Wheatgrass Nutrition

Wheatgrass is a type of grass touted to promote excellent health. It is often juiced and drunk as is or used in teas, smoothies and other beverages. It can also be found in tablets, capsules and as a liquid extract. Wheatgrass is considered a dietary supplement and is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. However, proponents of the grass believe that it has numerous health benefits and may be used to prevent, treat and cure some diseases.

History

Ann Wigmore, a Lithuanian immigrant and Boston resident, was the first individual to promote the "Wheatgrass Diet," a type of vegetarian, raw diet heavily based on the healing power of wheatgrass. Wigmore derived her theory from a belief in the healing power of nature, her interpretation of the bible and observations that animals eat grass when they are sick. Wigmore stated early on that wheatgrass could cure diseases such as diabetes and AIDS, but later retracted these statements after being sued for making false health claims. Wigmore died in 1993, but her Creative Health Institute still exists and many individuals continue to follow the wheatgrass diet.

Health Claims

Historically, wheatgrass was used in folk medicine to treat cystitis, gout, arthritis, skin disorders and constipation. Chlorophyll, the substance that makes it green, is considered the main powerhouse in wheatgrass and is said to oxygenate the blood. Supporters of wheatgrass use it to treat the common cold, cough and fever, fight infection, cleanse the liver, prevent tooth decay, decrease blood pressure, improve digestion and prevent graying of hair.

Nutrition Facts

Wheatgrass is a natural source of vitamins and minerals. In addition to chlorophyll, it also contains vitamins A, C, E and K, B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium and amino acids. NutritionData.com reports that 1 oz. of wheatgrass provides 7 calories, 1 g carbohydrates 0 g protein and fat, 5 mg sodium, and 7 percent and 10 percent of the daily requirements for vitamin C and iron respectively.

Research

A small study of 21 individuals published in 2002 in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology examined wheatgrass in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the colon, and found that intake of wheatgrass juice helped to control pain, diarrhea and bleeding associated with the disease. Currently, however, there is not enough scientific evidence to consider wheatgrass as a proven cure or treatment for diseases and more research is necessary.

Considerations

Like most supplements, the ingredients in wheatgrass products and the dosing recommendation is monitored by manufacturers. Wheatgrass is considered generally safe, but some side effects may be nausea, headache, hives and swelling of the throat. The American Cancer Society makes this statement about the safety of wheatgrass: "Because it is grown in soils or water and consumed raw, contamination with bacteria, molds, or other substances may be a concern. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use wheatgrass. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences."