Wonders of Wheatgrass

If you’ve gone through our website or reached out to us you may have understood that Neutralise Naturals is nothing short of a celebration of the superfood Wheatgrass.

What makes this herb so special? Let’s take a look.

Wheatgrass is the fresh sprout/young grass of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum, harvested at the early stage (typically 7-10 days), i.e., before it attains full maturity. At this stage, its nutritional content is at its peak. 

Due to its high nutritional value, Wheatgrass is referred to as a “complete nourishment”. This nutrient dense superfood contains almost all the nutrients our bodies require, with almost 98 of the 102 earth elements found in soil. 

There are numerous ways to incorporate this superherb into your daily diet. It can be taken internally in the form of fresh juice, powder, capsule or applied externally as creams, sprays, oils and lotions.

Neutralise Naturals harvests these young sprouts of the wheat plant without any nasty chemicals, pesticides or other additives on the 7th day. Its nutrient profile has been bolstered by the addition of the roots of the wheat plant to make it the “ultimate complete nourishment”.  

Since wheatgrass is a product of mother nature, chances of any serious side effects are minimal, making it a safe and excellent supplement to daily diet.

Nutrient Profile:

Wheatgrass is packed with:  

• • Chlorophyll: Almost 70%. This phytonutrient is a green pigment found in plants where it plays a crucial role in carrying out photosynthesis. It contributes to wound healing, antioxidant and detoxifying properties of Wheatgrass. 

• Beta carotene: This phytonutrient is an excellent antioxidant and an important precursor for Vitamin A. It maintains healthy skin, vision, immune function and may even contribute to the anti-inflammatory property of Wheatgrass. 

• Glutathione: It is one of the most important antioxidants because it helps recycle all the other antioxidants. It also aids in detoxification. 

• Amino acids: Wheatgrass contains all the 20 standard amino acids including the 9 essential amino acids the body cannot produce and hence need to be obtained via food. 

Amino acids being the building blocks of protein aid in muscle growth, repair and maintenance. 

• Enzymes: Superoxide Dimutase (SOD), Protease, amylase, lipase, cytochrome-oxidase, transhydrogenase, etc.

Enzymes are crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption and overall metabolic processes. SOD is also a strong antioxidant. 

• Dietary Fiber: Facilitates healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
• Vitamins:

1. Fat soluble Vitamins such as:

• Vitamin A: Increases skin cell regeneration, helps in normal growth and development, strengthens immunity, promotes good eyesight and fertility. 
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant, promotes fertility, assists in wound healing. 
• Vitamin K: Crucial for blood coagulation, i.e., wound healing 

1. Water soluble Vitamins such as:

• Vitamin B Complex: Assists in digestion, promotes healthy skin and boosts immunity. 
• Vitamin C: Encourages wound healing, provides resistance to infections, powerful antioxidant. 

• Minerals:  

• Calcium: Promotes development of strong bones and teeth, nerve & muscle function. It’s alkaline nature helps it to act as a buffer to balance blood pH. 
• Zinc: This element plays a vital role in a variety of biological processes such as maintaining a healthy immune system, proper growth and development, supporting brain function and enhancing fertility. 
• Iron: It is involved in bodily functions such as oxygen transport, energy production, and DNA synthesis. 

To increase the bioavailability of dietary iron it is recommended to consume wheatgrass alongside vitamin C rich foods. 

• Magnesium: Aids in digestion, energy production, muscle function, and bone health. 
• Potassium: It is required for bodily functions like muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and fluid balance. 
• Selenium: It plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the immune system, thyroid gland and reproduction. It contributes to the antioxidant property of Wheatgrass. 

Wonder properties:

Wheatgrass’s chemical and elemental makeup has bestowed upon it wonderful properties like: 

• Strong Anti-inflammatory: 

As the name suggests, it helps to bring down inflammation which is often associated with a myriad of skin & health problems. It facilitates wound healing, helps heal fractures faster, reduces bruising, swelling and pain.  

• Powerful Antioxidant: 

Antioxidants help to fight free radicals, thereby, protecting the body from oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. 

• Potent Detoxifier:

It’s high chlorophyll content effectively purifies the blood by binding to and removing certain toxins, heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the blood. 

• Antibacterial: 

Wheatgrass has shown significant antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It helps fight and prevent infection. Antibacterial effect of wheatgrass is attributed to its high content of chlorophyll, Vitamins and phenolic compounds. 

• Antifungal: 

Wheatgrass has exhibited significant antifungal activity against several pathogenic fungi, including Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus.  Antifungal activity of wheatgrass is attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, such as chlorophyll, flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids. 

• Alkalization: 

It refers to the process of increasing the pH level of the body, thus, making it less acidic. This helps to maintain a healthy internal environment and promote overall well-being. 

• Cooling essence: 

This cooling property is attributed to its high chlorophyll content. It helps regulate the body’s internal temperature and provides a refreshing sensation. 

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

1. Wheatgrass is beneficial for Anemia

Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. 

The high amount of Iron along with Vitamin B12 & Vitamin B9 content of Wheatgrass assists in red blood cell production. Chlorophyll is found to be beneficial for blood health due to its structural similarity `to hemoglobin. 

