Clovers (Trifolium) belong to the legume family and are recognized for their high antioxidant content. These remarkable plants have been utilized across various cultures in traditional medicine, particularly for alleviating joint inflammation and serving as a natural remedy for coughs. In contemporary agriculture, clovers have gained significance as vital forage crops. They provide essential nourishment for grazing livestock and are often transformed into what is referred to as fodder for animal feed.

Interestingly, while many species of clover are safe for human consumption, only a select few have undergone extensive research to assess their safety and health benefits. This article aims to explore the different species of clovers, detailing their nutritional profiles, potential health advantages and disadvantages for humans, and offering suggestions on how to incorporate them into your diet.

Varieties of Clover

Across the Mediterranean basin, Africa, North and South America, New Zealand, and Australia, there are roughly 250 species of clover. Among these, around 25 species are recognized as crucial feed sources for ruminant animals. These clovers play a vital role in nitrogen fixation, enriching soil quality and decreasing reliance on nitrogen fertilizers. When cultivated alongside grass, clovers significantly enhance the production of fresh grass, which is essential for forage animals. This characteristic underscores the economic importance of clover in various agricultural systems.

Red Clover

Red clover (T. pratense) stands out as the most studied species for human use and enjoys popularity in traditional medicine. Its health benefits are under investigation, particularly its potential therapeutic effects in alleviating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes.

White Clover

White clover (T. repens) is increasingly recognized in both human health and environmental research. Studies conducted on mice suggest that topical ointments formulated with white clover may accelerate wound healing. Additionally, test-tube experiments indicate that extracts from white clover can inhibit the growth of leukemia cancer cells. While these findings offer hope for the therapeutic applications of white clover extracts, further human studies are necessary.

Moreover, white clover contributes positively to the environment by absorbing heavy metals like lead and cadmium from the soil. Such heavy metals can hinder the growth of various plants and pose health risks in humans, including damage to the nervous system, fertility issues, and an elevated cancer risk.

Zigzag Clover

Hailing from Europe, zigzag clover (T. medium) is closely related to red clover and exhibits greater tolerance to harsh environmental conditions. Current research is exploring its potential antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, although findings are still emerging.

Interspecific Hybrids (ISH)

Breeding studies of clover began in the 1950s, aimed at enhancing desirable traits such as drought resistance. White clover has often served as the parent in numerous breeding programs, while the genomes of other clovers like zigzag clover may also be utilized in this endeavor. An example of an ISH clover is the suckling clover (T. dubium), which suggests that white clover may be one of the earliest hybrid forms.

Other Varieties

Rabbitfoot clover (T. arvense) is an annual species that flourishes in sandy, low-water environments. Similarly, Kura clover (T. ambiguum) is adapted to challenging conditions and is used to boost legume yield. The subterranean clover (T. subterraneum) also thrives in regions with poor soil quality and drought, significantly contributing to global livestock feed production.

Nutrients and Plant Compounds

Clovers, particularly known for their nutritional richness, are abundant in phytochemicals, mainly comprising isoflavones and polysaccharides. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can offer various health benefits for individuals. For instance, they may help alleviate hot flashes experienced during menopause and assist in mitigating cancer-related inflammation and cellular damage.

Among the different types, red clover isoflavones have undergone extensive scientific investigation, while the therapeutic effects of other clover varieties remain less documented and need further exploration. Previous research has also highlighted quercetin and soyasaponin as additional phytochemicals found in Trifolium species, which may provide health benefits for humans.

When examining the nutritional profile of clover sprouts, which weigh approximately 100 grams, we find:

• Calories: 29
• Carbohydrates: 3.5 grams
• Protein: 3.5 grams
• Fats: 0.6 grams
• Vitamin C: approximately 12% of the daily value (DV)
• Iron: around 5% of the DV
• Fiber: about 9% of the DV

Exploring the Health Benefits of Clovers

The myriad health benefits associated with clovers have sparked considerable interest among researchers and health enthusiasts alike.

