What is wheatgrass?
- Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted first leaves of the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), used as a food, drink, or dietary supplement.
- Wheatgrass is a nutrient-rich herb or leaf. Basically, it is a freshly & young germinated wheat leaf from the wheat plant
- Wheatgrass juice will provide you with more energy by fulfilling nutritional deficiencies and by removing wastes that clog your cells, blood, tissues and organs
- Wheatgrass is a superfood packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
Planting instruction to grow wheatgrass
- Mix 2 barrels of top soil 50-50 with peat moss or screened compost, take about 12 hard plastic 10”x14” sized cafeteria trays, several wide mouth jars and wheatberries to plant.
- Wash wheatberries and left them soak for 12 hours, then allow them to sprout for 12 hours.
- Spread soil 1 inch deep on trays, leaving shallow trenches around the edges to catch excess water. Smooth the soil and spread the sprouted wheatberries on top.
- Water the planted tray, cover with another tray and set aside for 2-3 days.
- On day 4, uncovered the tray, water it, and set it in indirect light. Continue watering tray daily or every other day as needed to keep it moist.
- Harvest wheatgrass with a sharp knife when it reaches 7-10 inches in height, cutting as close to the roots as possible without pulling up lumps of soil.
- Use wheatgrass as soon after harvesting as possible.
- If necessary, cut wheatgrass can be stored for up to 7 days in a covered container or plastic bags in refrigerator.
Nutritive value of Wheatgrass
Its extensive combination of vitamins and nutrients may make wheatgrass an exceptional choice to enhance your well-being.
It contains:
- Vitamins : vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex
- Minerals: iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium, potassium
- Protein
- 17 amino acids
- Enzymes
- Phytonutrients
- Chlorophyll
- Dietary fibres
- Acids like aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, alanine and serine are also important constituents of wheatgrass.
Proteins
- It is also a good source of protein, with up to 8 grams per ounce if consumed in powder form or around 1 g in a “shot” of juice.
- This protein content consists of at least 17 forms of amino acid like arginine, serine, lysine, aspartic acid, glycine, alanine, methionine, leucine, tryptophane, phenylalanine, and valine.
Chlorophyll
- Wheatgrass chlorophyll represents 70% of its total chemical constituents that is an antioxidant and rebuilds the bloodstream.
- In addition, it gives the juice its distinctive green color which is the major quality factor in juice products.
- Chlorophyll has ability to induce mammalian phase 2 proteins that protect cells from harmful effect of oxidants and electrophiles. In addition to this, chlorophyll is structurally analogous to hemoglobin. The structure of these two compounds depicts a striking similarity, the only difference between the two is the nature of the central metal atom magnesium in chlorophyll and iron in hemoglobin. The structural similarity between the two compounds is the reason behind the increased oxygen supply to all cells including cancer cells.
Wheatgrass enzymes and ageing
- Cytochrome oxidase- require for proper cell respiration
- Lipase: fat splitting enzyme.
- Protease: a protein digestant
- Amylase: facilitate starch digestion
- Catalase: helps in reversing greying of hair and slowing down the process of ageing.
- Peroxidase: similar to catalase.
- Transhydrogenase
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD):
Anti ageing enzymes
Lessen effect of radiation
Acts as anti inflammatory
Protects us from cell damage, infection, ageing, radiation, poisoning by bad foods, airs and drugs.
Prevent exposure to irritants
If SOD supply decrease cell become poisoned it loose ability to renew and die prematurely.
High content of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and cytochrome oxidase have capacity to convert free radicals like reactive oxygen species to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen molecule
Benefits
- Wheatgrass has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The findings proved that WGJ increased fertility and promoted youthfulness, and the wheatgrass (WG) has the potential to be used as a “functional herb” containing natural bioactive compounds.
- WGJ is rich in chlorophyll which is an important phytopigment that has an anti-bacterial effect; meanwhile, the chlorophyll of wheatgrass is associated with many health benefits and rebuilds the bloodstream.
- In the same time, chlorophyll is a potent antioxidant with an effect on cancer prevention.
- As per 2011 research review chlorophyll aids in the removal of toxic substances and helps support healthy liver function.
- Once your body is cleansed, you may see an increase in energy levels and better health overall.
Alkaline pH of wheatgrass also plays an important role in its anticancer approach in two ways, it helps to reduce the number of microbes in the diet which attenuates the incidence of secondary infections to a certain degree in the patient and the cancer cells succumb in a highly alkaline environment. In this way, wheat grass possesses the ability to modify the physiological functions of cells and hence can act as anticancer agent.
It helps in digestion
- According to 2011 research: Wheatgrass has high levels of enzymes that aid in digestion by helping your body to break down food and absorb nutrients.
- As per 2015 research: the detox effects of wheatgrass clean your intestines. This helps you experience less gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Wheatgrass may also help relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues.
It boosts metabolism
- Drinking wheatgrass can boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss, it’s low in calories and has no fat.
- Wheatgrass is a nutrient-dense food, leading many people to feel fuller faster and stay full for longer. This can help reduce your desire for foods that are high in sugar or fat.
I can lower your cholesterol
- Wheatgrass is also known to lower cholesterol levels. Losing weight can also help you lower cholesterol levels, which can make you less at risk for developing heart disease.
It can boost your immune system
- Wheatgrass enhances the function of your immune system. This can help ward off infection and disease. Plus, you’ll likely feel better when your immunity is performing at optimal levels.
