Wheatgrass is a young grass of common wheat plant scientifically known as Triticum aestivum. It is loaded with vitamins and nutrients required for the human body. Wheatgrass contains enzymes such as cytochrome, protease, lipase, amylase, super oxide dismutase and transhydrogenase. It also encompasses essential amino acids such as asparatic acid, alanine, arginine, glutamic acid and serine which offers adequate protein in the body that builds and repair tissues. It has flavonoids and chlorophyll in good amounts. It incorporates vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin E along with minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. It builds red blood cells promptly; normalize blood pressure, cures anemia by dilating blood vessels. It has high content of chlorophyll, vitamins, active enzymes and other nutrients in form of fresh juice. It offers more energy by providing nutritional deficiencies and eliminating wastes which clog the cells, organs, bloods and tissues.
It is commercially sold as a cream, spray, liquid herbal supplement and massage lotion. It is extracted from wheatgrass sprouts before wheat seeds begin to form. It is gluten free but it is recommended by dietitians that people with celiac disease should avoid it due to high chances of cross contamination.
Traditional uses
- Wheatgrass juice prevents the chances of tooth decay.
- Intake of wheatgrass juice is beneficial for skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema.
- This juice also prevents graying of hair.
- Place the wheat grass juice on diseased area (pyorrhea) in the mouth.
- It also promotes digestion and prevents constipation.
- Drink this juice to detoxify liver and pollutants from the body.
- It prevents bacterial growth both inside as well as outside the body.
- It treats sinus congestion.
- Apply the soaked cotton wheatgrass juice to affected area with arthritis.
- When applied on eyes, it eases eye irritation but let it remain for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash.
- Massage the wheatgrass juice to the scalp to eliminate dandruff.
- This juice is beneficial to treat gynaecological problems.
Health Benefits of Wheat grass juice
- Eliminate skin problems
Wheatgrass juice has vitamins and natural phytochemicals such as flavonoids that are known as antioxidants. Antioxidants help to slower the aging process. Intake of wheatgrass juice detoxifies the body. It enhances health and provides glowing skin. This juice cures skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. The regular intake of wheatgrass juice is found to be beneficial for acne prone skin and erases blemishes and scars. Wheatgrass juice is used for treating skin blemishes. Put one glass of wheat grass juice to bathing water and soak oneself in it for half an hour. It is a great body cleanser. It combats body odor and useful for sunburned skin too.
- Healthy hair
Wheatgrass has cleansing properties, its ingredients eliminates dead cells from scalp. It enhances growth of hair and provides sheen to the hair. The hair damages such as premature hair graying, hair fall and dandruff, rub wheat grass juice on the scalp and let it remain for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash hair with shampoo. It is great for dry hair.
- Reduce weight
Wheatgrass juice is helpful for weight loss. It eliminates toxins from the body. It manages thyroid gland that slows down metabolism which causes weight gain. Wheatgrass has adequate potassium that helps to burn calories effectively. A glass of this juice prevents cravings and prevents the feeling of hungry.
- Overall health
Wheatgrass has high content of protein and enzymes that promotes the energy levels than other energy drink. It has chlorophyll that combats harmful bacteria in the body and builds immunity. A glass of wheatgrass juice has 70 percent of chlorophyll. It protects internal organs such as lungs from pollution, smoking and heavy metals.
- Prevent ailments
A glass of wheatgrass juice assist body to form red blood cells that supplies oxygen to the body and helps to lower carbon mono oxide by preventing the chances of cancer. Wheatgrass juice has high content of enzymes that prevent tumors. It encompasses 17 amino acids and protein helps to form muscle tissues, clot blood and repair cells. The presence of antiseptic properties helps to heal bruises, rashes, minor cuts and insect bites. Wheatgrass juice has Vitamin C which is beneficial for maintaining eye health. Its regular intake lowers acidity levels in the body and also retains alkalinity in the blood. It also lowers the problems such as ulcers, constipation and diarrhea.
- Soothe menstrual pains
The painful or irregular menstruation is caused due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Wheatgrass has imperative vitamins and minerals which ensures to meet the lack of any of these nutrients.
- Blood related ailments
The study conducted on patients with blood disorder thalassemia, wheatgrass juice reduced blood transfusion requirements. Moreover, wheatgrass promotes the amount of oxygen in the blood which stimulates blood circulation.
- Relieves depression
The deficiency of iron results in depression. Wheatgrass has high content of iron. Wheatgrass has B vitamins that help to overcome depression and anxiety. Other compounds found in wheatgrass juice promote adrenal system that ensures better management of stress.
- Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
Wheatgrass juice has chlorophyll which supplies sufficient oxygen to the body. And everybody is aware about the necessity of oxygen for brain functions. Wheatgrass juice is beneficial for patients Alzheimer’s patients due to its antioxidant properties. It has significant reduction of oxidative stress and promotes catalase and superoxide levels.
Precautions and Side Effects
- People with gluten sensitivity and constipation should consult the doctor before consumption of wheatgrass.
- People may report symptoms such as headaches, nausea and diarrhea after intake of wheatgrass juice.
- Excessive intake results in headache, nausea and throat swelling.
- Avoid by pregnant women and breastfeeding mother.
- Elderly people and young children should skip it.
References:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291676443_Wheat_grass_health_benefits
https://medcraveonline.com/IJCAM/IJCAM-03-00092.pdf
https://www.academia.edu/1291574/A_study_on_wheat_grass_and_its_Nutritional_value
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/wheatgrass-benefits#section9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheatgrass
https://www.gyanunlimited.com/health/nutrition-facts-and-medicinal-uses-of-wheatgrass-juice/10907/
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-wheatgrass-juice-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref
https://alivebynature.com/15-wonderful-wheatgrass-juice-benefits/