Alleviating Menopausal Hot Flashes

A comprehensive review revealed that a daily intake of 80 mg of red clover isoflavones over a span of three months significantly alleviated menopausal hot flashes. Similar results were noted in another review, where participants experienced a reduction in these symptoms for up to four months. However, it is noteworthy that these advantages were not maintained at the twelve-month mark. This suggests that while red clover extracts or supplements may offer short-term relief from menopausal hot flashes, they may not serve as a long-lasting solution. Additionally, clover sprouts (also known as *hare's foot clover*), which are young plants from germinated seeds, contain estrogen-like compounds that have been shown to mitigate menopausal symptoms.

Cholesterol Management

Research involving over 1,200 postmenopausal and perimenopausal women indicated that supplementation with red clover isoflavones led to a notable decrease in total cholesterol, as well as reductions in LDL (often referred to as bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, throughout the study duration ranging from four weeks to eighteen months, there was a significant enhancement in HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Another study highlighted that the combination of red clover and lifestyle modifications effectively reduced menopause-like symptoms in premenopausal women diagnosed with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. However, it's essential to recognize that these health improvements were not solely attributable to clover consumption but were rather a result of integrating lifestyle changes.

Additional Health Advantages

In vitro studies have demonstrated that isoflavones derived from white clover can inhibit the growth and proliferation of leukemia cell lines while sparing healthy cells, indicating that white clover may serve as a potential natural adjuvant in cancer therapies. Beyond its possible role in cancer treatment, animal studies have shown that an ointment made from white clover extract significantly bolstered wound healing, potentially due to the promotion of angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. Nevertheless, further investigations, particularly in human subjects, are essential to fully understand the potential of clovers in cancer treatment and wound healing applications.

Potential Downsides

Research generally suggests that extracts from red clover (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (Trifolium repens) are considered safe. However, due to insufficient studies, it remains uncertain if other species within the Trifolium family share the same safety profile.

It is essential to remember that isoflavones, commonly known as phytoestrogens, bear a structural resemblance to human estrogen. These compounds have the potential to either amplify or diminish estrogen's hormonal effects within the body.

Controversy persists regarding the health impacts of isoflavones, particularly concerning soy isoflavones. While certain studies suggest that these compounds may lower the risk of breast cancer, others indicate they might act as hormone disruptors, leading to mixed conclusions.

Ultimately, the effects of isoflavones found in clover demand further scrutiny.

Enhanced human studies are imperative to determine appropriate dosages, safety thresholds, and practical applications of clover extracts. Furthermore, much remains to be understood about which clover species may offer more significant health benefits.

Edible Qualities of Clover

Every component of the clover plant is technically edible, but not all parts are particularly suited for human consumption.

Exploring Clover Blossoms

Red clover blossoms can readily be found in various stores or ordered online.

For those who prefer a homemade option, preparing red clover tea is easy: simply steep dried red clover blossoms in hot water for approximately 15 minutes. After steeping, strain the mixture, and savor your delightful brew.

Moreover, clover blossoms serve as an excellent ingredient for crafting jams and jellies.

Utilizing Clover Sprouts

Clover sprouts can be incorporated into dishes much like broccoli sprouts, making them a wonderful addition to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or cold-pressed juices. To retain their nutrient density, it's best to avoid cooking them.

Interesting research has also explored their potential as an egg substitute in mayonnaise, where these sprouts function as an emulsifying agent to keep oil and water from separating.

Additional Applications:

The leaves of the clover can be sautéed, tossed into stir-fries, or enjoyed raw in crisp salads and sandwiches. However, clover seed pods see little culinary use and are primarily reserved for livestock feed.

The Conclusion

Clover plants (Trifolium) play a significant role as forage crops and have been valued in traditional medicine for centuries. While there are approximately 250 identified species of clovers, only around 25 are recognized as crucial food sources for ruminant livestock. Notably, fewer than 6 species have been extensively researched concerning their impact on human health.

Research indicates that extracts from red clover may alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and could positively influence cholesterol levels. Similarly, isoflavones found in white clover may contribute to improved wound healing and serve as a potential adjunct in cancer therapies, based on findings from animal studies. However, it is essential to note that further studies are necessary to fully understand these promising benefits.

Interestingly, every part of the clover plant is edible. The blossoms are often utilized to prepare teas and jellies, while the leaves can be consumed in both cooked and raw forms. Additionally, the seed pods are typically set aside for animal feed production.