WHEAT GRASS

Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH

Wheat Grass is a highly alkaline and gluten-free superfood which is exceptionally rich in various health-promoting nutrients: Natural Vitamin A, B, C, E, K, chelated Minerals (Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium & Calcium, Manganese), Digestive Enzymes (aid body’s digestive abilities), Amino Acids, Enzyme P4D1 (stimulates the renewal of nucleic acids RNA/DNA), powerful anti-ageing antioxidant – Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Chlorophyll known for its potent invigorating, energy-boosting, detoxifying, decreasing body odour, & rejuvenating properties. Fibre in Wheat Grass promotes slimming and helps maintain the growth of probiotic gut bacteria, normal bowel movement and healthy blood sugar levels. It is estimated that it may contain 3 times more Calcium than milk and 8 times the Iron of spinach.

Wheat grass has similar nutritional value as barley grass. The only difference is that wheat grass is usually higher in chlorophyll while barley grass seems to be higher in nutrients. For this reason I usually recommend to use both of them alternatively or mixed together with alfalfa in equal proportions.

AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHEATGRASS

NUTRITION

Wheatgrass is a good source of vitamin K, A, C, and E, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, digestive enzymes, and various amino acids.

Wheatgrass is gluten-free and made up of 70 percent chlorophyll, a phytochemical that gives plants their green colour. Chlorophyll is essentially the blood of plants; and in humans, it increases energy, reverses ageing, suppresses hunger, helps regenerate damaged tissue, cleanses the blood and liver, combats bad odour, and has been linked to the prevention of cancer

BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Wheatgrass was shown to be a potent anti-hyperglycaemic agent in a 2016 study in Toxicology and Industrial Health. The study showed that wheatgrass can be beneficial for those suffering from diabetes as it is able to regulate blood sugar levels.

BRAIN

The chlorophyll in wheatgrass fuels the brain cells with oxygen, thanks to its ability to increase red blood cell count and capacity to carry oxygen. Oxygen is vital to many body processes, especially for the brain, which uses 25 percent of the body’s oxygen supply.

SKIN CONDITIONS

Wheatgrass can be used to treat skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. There are many testimonials online written by individuals who claim prove this claim.

OVERWEIGHT

Wheatgrass contains selenium, which is crucial for the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland which is responsible for proper metabolism. According to a 2013 study, adding selenium to our diet can help improve thyroid function and reduce risk of thyroid problems and even autoimmune diseases.

FOOD CRAVINGS

Wheatgrass is loaded with so many nutrients that your body may stop craving for other foods to compensate for any lack of vitamins or minerals such as magnesium, iron, selenium, and other nutrients. Studies have shown that sugar cravings is linked to magnesium deficiencies.

ACIDITY

Wheatgrass is highly alkaline and perfect tool for a detox.

RED BLOOD CELL COUNT

Wheatgrass has the ability to increase the number of red blood cells in the body, thus improving oxygenation of body cells, boosting energy levels, blood circulation, and immunity. It was found that it increases oxygen levels when taken especially directly before exercise.

DIGESTION

Wheatgrass contains ingredients such as digestive enzymes, fibre, and B vitamins that improve digestion and assimilation of nutrients. B vitamins found in wheatgrass help convert (digest) fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy.

ARTHRITIS

Chlorophyll in wheatgrass is known to fight inflammation, which is associated with joint pain. A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research showed that rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased symptoms as a result of consumption of wheatgrass.

ADRENAL GLANDS

According to Ellen Tart-Jensen, Ph.D. chlorophyll also helps regenerate adrenal glands, improving the adrenal function and helping recover from adrenal fatigue.

BODY ODOUR

Due to high chlorophyll and fibre content regular consumption or application of wheatgrass can help decrease body odour.

