Proponents of wheatgrass juice claim it has a large number of health benefits. Claims go from the simple ones, such as increasing energy and improving digestion, to the major ones, such as helping prevent cancer. There have been few studies on the benefits of wheatgrass, so much of the information available cannot be substantiated. If you want to drink wheatgrass juice, keep in mind that it has no proven medical benefits; instead, consider it a nutritional add-on to your diet.
Nutritional Content
Wheatgrass contains a high amount of nutrients, including vitamins A, B complex, C and E. It also contains calcium, iron, selenium and a number of amino acids. Wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll. According to a 2006 study published in the "Nutrition Research" journal, chlorophyll might have several health advantages, such as cancer prevention, digestion and cleansing benefits. More studies are needed to prove this, but this early study shows that chlorophyll might help improve your overall health.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Wheatgrass can increase energy levels in a number of ways. Because it can clean the blood, it may help your body get rid of toxins that might be bringing your energy down. Wheatgrass' components act similarly to hemoglobin in the body, helping carry oxygen to the cells and feeding them properly and effectively. This can help with concentration and overall energy levels.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Wheatgrass juice is rich in enzymes that can help clean your liver and treat problems of the gastrointestinal tract. An early 2002 study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology" showed that wheatgrass juice might help reduce symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis, such as rectal bleeding and pain.
Other Uses
Wheatgrass juice has been used to treat a variety of issues, including aging skin, bad breath, insomnia and fighting tumors. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of adding wheatgrass juice to your conventional treatment.
References
- Hippocrates Institute: Wheatgrass
- "Nutrition Research" Journal; Digestion, Absorption, and Cancer Preventative Activity of Dietary Chlorophyll Derivatives; Mario G. Ferruzzi and Joshua Blakeslee; December 2006
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Wheatgrass
- "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology"; Wheat Grass Juice in the Treatment of Active Distal Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial; E. Ben-Arye and team; 2002
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