Vitamins In Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass:

You must have seen the wheat plant, so the young grass of the wheat plant is called wheatgrass. It has a scientific name too which is Triticum aestivum. It is used as a drink, food and dietary supplement. It is also used in some Indian festivals and rituals.

Vitamins and minerals in wheatgrass:

Since it is a plant, it has all nutrients available such as minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, etc. like other plants. It is a natural source of Vitamins (A, E, C, K and B6), Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium and Iron.  Due to high demand, it is not only available as juice but also as powder and tablets.    

Wheatgrass used to be grown in fields but now a days it is grown indoors as well. People grow it on trays in their homes. They harvest the grass when the grass splits and another leaf emerges. The grass/leaf cutting can be done two times. In some cases, third cutting is also possible.

It is considered to be a healthy food for a healthy lifestyle as it contains per 100 grams – 20 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrate and 0.6 grams of fat. The study done by the Israel Institute of Technology published in April 2002 says that wheatgrass helps for digestive problems. Participants in the study were given a placebo or wheatgrass juice for a month. It was found that who consumed wheatgrass juice felt less symptoms of digestive problems.

Benefits:

Wheatgrass can be used for the following purposes. Researchers agree with the potential of wheatgrass but there is no valid scientific evidence to support these uses.

1.      1. It helps improve digestion and cleans toxins.

2.      2. It boosts the metabolism and immune system.

3.      3. It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

4.      4. It gives energy and helps with diabetes.

Side effects:

It is advised to purchase wheatgrass from a trusted supplier which reduces the possibility of mold and harmful bacteria. Also, take small doses in the beginning so that body gets used to it and then increase the doses as required/recommended. Some of its side effects include -

1.      1. Constipation

2.      2. Fever

3.      3. Headache

4.      4. Nausea

5.      5. Indigestion or dyspepsia

These side effects do not remain for a longer period. Once your body is used to it, these symptoms disappear. However, it is strictly prohibited for pregnant or breastfeeding women and people who are allergic to wheat or grass. Also, you should avoid it if you have other diseases like blood disorder, celiac disease, etc.

Conclusion:

When you start taking wheatgrass, do observe changes in your body and note down the side effects – both positive and negative. It’ll help you and your doctor decide or recommend changes in diet or routine.

Thank You!