SKIN WOUNDS

By regenerating cells, wheatgrass juice can treat skin wounds and help them heal faster. A 2014 study in the Journal of Science and Healing Outcomes proved that topical application of wheatgrass was able to reduce lesions in leprosy patients. To use wheatgrass topically, apply fresh wheatgrass juice on the skin with a cotton ball, and let it sit for as long as possible or even overnight.

TOOTH DECAY

Wheatgrass has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that increase mouth health and reduce the risk of cavities and gum inflammation when ingested on a regular basis. Chlorophyll found in wheatgrass was shown to be effective in fighting Candida albicans overgrowth, thus helping treat oral or vaginal thrush.

LIVER

Due to its detoxifying properties, nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants wheatgrass is able to restore and revitalize liver. A 2014 study in the Journal of Membrane Biology showed that wheatgrass consumption could protect the liver against the detrimental effects of alcohol.

SUNBURN

Wheatgrass is able to accelerate the healing process of burnt skin, according to a 1945 study. Apply wheatgrass juice directly to the skin with a cotton ball, cover and leave for as long as possible.

CHOLESTEROL & TRIGLICERIDE

A 2011 study in showed that wheatgrass reduced hyperlipidaemia in rats and could be beneficial in reducing cholesterol an trigliceride levels.

SINUS CONGESTION

Since wheatgrass supports immunity and reduces inflammation, it can also be an excellent tool for reducing nasal congestion in those who suffer from cold, flu or sinusitis.

ACNE

Wheatgrass’ antibacterial benefits and its ability to reduce chronic inflammation combine to make wheatgrass a useful tool to reduce acne and occasional breakouts.

CANCER

Enzymes found in wheatgrass are believed to fight carcinogens and reduce the toxic load of radiation, pollution, and heavy metals. Wheatgrass has anti-cancer benefits also because it oxygenates blood and body cells and we know that cancer thrives in a low-oxygen environment. However, keep in mind that the ability of wheatgrass to oxygenate the body is much more effective when it is ingested just before exercise.

HANGOVER

The ability of wheatgrass to increase alkalinity helps reduce acidity caused by alcohol consumption, which means that ingesting wheatgrass could be a great way to start off the morning after.

DEPRESSION

A 2008 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry showed that keeping iron levels balanced is crucial for those suffering from depression, and wheatgrass is one of the highest natural sources of iron in Also magnesium and B vitamins in wheatgrass are beneficial to cope with stress, anxiety, depression and low mood.

NAILS

The ability of wheatgrass to boost red blood cell health and circulation, allows blood to reach the ends of your fingers and hair follicles improving their condition. In addition, also magnesium, iron, B vitamins, selenium, and chlorophyll in wheatgrass promote hair, nail, and skin health.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Chlorophyll and fibre in wheatgrass have anti-inflammatory properties and increase number of probiotic bacteria in the colon thus helping combat inflammation associated with Crohn’s and IBS.

DANDRUFF

Many individuals claim that applying wheatgrass juice to the hair helped them to get rid of dandruff.

FERTILITY

Wheatgrass contains P4D1, a compound that improves sperm quality and increases sperm count, thus having beneficial effect on fertility.

AGEING

According to a 2006 study in Phytotherapy Research chlorophyll, amino acids, and antioxidants in wheatgrass help repair damaged DNA and reduce the effect of free radicals, slowing the ageing process.

RADIATION

In one study, wheatgrass extract was effective in topically treating acute radiation-induced skin lesions. In addition, studies conducted by the U.S. Army showed that guinea pigs exposed to radiation had half the mortality rates of the control group as a result of eating chlorophyll-rich foods.

SUPPLEMENTS

Try to buy only organic and very young (richer in nutrients) Wheat Grass which is carefully dried (using lower temperatures) in order to ensure superior quality standards. It also must be completely free from any additives and freeze-dried, if possible.

RELATED ARTICLES

SOURCES

– https://thechalkboardmag.com/50-reasons-to-drink-wheatgrass-everyday

– https://draxe.com/nutrition/wheatgrass-benefits/

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.