Wheatgrass is, as the name implies, a grass of the wheat family. But it is edible. It is supposed to be nutrient-rich and help in a healthy life. Its juice can be had fresh and it is also marketed in freeze dried form as liquids, tablets, capsules and powders for supplemental therapy. What are the other ways that wheatgrass can be consumed?
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is freshly sprouted leaves of the wheat plant also called as Triticum aestivum. Many people grow it at home and juice it for their daily needs. Additionally, juice of wheatgrass is also available in juice bars. It is sold as oral forms and also as massage lotions, sprays, gels and in cream forms. The juice is extracted before the seed formation and hence is gluten free.
 |
| Wheatgrass (Source: Wikipedia) |
It is used in Persia and reached the Western world in the 1930s and 1940s. The plant can be cultivated both indoors as well as outdoors. Trays are usually used and a potting mix serves as the soil. The harvesting of leaves is done when a ‘split’ occurs. This means when another leaf emerges. One can clip it and allow the second crop of shoots to begin forming. A third clipping is also done but it tends to have lesser sugars.
Wheatgrass and its nutrient value
In wheat grass, a concentrated form of nutrients is packed. These include vitamin A, C, K, B, and E, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, chlorophyll , enzymes, and essential amino acids. It can kill harmful gut bacteria and also boost immunity. It helps clear body toxins. But though these are claims, accompanying scientific data is lacking.
Some also claim that it is useful in cancer therapy and in prevention of chemotherapy side-effects. It is said to help in anemic patients, diabetes, other infections affecting the body, joint pains, ulcerative colitis, and such disorders.
 |
| Wheatgrass (Source: Pinterest) |
It is said to be a safe bet but can cause nausea, anorexia, and constipation is some patients. Some allergy to wheatgrass has been reported. It is to be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Though its juice is gluten free, some dietitians do not recommend it for celiac disease patients and those with gluten intolerance due to risk of cross contamination.
Also read here: Peter Pan syndrome
It should be noted that it is no wonder drug and cannot replace other mainstream therapies or specific diseases. Besides do not stop having fruits and vegetables that are definitely proven to be healthy. Use wheatgrass in moderation. One can add it to smoothies and drinks or have it whole as a juice.
Comments
Post a Comment