it is essential for treating heart diseases. There are a few clinical trails that have looked at the red clover’s effect on the development of several risk factors for heart diseases in case of postmenopausal women; however, there are no strong evidences that it actually helps.
Benefits of Red Clover In Reducing Cancer:
Red clover is also known to benefit in reducing cancer. Preliminary research has suggested that red clover might help in reducing your risk of getting prostate cancer. In one study of 2009 on prostate cancer cells, scientists have found that treating with red clover has resulted in a decrease in the PSA or the prostate specific antigen, that is a protein found at elevated levels in case of men having prostate cancer.(3)
It must also be noted that because of the estrogen-like effects of this herb, red clover could also promote the growth of cancers that are boosted by estrogen, such as endometrial cancer and breast cancer.
It Might Be Beneficial In Treating Hair Loss Or Alopecia:
There is research that shows that applying a combination product containing the flower extracts of red clover might help in increasing hair growth in case of those with hair loss problems.
Bone Health Benefits Of Red Clover:
There is some early research which suggests that taking red clover regularly for 6 months in a row increased the bone mineral density in healthy postmenopausal women. However, most evidence suggests that taking this herb does not improve the condition of osteoporosis.
Red Clover Might Benefit In Treating Enlarged Prostate Gland:
Red clover might also be used to treat Enlarged prostate gland or the benign prostatic hyperplasia. There are some early research which suggests that red clover supplements might help in improving some symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This would help in reducing night-time urination.
Possible Side Effects Of Red Clover:
No doubt, Red clover is known for its excellent health benefits and it is safe to be used for short-term. However, we must mention that long-term or a regular use of this herb might be associated with an increased risk of cancer of the uterus lining.(4)
In addition to this, you must also keep a strict note to avoid red clover if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, anyone suffering from hormone-sensitive cancers must also avoid red clover as the condition would turn worse with the phytoestrogens present in the herb.
Conclusion:
So, we talked about some of the health benefits of red clover and we also mentioned about the few possible side effects. Now, if you are willing to try this herb for treating various ill health conditions you first need to be careful about its side effects and also talk to your medical professional before using it so as to keep away from any unwanted complications.
NOTE: Diseased conditions require a strict medical attention and herbal remedies must not be treated as a replacement to medical treatments.
