Wheatgrass: Overview
Wheatgrass is a thick and dry young grass of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. Wheatgrass has been used in natural medicine for generations because it is believed to be an extremely potent health food which has the ability to offer numerous health benefits.
Wheatgrass is harvested before it reaches its full growth size. Usually, it is harvested nearly one week after it starts sprouting. Wheatgrass is generally consumed as a fresh juice, though it is also available in powdered form.
The acknowledgment of the benefits of using wheatgrass for health reasons first came from Dr. Ann Wigmore from the US. He started using wheatgrass in the late 1930s, to help the patients in recovering from chronic health problems. Ever since, the use of wheatgrass has become popular all over the world due to its action an amazing stimulant for good health.
Wheatgrass contains a number of nutrients which are an important part of a balanced diet. The key contents of wheatgrass are iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, manganese, phytonutrients, proteins, 17 amino acids, and Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex.
Wheatgrass is also abundant in enzymes and contains fibre. It has high levels of chlorophyll, due to which it is sometimes called 'green blood.' The practitioners of natural or alternative medicine recommend the use of wheatgrass for preventing or overcoming nutritional deficiencies. Wheatgrass is also a wonderful blood tonic which can help in the purification of blood.
Ayurvedic Significance of Wheatgrass
According to Ayurvedic texts, Wheatgrass is a remarkable nutritional support for health because it contains vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. The intake of wheatgrass can improve energy levels, purify the blood, and have a rejuvenating effect on the body.
Ayurveda also believes that the nutritional components of wheatgrass also have the ability to strengthen the digestive system, purify the liver by eliminating toxins, and manage a number of health disorders.
The benefits of wheatgrass have been mentioned in Ayurveda since ancient times, and it has been used by Ayurveda experts for preparing several herbal formulations for decades. However, the use of wheatgrass for health benefits has become popular in India only in recent times, after its increasing recognition as a health tonic in the Western countries.
Wheatgrass: A good option for better health
A wheatgrass is an excellent option for good health because of its numerous healing benefits which can help treat several diseases.
Some of the benefits of the wheatgrass for better health :
Lower cholesterol levels
Wheatgrass has the ability to lower cholesterol levels and is therefore useful in managing heart disorders. The lowered cholesterol levels because of the intake of wheatgrass can actually reduce the risk of developing potential heart diseases.
Enhanced Immunity
Wheatgrass is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system because of its antioxidant properties. Improved immunity due to the intake of wheatgrass can reduce the risk of infections and diseases. Furthermore, in case of any health issues, optimal immunity levels can facilitate a faster recovery process.
Increased energy levels
The use of wheatgrass can give a substantial boost to the energy levels of the body because it can provide the required nourishment. Increased energy levels resulting from regular use of wheatgrass can make a person feel refreshed and rejuvenated, and perform daily routine tasks in a more efficient manner.
Elimination of toxins and impurities
The presence of several nutrients in wheatgrass can help the body in eliminating impurities and toxins in a natural way. The high chlorophyll content in wheatgrass can particularly assist the detoxification and cleansing process, thus enabling the healthy functioning of the liver and better overall health.
Improved digestion
The high levels of enzymes in wheatgrass can aid the digestive process. Enzymes help the body in breaking down the food and absorbing nutrients from it. An improved digestive process can keep the intestines healthy, and treat common problems like gas, bloating, and abdominal pain/discomfort. The use of wheatgrass is also beneficial in relieving constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions affecting the digestive system.
Potential for helping in weight loss
Regular intake of wheatgrass juice can help you loose weight because wheatgrass has the capability to boost the body metabolism and fight obesity. Moreover, wheatgrass is also low in calories and does not contain any fat. This nutrient-rich food can also reduce food cravings because it gives a fuller feeling for a longer time, thus resulting in weight loss.
Lowers blood pressure
The consumption of fibre-loaded wheatgrass can also be very helpful in normalizing blood pressure. People suffering from high blood pressure can benefit from the use of wheatgrass because of the chlorophyll molecule which is similar to hemoglobin and can increase the count of blood cells, keeping the blood pressure in check.
Improved cognitive function
Wheatgrass also has an excellent neuroprotective effect which can improve the functioning of the brain and promote better cognitive health. More specifically, wheatgrass can improve the overall mental function, prevent memory loss, alleviate anxiety, improves eye-hand coordination, and manage Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders.
Improved blood sugar levels
The use of wheatgrass is recommended for people suffering from Diabetes because wheatgrass can regulate the levels of blood sugar in the body. Research has revealed that the intake of wheatgrass can prevent excessive sugar from entering the bloodstream. Even one meal of wheatgrass can significantly bring down glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Treatment of infections
Wheatgrass is also helpful in treating infections as it contains antimicrobial properties. It can reduce the serious complications resulting from severe infections, especially those infections which are resistant to antibiotics.
Cancer management
Wheatgrass is also known for its ability to prevent and manage cancer. It can be a beneficial supplement to conventional cancer treatments because of its capability to potentially improve the effects of chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Wheatgrass is a remarkable source of protein and fibre, and low in calories. It is a good option for better health because of the abundance of nutrients and the ability to manage a number of health conditions. However, wheatgrass use can sometimes cause constipation or nausea. Hence, even though the use of wheatgrass to improve health and well-being does not usually have any side effects, it is advisable to consult an expert Ayurveda practitioner before consuming wheatgrass juice or taking wheatgrass supplements.
