Wheatgrass Benefits
1. Treat Skin
Diseases
Wheatgrass can be used to treat skin diseases such as eczema and
psoriasis. There are several ways you can go about using wheatgrass for your
skin. Pour wheatgrass juice into a few holes in an ice cube tray, freeze, and
rub a cube across blemishes on your skin as well as on any scars or damaged
areas. Alternatively, you could pour a cup of wheatgrass juice or powder into a
warm bath and soak your body in the bath for at least 30 minutes.
2. Lose Weight
Wheatgrass contains selenium, which is crucial for the healthy
functioning of the thyroid gland. According to a 2013 study in Clinical
Endocrinology, adding selenium to your diet can help improve irregular thyroid
function, even when linked to other issues such as autoimmune diseases.
The thyroid is one of your body’s natural weight management tools,
so ensure that your thyroid is healthy by downing a wheatgrass shot first thing
in the morning.
3. Reduce Food
Cravings
Wheatgrass is loaded with so many nutrients that your body isn’t
lusting for other foods to compensate for any lack of vitamins or minerals.
Some common nutrient deficiencies — such as magnesium, iron, and omega-3s — can
make you snack as your body searches for a source of these much-needed mineralsTake
a wheatgrass supplement (or juice shot) each morning on an empty stomach, and
it may prevent overeating throughout the day.
4. Detox Your Cells
Wheatgrass is highly alkaline and high in nutrients, making
it the perfect tool for a detox. While the jury is still out on whether
alkaline diets can truly change the alkalinity or acidity of your blood,
nutritionists agree that by eating an alkaline diet, we inadvertently end up
eating healthier.
5. Improve Immunity
One of the top documented wheatgrass benefits is its ability to
increase red blood cells in the body, Parikh notes, making it an excellent
immunity booster.
6. Stimulate
Circulation
Wheatgrass has the ability to increase the amount of oxygen in the
blood, making it a great way to stimulate circulation.
While a 2008 study in the Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine
showed that wheatgrass does not significantly increase the blood oxygen levels
of resting individuals, a follow-up study in the same journal showed that
wheatgrass did, in fact, increase oxygen levels when taken directly before
exercise.
To take advantage of this benefit, take a shot of wheatgrass
before beginning your regular exercise regime.
7. Improve Digestion
Instead of reaching for antacids to relieve heartburn or
indigestion, introduce wheatgrass into your daily regimen.
Wheatgrass contains several elements that can boost digestion,
including a great deal of fiber, and B complex vitamins, which boost the
function of the muscles of the digestive system, according to Dr. Marc Micozzi.
“In general (B complex vitamins) help move energy obtained from
food into the tissue cells, where it is needed,” he says. Thiamine helps
convert carbs into energy, and riboflavin keeps the mucosal lining of your
digestive tract healthy; wheatgrass contains both.
8. Treat Arthritis
Health experts believe wheatgrass is effective in treating
arthritis. A 2012 study in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Drug Research showed that rheumatoid arthritis patients who followed a raw
vegetarian diet rich in lactobacilli saw decreased symptoms, and that nearly
half of these benefits were due to the increased consumption of fermented wheat
drinks, wheatgrass drinks, fiber, and iron.
Chlorophyll is thought to fight inflammation, which is associated
with joint pain and may be the reason wheatgrass is so helpful in these cases.
9. Reduce Fatigue
When you experience fatigue, your body is likely deprived of rest
and is dealing with a weakened immune system.
Not only does chlorophyll boost the immune system, it also helps
to increase oxygen supply in your body’s cells and tissues, contributing to
cell regeneration, which heals the body and reduces fatigue symptoms.
10. Treat Skin Wounds
By regenerating cells, wheatgrass juice can treat skin wounds and
help them heal faster. A 2014 study in the Journal of Science and Healing
Outcomes showed that topical application of wheatgrass was so powerful it was
able to reduce plantar lesions in leprosy patients.
To use wheatgrass topically, dab wheatgrass juice on the skin with
a cotton ball, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and patting dry
with a towel.
11. Prevent Tooth
Decay
Wheatgrass has natural antibacterial and
antimicrobial properties that can increase mouth health and reduce the
risk of cavities and gum inflammation when drunk.
This stems from the chlorophyll contained in wheatgrass, which,
according to a study in 2007 study in Revista Sul-Brasileira de Odontologia, is
so powerful in its antimicrobial properties that it was shown to have effects
on curing candida albicans, which may mean that wheatgrass can help treat cases
of oral thrush as well.
