Wheatgrass Benefits

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.