Right now, we live in a world which is influenced to a large extent by what’s happening on social media.
Whether it be the latest fashion trends, a new diet fad or a tech gadget, social media plays a big role in our society today.
One such craze that exists right now related to the food industry is that of the ‘Superfoods’.
You may have heard of them, and if you are curious about these foods and the veracity of the claims being made about them, I can assure you that some of these foods can actually help to boost your health provided you are following an overall healthy diet.
If you are expecting these foods to compensate for your poor diet though, then that is simply not possible.
No food can do that for you.
You have to mend your eating ways before you start seeing any substantial results with these foods.
One such superfood which has a slew of health-enriching qualities and if incorporated into a healthy diet can be a boon for your physical as well as mental health is wheatgrass.
So let’s get to know what is wheatgrass.
Wheatgrass, unsurprisingly, is the young grass stage of the wheat plant, harvested just 6-10 days after sprouting.
It is an ideal food for anybody looking to boost their health.
Whether you are a fitness freak or a stout average person looking to improve his health, wheatgrass juice is optimal for you.
It contains all the nine essential amino acids and is rich in chlorophyll, a variety of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and much more.
You might be wondering about what are the benefits of wheatgrass, so let’s check out some of the most significant health-benefits of wheatgrass (mind you, there are a lot of them so I am including just a select few) to give you a broader perspective of this super herb:
Boosts your immune system
We start with the immunity-boosting capabilities of wheatgrass.
Consistent consumption of wheatgrass juice over a period of time bolsters the immune system, enhancing your body’s ability to ward off infections and disease.
Wheatgrass is also known to aid in the production of red blood cells inside the body which leads to increased oxygenation, providing your body with protection from the various environmental pollutants.
Gives you energy
Wheatgrass juice is ideally consumed on an empty stomach to avoid nausea.
When taken on an empty stomach, it gets incorporated into the blood in about 20 minutes, affording a natural glow and an instant burst of energy to the drinker.
Alkalizes the body
One of the prerequisites for maintaining good health is keeping the body in an alkaline state (a little higher than 7 pH).
Various types of cancers and other diseases develop in an acidic environment but are less likely to exist in an alkaline one.
Wheatgrass, thanks to its strong alkalizing property assists in keeping the pH of your body in an alkaline state.
Eliminates toxins
Wheatgrass is one of the most detoxifying food that exists in nature.
If you are looking to relieve your body from the harmful toxins and their damaging effects, you need to start consuming wheatgrass juice on a regular basis.
You might experience headaches and nausea as side effects early on if you are a complete beginner to it.
These side effects are a direct consequence of the body releasing toxins back into your blood and lymph to be taken out of the body, thus signaling the detox being carried out by the juice.
So it is suggested to start small with a shot every day before increasing your daily consumption.
Reduces inflammation
Wheatgrass is a rich source of chlorophyll which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
When taken regularly, wheatgrass juice has been proven to reduce chronic bowel inflammation or ulcerative colitis along with neutralizing the effects of arthritis, stomach ulcers, sore throats and other conditions that are a consequence of inflammation in the body.
This is probably one of the most important aspects of wheatgrass nutrition.
Helps regulate blood sugar levels
The glycemic index(GI) is a value accredited to foods based on the rate at which they cause an increase in blood sugar levels.
Wheatgrass has been proven to be a potent anti-hyperglycaemic agent, making it advantageous for people suffering from diabetes.
Research done on diabetic patients who were given wheatgrass as part of their diet in one of the meals showed that the GI of some foods reduced substantially after wheatgrass was included in the diet, hence stabilizing the blood sugar levels in these patients in the process.
Helps improve eyesight
Wheatgrass contains 2x the amount of vitamin A found in carrots, which is probably the most recommended food for enhancing eyesight.
So if you are looking to get rid of your glasses or want to avoid getting them in the future, wheatgrass can do the trick for you.
Improves digestion
When you drink wheatgrass juice daily, you get the benefit of the high levels of enzymes present in wheatgrass.
It contains plenty of vital enzymes like protease, lipase and cytochrome oxidase which help in protein digestion, splitting fats and safeguarding against oxidative stress.
These enzymes aid in digestion by assisting your body in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
Consuming wheatgrass juice also leads to the cleaning of your intestines due to its detoxing activity, so you experience less gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort, adding to the list of wheatgrass health benefits related to digestion.
Rich source of chlorophyll
The green color in plants is a result of the presence of chlorophyll in them.
You may have noticed that wheatgrass has a bright green color.
It is owing to the extremely high content(70%) of chlorophyll in it.
The chemical composition of chlorophyll is similar to that of hemoglobin.
Hence, our bodies are able to freely convert chlorophyll into hemoglobin, resulting in an increase in the red blood cell count along with an enhanced ability to transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
Contains high levels of antioxidants
Free radical damage in the body leads to the aging of both the body and mind along with the formation of various deadly diseases like cancer.
Wheatgrass contains several important antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid and glutathione that help in reducing the free radical damage and keep you in good condition.
Has essential amino acids
Wheatgrass contains 19 different amino acids including the 9 essential ones, making it a protein-rich food and an excellent source of protein for vegans.
These “building blocks of protein” are essential for the proper functioning of the human body.
Helps in treating cancer
Research has shown that wheatgrass has anti-cancer potential and can be an effective addition to cancer treatment programs.
When used alongside conventional cancer treatment like chemotherapy, wheatgrass helps in boosting the immune system and in detoxifying the body.
It is also effective in the prevention of cancer.
Improves mental health and clarity
Wheatgrass is known to improve overall mental function and helps in relieving depression & anxiety and preventing memory loss.
It enhances mental health by clearing brain fog and its neuroprotective effects aid in improved cognitive function and the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamins in Wheatgrass juice:
- Vitamin A: Contains vitamin A as much as dark green lettuce or carrots. Improves eyesight and helps in getting and maintaining a younger looking, clear and healthy skin.
- Vitamin B: Aids in digestion and in the treatment of depression and insomnia.
- Vitamin C: Contains vitamin C as much as citrus fruits-the main source of this vitamin. Important for gum, teeth and bone health and helps in the healing of injuries.
- Vitamin E: Assists in the treatment of cancer, diabetes and heart disorders.
- Vitamin K: It is a crucial nutrient required in the body for responding to injuries as it is responsible for normal blood clotting. Helps in the transport of calcium throughout the body, thus aiding in good bone health, reducing bone loss and lowering the risk of bone fractures.
Minerals in Wheatgrass juice :
- Calcium: Aids in strengthening the bones and teeth.
- Magnesium: Helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, keeps the heartbeat steady and supports a healthy immune system.
- Iron: Plays a role in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, this is an essential element for blood production. Helps metabolize proteins.
- Potassium: Influential in maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Assists in maintaining a normal blood pressure.
- Zinc: Essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing and the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Wheatgrass juice as a cure for diseases
Wheatgrass therapy is recommended for people suffering from the following diseases :
- Asthma
- Atherosclerosis
- Tuberculosis
- Hypertension
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diabetes
- Bronchitis
- Insomnia
- Eczema
- Sterility
- Hemorrhage
- Joint pains
- Constipation
- Flatulence
Summary
So that’s it for our short take on this super green herb which is blessed with almost all the health-enriching qualities you could look for in a food.
The health benefits of wheatgrass are countless which makes it capable of leading you towards a much more healthier and energetic life than you could ever imagine.
So just switch on to a daily shot of fresh wheatgrass juice and take in all the benefits of wheatgrass and that of a healthy life.