12. Cleanse the Liver
Wheatgrass is probably best known for its effects on the liver.
The liver processes what the body ingests, and with its
detoxifying properties, nutrients, and enzymes, wheatgrass is able to restore
and revitalize this crucial organ. A 2014 study in the Journal of Membrane
Biology showed that wheatgrass consumption could even protect the liver against
the detrimental effects of alcohol.
13. Stabilize Lipid
Levels
Wheatgrass improves lipid levels, which means it’s a great tool
for managing high cholesterol. A 2011 study in Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica
showed that wheatgrass reduced hyperlipidemia in rats and could be a tool to
aid in reducing cholesterol.
14. Clear Sinus
Congestion
As wheatgrass supports immunity and reduces inflammation, it can
also be an excellent tool for reducing congestion.
Some tout the benefits of snorting wheatgrass juice through the
nose to clear the sinuses by pulling toxins and breaking up mucus–which we
don’t recommend. Fortunately, you can just as easily reap these benefits by
drinking wheatgrass.
15. Get Rid of Acne
Wheatgrass’ antibacterial benefits and its ability to reduce
chronic inflammation combine to make wheatgrass an excellent tool to reduce
acne and occasional breakouts.
16. Prevent Cancer
Wheatgrass’s anti-cancer benefits stem from its blood oxygenating
ability; cancer thrives in a low-oxygen environment, so wheatgrass may
contribute to cancer prevention in this way.
In addition, Parikh notes, “Wheatgrass has enzymes that fight
carcinogens and reduce the toxic load of radiation, pollution, and heavy
metals.”
Just remember that since wheatgrass’ ability to oxygenate the
blood is activated with exercise, pair your wheatgrass shots with your favorite
workout.
17. Fight Depression
A 2008 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry addressed an
all-important topic often overlooked by nutritional science: while we often
tout the benefits of different foods for physical health, foods can also
benefit mental health, and not just when it comes to your mood.
The study showed that keeping iron levels balanced is crucial for those
suffering from depression, and the iron in wheatgrass are one way to contribute
to this.
18. Ease Menstrual
Pains
Irregular and painful menstrual cycles can be attributed to
malnourishment or vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly of magnesium
and niacin, according to a 1981 study in the American Journal of Clinical
nutrition.
Wheatgrass’s abundance of vitamins helps to fill in any holes in
your diet, helping you to weather through that time of the month more easily.
19. Slow Aging
The amino acid chains and antioxidants in wheatgrass can help
repair damaged DNA and reduce the effect of free radicals, which harm these
essential elements of our cells, according to a 2006 study in Phytotherapy
Research.
Damaged DNA can wreak havoc in your body, causing sterility,
genetic abnormalities, and abnormal or quicker aging, and supplementing
with wheatgrass is a great way to stave off these and other related issues.
20. Fight Radiation
Wheatgrass extract proved successful in topically treating acute
radiation-induced skin reactions. In fact, studies conducted by the U.S. Army
showed that guinea pigs exposed to radiation and then given chlorophyll-rich
diets had half the mortality rates of the control group.
We are exposed to radiation on a daily basis, from our iPhones to
iPads, and wheatgrass makes for a useful tool in offsetting overexposure.
21. Stabilize Blood
Sugar Levels
Wheatgrass was shown to be a powerful anti-hyperglycemic agent in
a 2016 study in Toxicology and Industrial Health.
The study showed that wheatgrass could be beneficial for those
suffering from diabetes or other hyperglycemic issues. This makes it a fitting
supplement for those with diabetes or who are trying to reduce blood sugar
levels.
22. Feed Your Brain
The chlorophyll in wheatgrass fuels the body with oxygen, thanks
to its ability to increase red blood cell health. Oxygen is vital to many body
processes, especially for the brain, which uses 25 percent of the body’s oxygen
supply. Wheatgrass is, quite literally, brain food.
23. .Increase
Fertility
If you’re trying for a baby, get a shot of wheatgrass into your
hubby’s breakfast too.
Wheatgrass contains P4D1, a compound that impacts sperm cells and
DNA, ultimately increasing fertility, according to Dr. Yasuo Hotta, a
biologist at the University of California, San Diego.
Cut wheatgrass can be placed into an airtight container and
survive about seven to eight days in the refrigerator. Juice it right before
you drink it for maximum health benefits.
Source: News papers and Health Magazines.