Wheat grass comes from the seed of the wheat plant in the embryonic stage of development. NYU Langone Medical Center reports that use of wheat grass as a supplement began in the 1960s when natural health activist Ann Wigmore utilized the juice to cure herself of ulcerative colitis. Since that time, scientists have been studying the potential benefits. Talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement, especially if you take prescription medication.
Nutrients
Wheat grass offers concentrated forms of a number of nutrients including iron, calcium, magnesium, amino acids and vitamins. While this combination of nutrients is purported to aid digestion, boost immunity and fight disease, Brent A. Bauer, M.D. from Mayo Clinic notes that significant clinical studies to effectively prove these claims are lacking. Taking wheat grass daily, in any event, will increase your vegetable intake and can be part of a balanced diet plan.
Antioxidants
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a natural antioxidant found in wheat grass. There is some question about the body's ability to utilize SOD from food. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, this substance is not well absorbed when taken by mouth. Chlorophyll is another factor in wheat grass that may also contribute to the antioxidant benefits. Limited studies seem to indicate that chlorophyll will help to prevent oxidative damage from carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents.
Benefits of Chlorophyll
There are other benefits in taking a supplement that contains chlorophyll that goes beyond the antioxidant factors. The Linus Pauling Institute claims that taking chlorophyll can potentially remove toxic substances and carcinogens from the body. There is no significant proof of these claims, but clinical studies continue to examine the role chlorophyll may have in preventing cancer development.
Safety
Wheat grass is considered safe for most people, however, there may be some side effects. Mayo Clinic reports taking wheat grass may cause nausea and headaches. Wheat is also a common allergen. Swelling in the throat or hives would indicate a possible allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention. If you have a known wheat allergy, you should avoid taking any supplements containing wheat grass. A typical dose of wheat grass in juice form would be 100 -- 300 ml daily. It is unclear whether wheat grass is suitable for pregnant women or children. If you are being treated for any chronic illness, talk to your doctor before taking wheat grass. Some supplements will interfere with the body's ability to absorb medication.
References
- NYC Langone Medical Center: Wheat Grass Juice; 2011
- Creighton University School of Medicine; Alternative Medicine: Wheatgrass: Health Benefits-Fact and Fiction; Sarah Parker; 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Nutrition and Healthy Eating;What is Wheatgrass --- And Why is It in My Drink?; Brent A. Bauer, M.D.; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute; Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; 2009
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