Wheatgrass is actually the stem and roots of young wheat plants from 8-12 days old.
In recent years, in Vietnam, there has been a movement to use wheatgrass for many health purposes such as liver detoxification, improving immune function, fighting cancer.
Healthline lists 5 benefits of wheatgrass based on scientific research as follows:
1. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants
Wheatgrass is an excellent source of many different vitamins and minerals. Wheatgrass contains about 13 vitamins such as A, C, E; 10 minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium; 17 amino acids and more than 100 enzymes are beneficial to human health.
Like all green plants, wheatgrass also contains chlorophyll, a plant pigment that has many health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and cancer prevention.
Wheatgrass also contains several important antioxidants, including glutathione, vitamins C and E. Antioxidants work to fight free radicals to prevent cell damage and reduce oxidative stress.
Some studies have found that antioxidants may help protect against certain health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and degenerative diseases of the nervous system.
An animal study by Sharma College of Health Sciences, India, showed that wheatgrass was able to improve cholesterol levels in rabbits fed a high-fat diet.
An in vitro study by the Department of Chemistry, University of Pune, India, showed that the antioxidants in wheatgrass were able to reduce oxidative damage to body cells.
However, these studies have been limited to the laboratory and to animals. More human studies are needed to confirm this role of wheatgrass.
2. Lower cholesterol
Wheatgrass has the effect of reducing cholesterol in the body. Illustrated photo.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found throughout the body. While the body needs some cholesterol to make hormones and produce bile, too much cholesterol in the blood can clog blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Some animal studies have found that wheatgrass can help lower blood cholesterol levels.
An interesting study in India found that wheatgrass had similar effects to atorvastatin, a prescription drug commonly used to treat high cholesterol.
However, more studies are needed to confirm this effect of wheatgrass.
3. Support against cancer
Aiding in cancer prevention is a well-known effect of wheatgrass. Illustrated photo.
Thanks to its high antioxidant content, several test-tube studies have found that wheatgrass can help kill cancer cells.
According to an in vitro study by scientists in India, wheatgrass extract reduced the spread of oral cancer cells by 41%.
Some other studies indicate that wheatgrass juice may also aid in the treatment and minimize the side effects of cancer treatment.
A study by Israeli scientists found that wheatgrass juice reduced the risk of bone marrow failure, a common complication of chemotherapy, in 60 breast cancer patients.
However, more research is needed to understand the role of wheatgrass in limiting the spread of cancer cells in humans.
4. Regulate blood sugar
Wheatgrass can be used fresh or powdered. Illustrated photo.
High blood sugar can cause a range of symptoms including headaches, increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
Over time, high blood sugar can have serious consequences such as nerve damage, skin infections, and vision problems.
Some animal studies have found that wheatgrass may help control blood sugar by changing levels of certain enzymes that help lower blood sugar.
However, these studies were limited to animals. More human studies are needed to further understand the effects of wheatgrass on blood sugar changes.
5. Reduce inflammation
Wheatgrass is very easy to grow. Illustrated photo.
Inflammation is a normal response triggered by the immune system to protect the body against damage and infection.
However, chronic inflammation is thought to contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Some research shows that wheatgrass and its components may help reduce inflammation.
Note when using wheatgrass
Wheatgrass can be used fresh or powdered. It is important that you choose to buy products at reputable establishments to ensure safety when using.
You can also grow your own wheatgrass and juice it with a blender.
In addition to drinking wheatgrass juice directly, you can add this juice to tea, salad dressing or some other drinks.
If you are sensitive to gluten, you should consult your doctor before using wheatgrass.
Wheatgrass is also very susceptible to mold if grown at home. If you find the juice has a bitter or other strange taste, you should not continue to use it.
Some cases reported symptoms such as nausea, headache or diarrhea after using wheatgrass. If you experience these conditions, you should reduce your intake or talk to your doctor if these symptoms do not go away.
In general, wheatgrass is a healthy food with many health benefits, but it cannot replace medicine for disease treatment and is not a “panacea” for disease prevention. A scientific, reasonable diet, combined with regular exercise is still the key to a stable and sustainable health.
(Source: Healthline)
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