Good Effects Of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is the immature wheat plant that has been harvested before it changes to the amber color usually associated with grains and grows kernels of wheat. Usually served as a drink, either by itself or mixed with other juices, wheatgrass contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients and has been linked by proponents to the treatment of a number of conditions, from cancer to gout to the common cold.

Wheatgrass History

While no one is sure of the origins of wheatgrass consumption, it is clear that wheat itself is one of the world's oldest crops, having been grown as long as 9,000 years ago. Modern wheatgrass usage can be traced to a Lithuanian immigrant named Ann Wigmore, who believed strongly in natural remedies. However, it should be noted that Wigmore was sued twice by the state of Massachusetts during the 1980s for both making false claims about wheatgrass and misrepresenting herself as a physician.

Benefits of Wheatgrass

Proponents and sellers of wheatgrass have linked it to a variety of health benefits, including curing cancer, treating chronic fatigue syndrome, improving energy and circulation, detoxifying the liver and boosting immunity. Wheatgrass does contain many nutrients, such as vitamins C, E, and K, lycopene, betacarotene and lutein; but in small enough amounts that you would have to ingest a large amount of wheat grass to see benefits. According to a study published in the April 2002 issue of the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology," being treated using wheatgrass was linked to an improvement in the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. While this may sound promising, discuss any change in your treatment regimen with your physician.

Using Wheatgrass

Proponents of wheatgrass usually wish to consume it when it is as fresh as possible. The juice is extracted from the grass using either a manual juicer or a mortar and pestle -- never a high-speed juicer -- because it is thought that the fast pulverizing action could destroy the enzymes in the wheatgrass. Generally, the juice is consumed within 30 minutes of being extracted. If you are interested in wheatgrass, you can purchase kits to grow your own so you have fresh wheatgrass at hand. It also is sold in supplement form as juices, tinctures, powder or caplets.

Wheatgrass Warnings

While wheatgrass has many proponents, it is not considered a drug or a supplement by the Food and Drug Administration. As of the time of publication, there is not enough evidence to substantiate the health claims made by wheatgrass sellers. According to the American Cancer Society, choosing wheatgrass as an occasional supplement is fine, but you should not rely on large quantities of wheatgrass to enhance your health. A few people have reported some side effects with wheatgrass, mostly allergy-related effects, such as hives, nausea and a swelling in the throat. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience side effects of that nature after taking wheatgrass.

Since wheatgrass is eaten raw, it has the potential to be contaminated by bacteria or fungi in the soil or water it is grown in and mixed with. Pregnant women should avoid wheatgrass for that reason.