Wheatgrass – Meaning, Benefits, Dosages, Side Effects, Precautions

wheatgrass

Wheatgrass – Overview

wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a plant that grows in the Triticum aestivum family. It’s recognized as a super-healthy food with numerous advantages. It’s typically consumed as a fresh juice, but it’s also available as a powder. Wheatgrass juice is a living food that is consumed fresh. Wheatgrass is mostly grown for animal consumption, but it has recently gained popularity as a supplement and superfood. It is harvested before it reaches full size, during an early stage in its development. It normally takes 7–10 days after sprouting for this to happen.

This plant has long been lauded for its numerous health advantages, and with good cause. It can be used as a daily health tonic and may even aid in the treatment of certain disorders. Wheatgrass needs further research to really assess its usefulness, but researchers agree that it offers promise. Continue reading to learn about wheatgrass’ potential therapeutic properties.

 

What is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass contains a potent blend of nutrients that make it incredibly beneficial to your health. It is recognized as total feeding and has numerous therapeutic effects. Wheatgrass is a member of the Triticum aestivum family. Wheatgrass may be an excellent alternative for improving your health because of its wide range of vitamins and nutrients. It possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Wheatgrass includes compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (swelling) properties. This is why some people believe it could assist with diseases like inflammatory bowel disease. It also contains a substance that may be useful in the fight against bacterial infections.

It contains the following:

  • iron
  • calcium
  • enzymes
  • magnesium
  • phytonutrients
  • 17 amino acids
  • vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex
  • chlorophyll
  • proteins

 

Benefits of Wheatgrass

  • Boosts immune system

Wheatgrass boosts your immune system’s performance. This can aid in the prevention of infection and sickness. Plus, when your immunity is working at its best, you’ll feel a lot better. If you do become ill, having a healthy immune system will assist you in recovering more quickly.

  • Eliminates toxins

Wheatgrass has elements that help the body eliminate pollutants and poisons. Chlorophyll, for example, aids in detoxification and supports healthy liver function. After your body has been cleansed, you may notice an increase in energy and overall better health.

  • Boost metabolism

Wheatgrass might help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism. It’s a great choice if you’re trying to lose weight because it’s low in calories and fat-free. Wheatgrass is a nutrient-dense food that causes many people to feel filled faster and for longer periods of time. This may aid in the reduction of cravings.

  • Improves digestion

Wheatgrass is abundant in enzymes, which enhance digestion by assisting the body in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. This may aid in digestion. Wheatgrass’ detoxifying properties clear your intestines, resulting in decreased gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Wheatgrass may also aid in the relief of constipation, IBS, and other digestive problems.

  • Lowers blood pressure

Wheatgrass can help you lower your blood pressure. The chlorophyll molecule is similar to hemoglobin in that it increases the number of blood cells in the body. This aids in the normalization of blood pressure. It’s also thought to increase blood circulation and purify the blood.

  • Lowers cholesterol

Wheatgrass has also been linked to a reduction in cholesterol levels. Losing weight can also help you lower your cholesterol levels, making you less susceptible to heart disease.

  • Improve cognitive function

Wheatgrass has been shown to boost brain performance and reduce anxiety. Its neuroprotective properties improve cognitive function and may aid in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It can be used to improve hand-eye coordination and prevent memory loss.

  • Gives energy

As for the food you obtain, your energy levels may be higher than usual. Your energy can be focused to daily work and exercise once your body has cleansed out hazardous chemicals. You’ll feel revitalized and renewed.

  • Controls diabetics

Wheatgrass has been demonstrated to help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels. This is due to the presence of chemicals in wheatgrass that has a similar action to insulin. It decreases the glycemic index of foods, resulting in decreased blood sugar levels.

  • Aids in Cancer Treatment

Wheatgrass has the potential to be an effective cancer treatment. Wheatgrass has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in studies. This could be due to the fact that wheatgrass kills specific cells. Wheatgrass can assist the body detox and enhance the immune system when used in conjunction with standard cancer treatment.

  • Help with arthritis

Wheatgrass’ anti-inflammatory qualities may help relieve arthritic symptoms like stiffness, pain, and swelling. This could lead to decreased discomfort and better function.

Dosages of Wheatgrass

A smoothie or juice is one way to ingest fresh wheatgrass or wheatgrass powder. It does, however, have an overbearing flavor. It may be more pleasant if combined with a strong-tasting component, such as pineapple. Wheatgrass juice is a well-known health beverage. Only when ingested fresh and on an empty stomach is it regarded to be beneficial to one’s health. No proof exists though. Wheatgrass extracts are utilized as a flavor component in foods and beverages. Mixing it with milk, honey, or fruit juice is another option. Wheatgrass can also be taken as a capsule, which almost completely eliminates the taste. There are also flavored capsules available. Wheatgrass is available in a variety of forms at health food stores and online.

 

Side Effects of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass should only be purchased from a reputed health store or a reliable supplier. Consult with a colleague to confirm that the plants were properly grown and cleaned. This reduces the risk of hazardous germs and mold growth. Some people, particularly those allergic to wheat or grass, may experience allergic responses. If you have a blood issue, celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity, it may impact you differently.

Possible side effects include:

  • nausea
  • headache
  • constipation
  • upset stomach
  • fever

Special Precautions of Wheatgrass

Pregnancy: Wheatgrass is not safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding because there isn’t enough solid information. Don’t use it for more safety reasons.

Diabetes: Wheatgrass may help diabetics lower their blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and consume wheatgrass, keep an eye out for indicators of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.

Surgery: Wheatgrass has the potential to reduce blood sugar levels and interfere with blood sugar regulation before, during, and after surgery. At least two weeks before a scheduled surgery, stop using wheatgrass as a medicine.

Bone Marrow: Wheatgrass might reduce myelotoxicity, which is a side effect of chemotherapy. Myelotoxicity impairs bone marrow function and increases infection risk.

 

Conclusion

Wheatgrass is a type of grass that grows across the globe. Medicine is made from the above-ground portions, roots, and rhizome. Wheatgrass is frequently used as a nutritional source. Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, and amino acids are all present. Take a serving of wheatgrass every day or every other day to get the most out of these advantages. Pay attention to any changes in your body that you notice. You might want to keep track of your side effects and other effects, such as an increase in energy, by taking notes at the end of each day.