It can give you energy
- Your energy levels may be higher than usual from the nourishment you receive. Once your body has cleared out harmful substances, your energy can be directed toward performing daily tasks and exercising. You may feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
It can improve your cognitive functions
- Wheatgrass may improve overall mental function and relieve anxiety.
- According to 2010 lab study: Its neuroprotective effects allow for better cognitive function and may help ward off and treat Alzheimer’s disease.
- It may also help prevent memory loss and improve hand-eye coordination.
It can help with Diabetes
- According to a 2014 animal study, wheatgrass has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in rats with Type II diabetes.
- This is, in part, because wheatgrass has compounds that have an effect similar to insulin. It lowers the glycemic index of foods, which has a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
It can help with arthritis
- According to 2011 study: Wheatgrass may have anti-inflammatory properties. This may help ease some of the symptoms of arthritis, such as stiffness, pain, and swelling. It may result in less discomfort and improved function.
It improves blood and fights anemia
- It is also called as ‘green blood’ because of its high content of chlorophyll, which bears a structural similarity to haemoglobin and this result in high oxygen supply to all the body tissues.
- Wheatgrass juice has been shown to significantly affect the treatment of patients with anemia and thalassemia. The reason for this is that chlorophyll and hemoglobin have an identical molecular structure, with the difference in the central atom. In chlorophyll, the central atom is magnesium, while in hemoglobin, it is iron.
Green blood therapy
- Green Blood Therapy is the use of wheat grass juice which has also been called the green blood. The wheat grass juice contains all the nutrients the body requires and is considered a complete food.
Green Blood Therapy: Cure for Many Diseases
- Wheat grass therapy is recommended for patients suffering from chronic diseases like Asthma, Atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Joint pains, TB, Constipation, Hypertension, Diabetes, Bronchitis, Insomnia, Eczema, Sterility, Hemorrhage, Obesity and Flatulence. It is also useful in the treatment of cancer
How to use wheatgrass
The wheatgrass can be used both internally and externally.
Some of the internal application of wheatgrass is as follows:
- Wheatgrass juice
- Wheatgrass implant
- Wheatgrass tablet
- Wheat grass powder
Wheatgrass juice (drink/chew/gargle)
- To relieve sore throat- reduce swelling + pain.
- Effective eyewash for eyestrain, itchiness.
- Nasal passage- inhale/ insert drops, it will help cleanse and open sinuses.
Note : it may temporary worsening of symptoms
- Dilute and use
- If continued worsening of symptoms is noted, stop the use of wheatgrass juice.
Rectal implant/retention enema
- It stimulate peristaltic activities of motion that contracts colon wall
- Hardened black material/ rops or lumps of mucus, increase magnesium content draws out fat of colon wall and liver.
- Fresh wheat grass inserted into rectum.
- Retained about 20 minutes
- Helpful in case of illness and seriousness.
- It is used as a purge
Procedure
- Fill sterilized infant enema syringe with wheatgrass juice 1-2 ounce of fresh juice+ insert into rectum
- a couple of minutes later, bowels move hurriedly
- Try another 1-2 ounce implant
- 2nd attempt will carry more fecal matter
- 3rd implant 2-6 ounce
- Must be retained with ease
- Hold until you feel urge to eliminate generally 20 minutes
- May be surprise to find that body has absorbed all the juice after 20 minutes.
Other uses of wheatgrass
- Eliminate itching.
- Smoothened sunburned skin
- Acts as disinfectant
- Rubbed into scalp before shampoo will help damaged hair and alleviate itchy, scaly scalp condition + irritation
- Try leaving the juice on your scalp for a couple of hours before washing it off.
- Ever household should have some wheatgrass juice for smoothening and healing cuts, burns, scraps, open ulcers, tumours etc.
Doses
- When you first start taking wheatgrass, begin with a small dose and gradually increase your intake to meet the recommended dose. This will help your body adjust to digesting wheatgrass.
- A typical liquid dose is anywhere from 1 to 4 ounces, or about 2 shots. The usual powdered dose is 3 to 5 grams, or about 1 teaspoon. Drinking an 8-ounce cup of water after taking wheatgrass can help reduce your risk for side effects.
Possible side effects include:
- nausea
- headache
- constipation
- upset stomach
- fever
These symptoms typically fade within 2 weeks, or after your body has adjusted to the wheatgrass.
Don’t take wheatgrass if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or chest feeding. Allergic reactions are possible in some people, especially those who are allergic to wheat or grass. It may also affect you differently if you have a blood disorder, celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance.
Wheatgrass precautions
- If you are a pregnant and breastfeeding woman, then you do consult the healthcare professional before starting using it. Because there is no reliable data for the use of pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Wheatgrass is effective for blood sugar levels. So, if you’re the one who has blood sugar problems or symptoms or you’re on medication for diabetes, then you need to avoid the use of wheatgrass without consulting a professional.
- Wheatgrass also might interfere with blood sugar control after the surgery. Say no to wheatgrass and its extract during and after surgery. You need to stop the use of wheatgrass at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery time.
- If you see any wheatgrass juice side effects, then immediately contact the nearby doctors. Side effects might be nausea, Throat swelling, headaches, appetite loss, and constipation.
- If you are allergic or hypersensitive to wheatgrass, then you should avoid it and its supplements.