Wheatgrass is traditionally a type of grass that is used in health industry to produce a medicinal product using the above-ground part of plant. It is widely used to supply health benefits since it contain high amounts if essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin E and, magnesium, calcium and other nutrients.
Wheatgrass Benefits
Wheatgrass is used traditionally to manage a number of physical conditions; however, so far there is little statistical study to prove the proposed benefits.
1. Increase Hemoglobin
Wheatgrass is consumed to improve the hemoglobin concentration of blood as it is rich in healthy nutrients and enzymes. It reduces the inflammation, bleeding tendency and physical pain syndromes. Since wheatgrass contain high concentration of chlorophyll, the oxygen absorbing and retaining capacity of your blood increases that helps in managing the symptoms of anemia.
2. Cleanse the Body
When consumed in optimal doses, it helps in the detoxification of liver and blood to eliminate and excrete chemicals, toxins and endogenous waste products that are produced as a result of metabolic processes.
3. Prevent Grey Hair
It is also used to prevent the physical signs of aging like graying of hair due to high concentration of vitamin C and other anti-oxidants. In addition, wheatgrass is also helpful in relieving dandruff and repair of damaged hair.
4. Reduce Urinary Tract Disorders
The high anti-oxidant concentration and effect on bodily enzymes is helpful in improving the urinary tract infections and other disorders like renal stones, infection of prostate or even benign prostate hypertrophy.
5. Cure Skin Conditions
Wheatgrass is often consumed by individuals to cleanse skin and detoxify blood to relieve acne. It has proven efficacy in delaying the aging signs of skin (sagging of skin, wrinkling or appearance of eye- bags) with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Fight Cancer
Human body is exposed to a lot of carcinogens or chemicals/toxins that tend to alter the genetic make-up of the cells. Consuming moderate amounts of wheatgrass is helpful in neutralizing the chemicals that may lead to cancer. If you are exposed to second-hand or third-had smoking (or you are an active smoker or alcoholic or are exposed to other chemicals), you must consider taking wheatgrass on regular basis.
7. Promote Fertility
The high quality nutrients like vitamins and minerals exert health promoting effects in the women who have abnormal cycles due to weakness or malnutrition. In addition, regular supplementation helps in detoxification of the body and removal of hormonal breakdown products that may affect fertility and reproductive capacity.
8. Other Benefits
In addition to above listed benefits, wheatgrass is also used to treat a variety of respiratory disorders and other ailments like fever, sore-throat, arthritis, stomach and gastric discomfort and similar conditions. In addition, wheatgrass is also helpful in controlling blood pressure and thereby decrease the risk of cardiac mortality. Furthermore, wheatgrass can help with weight loss when consumed raw, dehydrated form.
Cautions of Using Wheatgrass
Although, it has been generally observed that wheatgrass is safe and is not associated with adverse effects or complications; however, caution must be maintained since:
- In some cases, consumption of wheatgrass may lead to nausea, vomiting or symptoms of upper gastrointestinal illness. In addition, some people may develop swelling of throat, hives and symptoms of allergic reactions.
- Since wheatgrass is usually obtained from soil/ water and consumed in unaltered/ unprocessed forms, there is always a risk of bacterial contamination or fungal contamination.
- Avoid the intake if you are pregnant or breast-feeding to limit the risk of any adverse events.
- It has to be kept in mind that wheatgrass is not a miraculous drug and is definitely not a substitute for your normal daily food.
- Because of the possible risk of bacterial or fungal contamination, it is recommended to avoid the consumption if you have compromised immunity due to age (elderly or very young), physiological factors (pregnancy or breast feeding) or disease (inherited or acquired bacterial or viral illnesses).
Wheatgrass Recipes
1. Guacamole
Ingredients:
- Avocados - 6
- Guacamole seasoning - 1 package
- Lime juice - 1 tbsp.
- Water - 1 tbsp.
- Pines Wheat Grass Powder - 2 tbsp.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 cup
Method:
Cut the avocadoes in half and remove the pits. Scoop out the avocadoes, mesh the contents with a fork and add seasoning. Add water, lime juice, wheatgrass powder and half of the cilantro in a blender. Blend gently and serve with crackers after sprinkling left over cilantro.
2. Yogurt Smoothie Breakfast
Ingredients:
- Low fat yogurt - 6 oz. plain
- 100% fruit juice (any fruit of your choice ideally cranberry) - 6 oz.
- 21 Pines Wheat Grass tablets
Methods:
Mix the low fat yogurt with fruit juice and drink it with pills. The high fiber and anti-oxidant rich combination of cranberry and wheatgrass serve as the healthiest breakfast that will keep you full until lunch-time.
3. Detox Juice
Ingredients:
- Cranberry Juice - 1 cup
- Pines Wheat Grass Powder - 1 tbsp
Method:
Mix the ingredients, shake gently and serve chilled. It is one of the healthiest recipes to obtain full body detoxification.
4. Green Energy Shake
Ingredients:
- Crushed Pineapple - ¾ cup
- Unfiltered Apple Juice - ¾ cup
- Banana - 1 small
- Pines Wheat Grass Powder - 2 tbsp.
Methods:
Blend all the ingredients until a smooth consistency is obtained. You can also add other fruits of your choice or flavors like lime juice or crushed mint. You can also alter the consistency of your shake by adding crushed ice or water.
5. Green Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- Mild Oil - 1-1/2 cups
- Rice Vinegar - ½ cup
- Garlic - 2 cloves
- PINES Wheat Grass Powder - 2 tbsp.
- Cayenne - 1 tsp.
Methods:
Add all the ingredients in a blender and blend gently. Make sure to refrigerate the dressing for at least 24 hours before serving. Blend gently just before serving.