Wheatgrass is now a staple in every health cautious person and every juice bar. Wheatgrass is prepared from the freshly sprouted leaves of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It can be grown and prepared at home or purchased in juice, powder or supplement form.
Good vibes about this nutritious ingredient has filled the air from detoxifying the liver to improving your immune system and many more. Some have been proven others may just be exaggerations, however let’s take a little time and look at just 7 proven benefits of wheatgrass.
- Filled with Nutrients and Antioxidants
Wheatgrass is a power house for viatmins A, C and E as well as iron, magnesium, calcium and amino acids. Of its 17 amino acids, eight are considered essential.
Antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals to prevent cell damage and reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants could help protect against conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases and also reduced oxidative damage to cells.
- Cholesterol Reduction
We all need some level of Cholesterol to make hormones and produce bile, however, too much cholesterol in your blood can block blood flow and increase your risk of heart disease.
The effects of wheatgrass are similar to those of atorvastatin, a prescription drug commonly used to treat high blood cholesterol.
- Could Kill Cancer Cells
Thanks to its high antioxidant content, some studies have found that wheatgrass may help kill cancer cells. According to one test-tube study, wheatgrass extract decreased the spread of mouth cancer cells by 41%.
In another test-tube study, wheatgrass induced cell death and reduced the number of leukemia cells by up to 65% within three days of treatment.
Some research indicates that wheatgrass juice may also help, when combined with traditional cancer treatment, minimize adverse effects.
- Blood Sugar Regulation
High blood sugar can cause a wide array of symptoms, including headaches, thirst, frequent urination and fatigue. Some studies have found that wheatgrass may help keep blood sugar levels under control.
- Alleviate Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal response triggered by the immune system to protect the body against injury and infection. However, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Wheatgrass is also rich in chlorophyll, a plant pigment with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Promotes weight Loss
Wheatgrass contains thylakoids, which are tiny compartments found in plants that contain chlorophyll and absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. Human and animal studies have found that the thylakoids in wheatgrass and other green vegetables may increase satiety and weight loss.
- Easy to incorporate to Your Diet
Wheatgrass is widely available in powder, juice and capsule form and can easily be found at health food shops and specialty grocery stores. If you are able to grow wheatgrass at home, you can use a juicer to make your own wheatgrass juice.
Besides drinking wheatgrass juice, you can use the juice or powder to boost the nutritional content of your favorite green smoothies.You can also mix wheatgrass juice into salad dressings, teas or other beverages.