[tr-shareit]fun fact: Because of its high chlorophyll content, wheatgrass has a strong alkalizing and detoxifying effect on the body.[/tr-shareit]
[envira-gallery id=”3446″]
[toc]
Introduction
Wheatgrass is widely available in the market as either juice or powder concentrate. It is the sprouted part of the wheat plant. This type of grass can be cultivated indoor and outdoor. So if you are looking for a great source of vitamins and minerals you can juice at home, then wheatgrass is the right choice for you. Here’s why.
One hundred grams, or approximately 2.8 ounces, of wheat grams contain some 20 calories. Apart from its low calorie content, wheatgrass is also rich in dietary fiber and makes it a good addition to your food list when trying to live a healthy lifestyle.
The 100g serving of wheatgrass has 2g of carbohydrates and 0.06g of fat. These nutrients are essential in the body as they function as sources of energy for organs to function accordingly.
Wheatgrass is loaded with vitamins like vitamins A, C, E, and K. Vitamin A, known for its capability to improve or maintain good vision, is coupled with beta-carotene to maximize its effect to the body. Aside from vitamin A, another antioxidant present in wheatgrass is vitamin C. This vitamin helps strengthen the body’s immune system by keeping off infectious agents from the body.
Vitamin E regulates blood flow and blood cholesterol level, while vitamin K is involved in bone formation and for proper blood clotting. Also, wheatgrass is notably rich in vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid with 6 milligrams per 100g serving. The body needs sufficient amount of vitamin B5 to convert carbohydrates, fats and protein into the much needed glucose for energy. Pantothenic acid plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells.
For minerals, wheatgrass is an impressive storage of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and iron, to name a few.
Wheatgrass contributes 24 milligrams of magnesium per 100g serving, which amounts to 8% of the daily-recommended value. The 100g serving of wheatgrass also yields 147 milligrams of potassium, which is 3% of the daily-recommended intake of such mineral.
Magnesium works with calcium to ensure bone health. It likewise aids in the contraction of both blood vessels and muscles as well as in protein and DNA synthesis. Potassium, on the other hand, is an electrolyte needed for proper cell functioning. It works with sodium for fluid balance.
The nutritional facts of wheatgrass serve as the basis of the growing literature of its health benefits to the human body.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Wheatgrass
Alkalizes the Body
It has been found that wheatgrass contains high alkaline minerals that cleans body tissues. These alkaline properties generally boost the functions of the tissues in the body to avoid their damage and deterioration. Consumption of wheat grass also prevents acidosis because of increased alkalinity in the blood.
Battles Anemia
Drinking wheatgrass juice increases the red blood cells count. Anemia is caused by the inefficiency of the body to absorb iron. Iron is a very important compound playing very important role in our body especially in our blood. Iron keeps the body oxygenated through blood circulation. Its role is to transport and distribute oxygen to the body’s organs and parts. Regular consumption of wheatgrass assures that the body has normal red blood cells count and that they transport enough oxygen throughout the body.
Great Source of Antioxidants
Wheatgrass is known for its abundance in strong antioxidants that generally cleanses the body and eliminates formation of free radicals. Wheatgrass is in fact used as a primary ingredient in producing healthy supplements because of its high amounts of antioxidant content. A single serving of wheatgrass is able to dissolve abnormal mass growth and free radical formation that leads to irregularities in the body causing serious illnesses such as cancer and heart ailments.
Eliminates Body Odor
Body odor is caused by bacteria and fungi housing in the body. Wheatgrass has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Constantly consuming wheatgrass can eliminate body odor and bad breath. Wheatgrass has antioxidants that cleanse the gastro-intestines and the lymphatic system which are the source of developing bad body odor. To keep your breathe and body fresh, drinking wheatgrass juice or associating it in your meals can positively help.
Relieves Athletes Foot
As mentioned above, wheatgrass has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Bacteria and fungi cause infections in the skin just like athletes foot. Wheat grass can be used as a remedy to athlete’s foot. It is a safer and more natural option as compared to prescribed medicinal creams. You can immediately soak your feet to the wheatgrass extract and your skin condition will surely subside in just a few days.
Battles cancer
Because of the high levels of antioxidants contained in wheatgrass, it is proven to reduce chances of different types of cancer up to 50%. Risk of cancer is alleviated by stress in chronic oxidation and inflammation. With the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this vegetable, eating or drinking its juice supports in stopping risks of cancer. Its antioxidant content, called flavanoid, is among the strongest types of antioxidants that stop free radical formation. Free radicals negatively affect the DNA of our cells causing it damage.
Prevents Diabetes
Wheatgrass contains almost zero sugar level thus having very low glycemic index. Food with low glycemic index releases sugar once at a time in the body’s blood stream. This is known as sugar metabolism. Intake of food that is low in glycemic index steadies blood sugar levels. You will less likely experience spikes in blood sugar that can cause many more complications. In fact, wheatgrassis used as one of the ingredients of supplements that are used in controlling blood sugar for diabetic people. This will result to reduced exposure to diabetes.
Strengthens the Immune System
Another health advantage of wheatgrass is that it provides the body high levels of Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays an integral role in our overall health. It is a very strong antioxidant that builds up the body’s defense against sickness. In fact Vitamin C is the most effective antioxidant for the body to be in its optimal condition. Consuming wheatgrass will establish a strong resistance especially against infection-related common sicknesses like cold, cough, flu, etc. Make sure to replenish your body’s Vitamin C demand because this vitamin cannot be stored long in the body because it is flushed by sweating and urinating. Wheat grass is an excellent source of Vitamin C and adding it to your diet will make you healthier.
Helps in Managing Weight
Consuming wheat grass has very effective impact on losing weight. Studies have shown that drinking the extract of wheat grass before and after meals shreds off excess fats in the body. Wheatgrass consumption curbs appetite to lessen tendency of overeating. It boosts satiety that will make you feel full for hours. Further food intake will be regulated because it is rich in fiber that is able to suppresses hunger. Adding wheatgrass to your low-calorie diet will surely show effective and instant results.