Wheatgrass is a type of grass that may have health benefits. You can purchase the grass itself or you can obtain wheatgrass juice or supplements. Although supporters of this supplement claim it can help with many health problems, little research exists to back up these claims. However, it does provide several essential nutrients.
Nutrition
Wheatgrass is a good source of calcium, beta carotene, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and protein. It also contains a small amount of vitamin B-12, which isn't found in many plant-based foods. Wheatgrass can help meet some of your vitamin and mineral needs without you having to eat large amounts of vegetables or take vitamin supplements.
Health Benefits
Wheatgrass may help relieve the pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding of people suffering from ulcerative colitis, according to a study published in 2002 in the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology." Further research is needed to prove whether wheatgrass may be beneficial for people with other conditions, since few studies have been conducted using this supplement.
Amount
For nutritional support, 2 oz. of fresh wheatgrass juice can provide the vitamin and mineral content equivalent to 4 lbs. of organic green leafy vegetables, according to Creighton University. The ulcerative colitis study used 100 cc of wheatgrass juice along with the conventional treatment to achieve beneficial effects.
Considerations
Although wheatgrass juice can provide some nutritional benefits, you don't want to eat it to the exclusion of other fruits and vegetables. You should eat a varied diet, and if you choose to consume wheatgrass juice, consume it in moderation. Some people have experienced side effects when using wheatgrass, including headaches, nausea, hives or swelling of the throat.
References
- Brain Research Institute UCLA; Wonderfoods; Jay Weinstein; October 2008
- Creighton University School of Medicine; Alternative Medicine: Wheatgrass Health Benefits -- Fact and Fiction; Sarah Parker; March 2007
- "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology"; Wheatgrass Juice in the Treatment of Active Distal Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial; E. Ben-Arye, et al.; 2002
- American Cancer Society; Wheatgrass; November 2008
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