Wheatgrass: Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

“Thalassaemia is an inherited blood condition that results in the production of abnormal haemoglobin, the molecules in the red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. Many of these patients often require lifelong, usually monthly, blood transfusions and various drugs to help remove excess iron from the body. There are millions of sufferers worldwide.

Wheatgrass has been shown to increase the “transfusion gap” in some of these patients i.e. the length of time required between blood transfusions.”

-Dr Chris Reynolds (www.drwheatgrass.com.au)

What is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is prepared from fresh leaves of Triticum aestivum, or common wheat. Before the wheat plant matures, the young leaves or grass are harvested and then converted to powdered form. Some people also use it in its natural form. It is considered as a superfood, since it is known to provide more nutrients at the expense of fewer calories. Here are some benefits and other details of Wheatgrass.

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Benefits of Wheatgrass

Nourishes Body

Wheatgrass is rich in Vitamin A, C, E and minerals like potassium, calcium and iron among others. The natural source of so many essentials vitamins and minerals is important to keep the body healthy against various ailments.

Lowers Cholesterol

Wheatgrass is believed to lower cholesterol levels. The wheatgrass produces effects similar to atorvastatin, a prescribed drug that is used to treat high blood pressure.

Fights Cancer

Test tube studies have shown that Wheatgrass is capable of killing cancer cells. This is due to its antioxidant nature. Although enough evidence of this is not present, there have been studies where Wheatgrass did kill leukemia cells.

Reduces Inflammation

Wheatgrass can help to decrease inflammation. A study revealed that Wheatgrass was able to reduce severity of ulcerative colitis, which is the inflammation of bowels.

How to Consume Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is easy to add to your daily diet. You can buy it in powder, juice or even capsule form.

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Dosage

For people just starting, 1-2 doses, which is about 3-6 grams, is enough. Juice can be taken in about 20-25 ml servings per day.

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Side effects

1. Excess amounts should be avoided otherwise may lead to uneasiness.
2. Adequate research on effects on humans is still lacking. It is better to consult a doctor when taking Wheatgrass for major diseases.
3. Some people have reported symptoms of diarrhoea and nausea after consuming Wheatgrass juice.

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Buyer’s guide for Wheatgrass

Brands available

1. Herbal Hills (powder)
2. Girme’s (powder)
3. Kapiva (juice)
4. Urban platter (powder)

Where to buy from

1. Amazon India
2. Nature’s basket
3. Health kart
4. Gourmet delight