People drink wheatgrass juice as a health supplement. The chlorophyll and other compounds in wheatgrass that make it beneficial are best released when the leaves are freshly squeezed, so you will often see pallets of the grass growing in juice bars. There are claims that wheatgrass can do more than add extra vitamins to your diwr---some advocates actually claim it helps cure chronic diseases. If you can get past the taste, downing a shot daily may provide health benefits.
Increased Energy
Wheatgrass contains an abundant amount of chlorophyll, which the Hippocrates Institute---a center focused on natural wellness and healing---claims helps improve oxygen delivery to the cells of the body. Chlorophyll is said to mimic the blood component hemoglobin, whose role is to increase oxygen levels in the blood. The result is increased feelings of energy and overall well being.
Health Applications
Wheatgrass is taken to treat the common cold, infections and lung conditions like bronchitis. Some people also use it to treat symptoms related to gout, rheumatoid arthritis, rashes and constipation. A raw diet featuring regular ingestion of an ounce or more of wheatgrass daily, called the "Wheatgrass Diet," claims to help shrink cancer cells. The American Cancer Society notes that there is no evidence to support any of the assertions about wheatgrass and cancer or most other medical conditions.
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
The "Scandavian Journal of Gastroenterology" in 2002 published a study showing that wheatgrass can help alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Researchers noted that, when coupled with traditional medical therapies, the consumption of wheatgrass reduced the intensity of disease symptoms.
Source of Nutrition
Wheatgrass contains just 7 calories per ounce, but delivers a significant amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If you are seeking to increase your overall vegetable intake, wheatgrass provides a quick and low-calorie option.
Member Comments