Wheatgrass is a natural plant product that can be used as an alternative health and dietary supplement. It contains many valuable nutrients that your body needs to function correctly, but its proponents also claim it can help fight many diseases, including cancer. Always consult your doctor before trying a new therapy or altering your diet, especially if you have a health condition.
Definition
According to the Mayo Clinic, wheatgrass is a grass found in the wheat family that is harvested to sell as health supplements. It can be purchased in a variety of forms, including in powders or pills, or it can be grown indoors and used fresh. It can be used as a part of the wheatgrass diet, which focuses on raw, natural foods like fruits and vegetables and avoids animal and cooked foods like meat.
Health Claims
Wheatgrass proponents claim that it can treat various illnesses, including colds, bronchitis, and infections. Anecdotal reports claim that wheatgrass -- especially when used with the wheatgrass diet -- can treat cancer by causing tumors to shrink and go into remission. However, these claims have not all been verified through scientific study. According to the American Cancer Society, however, preliminary evidence does suggest that wheatgrass may help patients with colitis, a bowel disease in which the large intestine is chronically inflamed.
Nutrient Effects
Wheatgrass is a good source of certain vitamins and minerals, like iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants, so wheatgrass may help fight damage from free radicals. Wheatgrass is also very rich in iron, which your body uses to produce hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in your blood.
Side Effects
Wheatgrass is usually safe for consumption, although some feel it tastes bad in juice or powder form. Those with gluten allergies should use caution when consuming wheatgrass, since it is part of the wheat family. Wheatgrass can occasionally cause an upset stomach, headache, throat swelling and hives. It is also consumed raw, meaning it could be contaminated with bacteria and other substances, so pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid its use. While wheatgrass should never take the place of a doctor's recommendations, its nutrients can be beneficial for your body and it can add variety to a well-balanced diet.
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