Wheatgrass is a type of plant that many people consume, because it is highly nutritious. Although wheatgrass can be eaten whole, it may also be processed into juice, powders or capsules to make it easier to consume. Although you can get many important nutrients from wheatgrass, some of the claims that proponents of wheatgrass make are not backed up by scientific evidence.
Nutrition
One of the main advantages of consuming wheatgrass in capsule form is that this plant is very rich in many different vitamins and other nutrients. For example, wheatgrass contains large amounts of vitamins A, C and E. It also is a good source of the minerals magnesium, calcium and iron. You can also get significant amounts of amino acids, which your body needs to make proteins.
Immunity and Cancer Protection
Proponents of wheatgrass claim that this substance, including wheatgrass capsules, can help fight or prevent different diseases. According to the American Cancer Society, wheatgrass has been touted for treating coughs, bronchitis, the common cold, infections, inflammation of the mouth and throat, cystitis, constipation, chronic skin problems and gout. No scientific evidence backs up these claims, however.
Chlorophyll
Wheatgrass capsules also provide chlorophyll for the body. Chlorophyll is a pigment that plants use to harvest energy from sunlight. Some say that chlorophyll can boost the activity of hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen in the body; however, this claim has not been proven. A 2007 article in "Nutrition Research" noted that chlorophyll and compounds that can be derived from this pigment -- such as sodium copper chlorophyllin -- may be able to prevent DNA damage that can result in mutations causing cancerous cells.
Safety
Consuming wheatgrass capsules may be safer than eating wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is grown in water and soil and is usually eaten raw. This means that it can potentially be contaminated with bacteria and fungi, MayoClinic.com notes. Because wheatgrass capsules have been processed, this risk of contamination is reduced. Wheatgrass also typically has a strong grassy taste, which can be unpleasant for some people. Capsules may minimize this taste.
References
- MayoClinic.com; What is Wheatgrass, and Should I Be Adding It to My Smoothies for Better Health?; Brent A. Bauer, M.D.; October 2010
- American Cancer Society; Wheatgrass; November 2008
- "Nutrition Research"; Digestion, Absorption, and Cancer Preventative Activity of Dietary Chlorophyll Derivatives; Mario G. Ferruzzi, et al.; January 2007
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