Wheatgrass
“Wheatgrass is prepared from the freshly sprouted leaves of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum,” says Rachael Link, MS, RD from Healthline. (1)
The grass can be grown and prepared at home or purchased in juice, powder or supplement form. You can buy it as a juice or powder concentrate. Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium and magnesium.
What are the benefits?
It may be anti-inflammatory.
A 2002 study found that 19 patients with ulcerative colitis who were given 100ml of wheatgrass juice daily for a month had reduced symptoms. (2)
May help with diabetes
In a study, rats received wheatgrass to see how it affects hyperglycaemia. The study found that wheatgrass may act as a potent anti-hyperglycaemic agent. (3)
It may help to restore the body’s PH balance
chlorophyll is mainly responsible for preventing acidosis. According to some reports, wheatgrass may to help restore the body’s pH level naturally and protect cells. Consuming chlorophyll may reduce the signs of ageing skin.
Some things to consider
According to WebMD, wheatgrass is considered safe, but some people have reported side effects after using it, especially in high doses. The side effects ranged from mild headaches and nausea to more serious allergic reactions, including hives and swelling of the throat. Most people eat wheatgrass raw, so there is also a small chance that the grass can be contaminated with organisms or bacteria from the soil. (4)
Resources
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/wheatgrass-benefits
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11989836
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25116122
- https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/wheatgrass#2
