Wheat Grass

Wheat GrassWhen common wheat, which is the most consumed grain in the world, is grown, its young plants look more like grass, and this is what is referred to as Wheat Grass. People frequently grow Wheat Grass at home or buy it to prepare its juice. Wheat Grass juice is thought to possess some amazing rejuvenating properties. It can also be consumed in a powdered form.

Wheat Grass is quite different from the nutritional properties of the grain. It contains chlorophyll, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, and numerous other beneficial compounds.

Health Benefits of Wheat Grass

Below are some of the well-known benefits of Wheat Grass:

  • Antioxidant and Detoxifying

    Wheat Grass is more commonly consumed as a juice or powder to stay healthy. For some individuals, it is a daily ritual to prepare Wheat Grass juice in the morning. It appears that there is a science behind its numerous health benefits. Studies show that Wheat Grass is abundant in chlorophyll, gallic acid, and phenolic compounds, therefore exerting antioxidant activity. Wheat Grass may help protect various organs from the ill effects of toxins. Numerous small clinical trials indicate that Wheat Grass may also detoxify the body. Wheat Grass may be especially good for those taking various medications and may prevent chemotherapy-related side effects. Wheat Grass is also suitable for controlling the progress of chronic ailments like arthritis, diabetes, and many more.1,2

  • Lowers Cholesterol

    Wheat Grass juice is regarded as good for the heart and may help prevent cardiovascular diseases. New studies show that Wheat Grass may help reduce total cholesterol. Researchers believe it works due to the flavonoids, triterpenoids, sterols, anthraquinones, alkaloids, tannins and saponins found in Wheat Grass. Using Wheat Grass appears to increase cholesterol excretion via faeces.3

  • Helps in Cancer Management

    Wheat Grass helps in cancer in many ways due to its ability to fight cancer, boost immunity, and reduce side effects of chemotherapy. For example, in experimental studies, Wheat Grass could suppress the growth of cancerous blood cells. In another study, Wheat Grass could lower bone marrow suppression in cancer patients. Thus, it appears that adding Wheat Grass to cancer treatment may have certain benefits.4,5

  • Good in Diabetes

    Numerous laboratory experiments show that Wheat Grass can lower blood sugar levels. It appears to boost insulin production and reduce insulin resistance. However, there are still not enough studies on humans. Nonetheless, keeping in mind that Wheat Grass has a very low glycaemic index and is packed with essential nutrients and beneficial phytocompounds, it may be safely added to a diabetes management program.6

  • Anti-Inflammatory

    Wheat Grass helps fight both systemic and local inflammation. Therefore, Wheat Grass may help prevent diabetes, heart diseases, and may also boost brain health. It may also help in localised inflammatory conditions like arthritis. One study found that drinking Wheat Grass juice for two weeks could help improve healing rates in ulcerative colitis.7

  • Promote Weight Loss

    Wheat Grass may be especially beneficial when consumed on an empty stomach. Although it is not a remedy for obesity, Wheat Grass may aid in weight loss. For example, thylakoids in Wheat Grass slow down gastric emptying, promote changes in the gut, modulate appetite, and thus help to reduce body weight.8

Side Effects of Wheat Grass

Wheat Grass is highly safe and does not cause any side effects. However, it may not be suitable for those with high sensitivity to gluten. When growing it at home, it is worth knowing that Wheat Grass is prone to yeast infections. It should be noted that some individuals develop nausea and headaches after consuming Wheat Grass.

Properties

  • Anti-Inflammatory1,27
  • Antioxidant1,2
  • Arthritis1,2
  • Brain Function / Neuroprotective7
  • Cancer Prevention4,5
  • Cholesterol3
  • Diabetes / Blood Sugar6
  • Digestive Restoration8
  • Encourages Healing1,2
  • Energiser1
  • Heart Support / Health3,6
  • High/Good Levels of Flavonoids1,2
  • High/Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds1,2
  • Immune Booster1
  • Skin Issues1
  • Toxin Removal1,2
  • Weight Loss / Management8

References:

  1. Wangcharoen W, Phimphilai S. Chlorophyll and total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities and consumer acceptance test of processed grass drinks. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(12):4135-4140. doi:10.1007/s13197-016-2380-z
  2. Bar-Sela G, Cohen M, Ben-Arye E, Epelbaum R. The Medical Use of Wheatgrass: Review of the Gap Between Basic and Clinical Applications. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2015;15(12):1002-1010. doi:10.2174/138955751512150731112836
  3. Kothari S, Jain AK, Mehta SC, Tonpay SD. Hypolipidemic effect of fresh Triticum aestivum (wheat) grass juice in hypercholesterolemic rats. Acta Pol Pharm. 2011;68(2):291-294.
  4. Alitheen NB, Oon CL, Keong YS, Chuan TK, Li HK, Yong HW. Cytotoxic effects of commercial wheatgrass and fiber towards human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL60). Pak J Pharm Sci. 2011;24(3):243-250.
  5. Bar-Sela G, Tsalic M, Fried G, Goldberg H. Wheat grass juice may improve hematological toxicity related to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: a pilot study. Nutr Cancer. 2007;58(1):43-48. doi:10.1080/01635580701308083
  6. Shakya G, Randhi PK, Pajaniradje S, Mohankumar K, Rajagopalan R. Hypoglycaemic role of wheatgrass and its effect on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in type II diabetic rats. Toxicol Ind Health. 2016;32(6):1026-1032. doi:10.1177/0748233714545202
  7. Ben-Arye E, Goldin E, Wengrower D, Stamper A, Kohn R, Berry E. Wheat grass juice in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2002;37(4):444-449. doi:10.1080/003655202317316088
  8. Stenblom E-L, Weström B, Linninge C, et al. Dietary green-plant thylakoids decrease gastric emptying and gut transit, promote changes in the gut microbial flora, but does not cause steatorrhea. Nutr Metab. 2016;13:67. doi:10.1186/s12986-016-0128-4