If you frequented the farmer’s market over the summer you likely came across a few stands that touted the benefits of wheatgrass. I was one of these people and I was also skeptical of what I was being told as I swallowed the purchased and hideous vitamin/mineral rich shot.
It is ironic that wheatgrass is coming up now in the media and markets when it was first introduced in the 1930s by a chemist named Charles F Schnabel. Today people consume 2-4 ounce shots of wheatgrass for therapeutic affects, ranging from promotion of general well-being to cancer prevention and detoxification. Proven wheatgrass health claims are far and few between, yet its’ ingredient chlorophyll has been studied.
Wheatgrass contains up to 70% chlorophyll and data suggests chlorophyll will act like an antibiotic and arrest growth of unfriendly bacteria. Also, chlorophyll has shown to balance red blood cells in anemic animals. In folk medicine, practitioners used wheatgrass to treat cystitis, gout, rheumatic pain, chronic skin disorders, and constipation.
Wheatgrass is available in tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, tinctures, and juices. Some people buy seeds or kits and grow it at home, either indoors or outside. It is most often made into juice, but can also be used to make tea. Overall, wheatgrass is generally considered safe, although a few individuals have reported nausea, headaches, hives, or swelling in the throat within minutes of drinking its juice. Unlike drugs, the companies that make supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as they don’t claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease.
I suggest if you don’t have any allergies to give wheatgrass a try and to intuitively decide if it makes you feel better, worse or no change. Everyone is different and some people may not notice a thing while others may promise their life on it. I only tried it one time but I am not against trialing it again.
Have a healthy and fit day!
