Wheatgrass is spouted from wheat seeds and allowed to grow for 7-10 days before harvesting. Once the grass is cut, it needs to be squeezed to get the juice. It requires a special type of juicer to extract wheatgrass juice.
Drink one to four oz. each day to get the health benefits. Since the taste may take some getting used to, it's best to start with only one shot each day and work up to more.
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
PubMed.gov describes a clinical study that was done to determine the effectiveness of wheatgrass in treating ulcerative colitis, a common disorder can become serious if not treated properly. According to the results of the PubMed study involving 23 patients with varying severity of ulcerative colitis symptoms, the patients taking the wheatgrass juice showed a marked improvement.
The Bastyr University website gives more detail on the study's procedures and the results. The conclusion was that wheatgrass juice was shown to be effective in treating this disorder.
Cancer Treatment
The American Cancer Society website states that there are individual reports of tumors shrinking and cancer patients surviving longer when they consume wheatgrass juice. So far, little research has been done to prove these claims.
Antioxidant & Detoxifier
According to the book "Wheatgrass, Nature's Finest Medicine," wheatgrass is a powerful antioxidant. The book also claims that wheatgrass juice is very effective in removing toxins from the body. So far, there is little clinical proof for these claims.
Other Uses
The American Cancer Society says that wheatgrass is said to be a good treatment for a variety of conditions, including the common cold, coughs, bronchitis, fevers, infections, and inflammation of the mouth and throat. The site also says that wheatgrass has been used as a folk remedy to treat cystitis, gout, rheumatic pain, chronic skin disorders and constipation. Further research may or may not substantiate these claims.
The Wheatgrass Diet
Some fans of wheatgrass juice follow what is known as the "wheatgrass diet." They strictly avoid eating meat or animal products of any kind and eat only raw foods. They say that cooking food kills the enzymes and nutrients. According to the diet's practitioners, wheatgrass juice increases the blood's hemoglobin and raises the body's oxygen level. More research is needed to recommend this diet, but almost no harmful effects have been found.
The American Cancer Society website states that it is believed that the diet is effective because of its chlorophyll and other components. The site suggests that wheatgrass juice should be part of a balanced diet and used as one serving of fruit or vegetables.
Gluten Allergies & Wheatgrass
According to the Hippocrates Health Institute, people with allergies to wheat are usually allergic to the gluten in the grain. They claim that wheatgrass juice doesn't contain gluten, so it's likely that even people with the gluten allergy can consume wheatgrass juice with no problems.
However, any new substance can cause an allergic reaction. So if you experience hives, stomach upset, difficulty breathing or chest pains when consuming wheatgrass juice, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider.
Nutrient Value
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says that wheatgrass juice contains amino acids, selenium, magnesium, calcium, iron, chlorophyll and vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex. Wheatgrass juice, as a serving of vegetables, can easily add these nutrients to the diet.
Caution
The American Cancer Society warns that depending solely on the consumption of wheatgrass juice to fight cancer is very dangerous. You should seek the advice of healthcare professionals, and then, if you wish, add wheatgrass juice in addition to regular cancer treatments.
The Sloan-Kettering website states that there are no major health risks for taking wheatgrass juice, except for the possibility of slight nausea.
They also warn that since the wheatgrass is grown in water or soil, then consumed raw, it is possible to get bacteria, molds or other contaminents in the juice.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid consuming wheatgrass juice.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Medical Center: Wheat Grass
- PubMed.gov
- Bastyr University: Wheat Grass Juice for Ulcerative Colitis
- American Cancer Society: Wheatgrass
- Wheatgrass, Nature's Finest Medicine: The Complete Guide to Using Grass Foods By Steve Meyerowitz, 2007 Revised Edition, ISBN# 978-1-878736-98-7. 264pg, ppbk. Sproutman Publications, September 2006.
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