What is wheatgrass
We all know about wheat, right. It is one of the popular staple foods all across the world. It is scientifically known as Triticum aestivum. But what is wheatgrass? It’s the young grass or the very first leaves that sprout out of the wheat seeds which usually takes 2-3 days of the plantation. Wheatgrass turns into wheat after attaining maturity i.e. approximately 7-8 months of the plantation. Although both have the same origin, there is a significant difference between them.
Wheatgrass is the early stage of the wheat plant which does not have gluten. Whereas, wheat is the matured form of wheatgrass which has gluten in it. Wheat is a regular cereal grain in our meals, but gluten content in it has allergen properties. Many people worldwide have been reported to suffer from severe digestive system issues due to gluten allergy. However, wheatgrass is not the replacement for wheat, but it is consumed as a natural health supplement rather than as a staple food like wheat.
Origin of Wheatgrass
Although the existence of the wheat plant lies more than a thousand years ago, it gained recognition in the western community sometime in 1930 due to an agricultural chemist. In ancient Egyptian culture, wheatgrass had been regarded as a holy plant. Egyptians believed that wheatgrass had divine powers which when consumed would bless people with healthy and exuberant life. In Asian countries especially in India, wheatgrass is considered an important part of ayurvedic medicine.
Nutritional insights of wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is very high in chlorophyll content which is roughly around 70-75% of its composition. Chlorophyll is the phytonutrient that makes the plants look green. It has been scientifically proven to have excellent healing and antioxidants properties, which is why it is also regarded as a superfood. Wheatgrass also contains high amounts of vitamin A, C, and E. Besides this, it is a very good source of essential amino acids. It is gluten-free and very low in calories. Numerous scientific studies have shown that wheatgrass is highly alkaline in nature. It naturally helps in maintaining the balanced pH levels of the body.
Clinical benefits of wheatgrass
Since wheatgrass is abundantly composed of chlorophyll, it behaves as natural medicine. There are a significant number of medical researches which have substantiated its ability in healing and restoring our body from a number of health problems. A lot of investigations and clinical trials by frontline medical professionals have been reported to affirm its potential as a supplementing agent in treating diseases.
Wheatgrass Significantly increase red blood cells
Chlorophyll is similar in chemical composition to hemoglobin as both are chromo proteins. Hence, chlorophyll can be easily transformed by our body into hemoglobin which is a red blood cell protein. Thus, wheatgrass can be a good option to boost our hemoglobin levels naturally. For some blood disorders like hemolytic anemia and thalassemia, medical practitioners recommend wheatgrass along with regular medication to maintain the serum ferritin levels.
Wheatgrass as Cancer-fighting agent
There are several clinical studies worldwide dedicated to investigating the efficacy of wheatgrass in supporting cancer treatment. The studies are based on the fact that chlorophyll mimics hemoglobin. Due to its oxygen-rich characteristic, the supply of oxygen to the blood, cells, and tissues is efficiently maintained. This helps in seizing the increase in deoxygenated cells on which cancer grows rapidly. In a study, consumption of liquid wheatgrass inhibited the growth of malignant cells in oral cancer. Refer to the site for the source information. In clinical trials, wheatgrass has shown great results in alleviating complications related to chemotherapy. It has been found in a study that damage to bone marrow function due to chemotherapy can be controlled with wheatgrass up to a great extent.
Wheatgrass as Potent antioxidant
Antioxidants save our bodies from free radical damage. Excessive free radicals in the body make us prey for various types of diseases which may be sometimes life-threatening. Therefore, our diet must be enriched with appropriate amounts of antioxidants. Wheatgrass has very powerful antioxidant properties that effectively battle oxidative stress of the body.
Wheatgrass is good for liver, skin and hair
Wheatgrass has shown effective results in supporting the healthy functioning of the liver. This is due to the fact that it is a detoxifying agent which drains out the toxins from the body. Its high chlorophyll content helps the body in getting rid of heavy metals. Hence, it naturally helps in preventing our liver, skin, and hair from gradual damage because of harmful elements circulating in the body. Wheatgrass promotes hair growth if consumed in appropriate quantities as well as applied topically. It rejuvenates the scalp cells and also prevents graying of hairs.
Wheatgrass Good for the lungs
Regular consumption of wheatgrass is extremely beneficial for the lungs. Our daily exposure to environmental pollution deteriorates the health of our lungs. The dominant chlorophyll content of wheatgrass augments hemoglobin production which helps in alleviating the effects of harmful gases and improves scars in lung tissues.
How to consume wheatgrass
To get maximum benefits of wheatgrass, it should be harvested within 10 days of sprouting when it reaches about 6-8 inches of height. Wheatgrass most commonly is taken in the form of juices and smoothies. Powdered wheatgrass has also become popular in recent times as this can be easily added to any kind of food recipe, directly enhancing the nutritional value of the food. There are several popular brands which are selling high-quality wheatgrass drinks, powders, and capsules. This gluten-free supplement can be easily grown at home, and also bought from any nearby medical or departmental store. Add this natural superfood to your regular diet and see the benefits it does to your health.
Possible side-effects of wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a well tolerable natural food rarely having any adverse reactions. But it may have certain unpleasant effects for some people if consumed in excessive quantities e.g nausea, headache, and constipation. Hence, optimum intake of wheatgrass should always be maintained. Immediate consultation of a health professional should be sought if someone feels discomfort after consuming it. You may read about the benefits of turmeric and mushroom here.