When looking to boost our health, it can be easy to get sucked into the latest crazes and trends. From smoothies to sit-ups, Zumba to zero gravity yoga, there are endless opportunities to help improve your diet and overall health. A choice which has gathered momentum in recent months is wheatgrass, which is renowned for its variety of benefits. Read on to learn more, and prepare to dig out your best wheatgrass juicer and get creative today!
1. Antioxidants
One of the key superpowers of wheatgrass is its ability to relieve stomach pain and its role in helping to alleviate gastrointestinal problems and disorders. Wheatgrass is high in vitamins A, E, and C, which help to reverse the impact of free radicals. This makes them vital in the fight against aging, cancer, and inflammation. The latter occurs when the immune system suddenly responds to a particular health issue and can cause long term pain and discomfort. The antioxidant properties of wheatgrass make it hugely popular for combating conditions such as arthritis.
2. Cancer
Wheatgrass is also known to play a role in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Studies have shown it to be beneficial in slowing the development of oral cancer and colon cancer, and even killing off some cancer cells. It can also help chemotherapy to be more effective, and reduce the many side effects associated with the treatment.
3. Infection
Certain infections may be slowed or killed off altogether by wheatgrass, making it invaluable in fighting conditions which are resistant to antibiotics. It also presents a viable treatment option to those allergic to antibiotics and has been used in everything from strep to dental issues.
4. Stomach Issues
Wheatgrass has an extensive reputation of being used to reduce stomach pain, and reduce and manage other gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. It can be used for gluten-intolerant patients and has been proven to alleviate pains and symptoms of conditions such as IBS.
5. Diabetes
The inflammation-fighting properties of wheatgrass can be hugely beneficial in treating diabetes, and it is also thought to lower blood glucose by raising the levels of insulin in the body. As a bonus, it can be used to help tackle obesity—a leading cause of diabetes in many cases.
6. Cholesterol
While some cholesterol is essential to help the body produce hormones and bile, too much can increase the risk of heart disease by blocking blood flow. Many studies have shown that wheatgrass can reduce the level of cholesterol in the body, improving health and restoring healthy circulation.
7. Help With Weight Loss
Wheatgrass juice is thought to play a key role in boosting weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight, thanks to the inclusion of thylakoids. These are tiny compartments located in plants, which contain chlorophyll and so help to absorb the sunlight required for photosynthesis. This is thought to help make consumers feel stay full longer and therefore acts as a valuable tool for weight loss.
Annalise O'Conner
Annalise O'Conner is a Registered Dietitian and Personalized Nutritionist. She is a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, teaching nutrition in the School of Public Health and APAN (Asian Pacific Islander American Network) Email: [email protected]