1. Wheatgrass helps maintain body temperature

Due to its cool nature, people with excess body heat, nose bleeding, ulcers, untimely periods can benefit from this, however, it should be avoided if one is prone to sinuses.

1. Wheatgrass supports Digestive Health 

The Fibre & Mg content along with the enzymes present in Wheatgrass enable proper digestion and subsequent absorption of the resulting nutrients aiding in overall gut health. This consequently results in better bowel movement (less constipation), less gas and bloating, thus, those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can greatly benefit. 

1. Wheatgrass strengthens the immune system

Wheatgrass is shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases. 

1. Wheatgrass boosts energy levels

The vitamin and mineral content, particularly Vitamin B Complex, contribute to increased energy levels, helping to combat fatigue. Chlorophyll is chemically similar to hemoglobin; hence it can bind to oxygen and transport it throughout the body, thereby promoting oxygenation and improving overall health. 

1. Wheatgrass fights Acid flux

A healthy body has an alkaline blood pH 7.3-7.5. It’s when acidity levels in the blood increase, that problems like inflammation begin to arise, which when chronic turn into serious conditions. The alkalizing effect due to minerals like Calcium, magnesium and potassium can help counter acidity. 

1. Wheatgrass helps in Weight management 

Wheatgrass is a nutrient dense food; it is low in calories, contains almost no fat and promotes a feeling of satiety. It also stimulates the thyroid gland thereby improving metabolism. Together these help bring about weight loss, thereby also contributing to increased energy levels and Vitality. 

1. Wheatgrass facilitates Detoxification 

Chlorophyll increases the Phase II biotransformation enzymes of the liver. These enzymes are involved in the conversion of toxins into harmless, soluble compounds that can easily be excreted from the body, thus, optimizing liver & kidney health. 

Green Blood Therapy (use of wheatgrass juice) is gaining popularity worldwide due to its blood purification, liver detoxification, and colon cleansing properties.

1. Wheatgrass promotes healthy skin

A cleansed internal system manifests itself externally as healthy, clear skin. 

Apart from internal consumption, topical application of Wheatgrass based products has shown promising results for alleviating skin problems like Acne, Hyperpigmentation, Vitiligo, Rosacea, Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis. 

1. Wheatgrass helps remove odor 

Chlorophyll has deodorizing properties so it can help tackle bad breath and body odor. Powdered wheatgrass can help promote good oral health by treating tooth decay and other dental issues. 

Tip: Massage some wheatgrass powder onto your gums. Rinse your mouth with wheatgrass powder to relieve any gum inflammation. 

1. Wheatgrass improves nervous system function

Wheatgrass has neuro protective effects. This aids in better cognitive function. It can help improve hand-eye coordination and prevent memory loss. It may be used to ward off cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

1. Wheatgrass is beneficial for Diabetics

Wheatgrass has compounds that exert similar effects as insulin and can be beneficial to Diabetics by lowering and maintaining blood sugar levels. 

1. Wheatgrass supports Heart Health

In animal studies, Wheatgrass was found to lower LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides, along with an increase in the good HDL cholesterol, all of which help to prevent heart diseases. 

1. Wheatgrass and cancer

In animal studies & research, Wheatgrass has shown to slow the proliferation of cancer cells, induce death of cancer cells and also help counter the side effects of chemotherapy like impaired bone marrow function (myelotoxicity). It can also enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms against cancer. 

1. Wheatgrass promotes better sleep

Chlorophyll has been studied for its potential impact on stress reduction which indirectly can positively impact the quality of sleep. Moreover, the alkalizing effect of wheatgrass supports overall health, potentially influencing factors that affect sleep.

However, please do keep in mind more robust research is needed to cement these conclusions about the efficacy of Wheatgrass.

Good to Know

• Since it’s natural, unless you have wheat allergy (gluten intolerance – Celiac disease), chances are you won’t have side effects.
• Wheatgrass consumption should be increased gradually to avoid associated side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. 
• Fresh Wheatgrass is susceptible to mold hence pregnant and nursing women should ensure to purchase top quality Wheatgrass. 

To eliminate the probability of mold infestation, powder form is recommended. 

• Wheatgrass powder is convenient to store and can be used in a variety of ways.  
• An ideal powder dosage is 3-5 grams or 1 tsp. 
• Use Wheatgrass for at least 6-12 months, although results can vary from person to person. 

Consumption Methods 

1. Wheatgrass juice is obtained from juicing the young grass. Drink it within 10 minutes of preparation for maximum benefit.
2. Wheatgrass smoothie: You can mix the powder with a fruit juice of your choice and have it in the morning on empty stomach.
3. Wheatgrass tea: Start your mornings with Wheatgrass tea. Mix wheatgrass powder in warm water with lemon & honey for taste. 
4. Salad dressing: Wheatgrass powder can be added to salads or incorporated into your Salad dressing. 

Note: 

Stomach acid can cause loss of some of the bioactivity. Therefore, holding the liquid in your mouth for a minute or 2 before swallowing allows rapid absorption of the bioactives into the bloodstream. pH of blood is 7.4, pH of Wheatgrass juice is 7.4 , hence it is rapidly absorbed. 

Topical Methods 

1. Paste: 

Mix the powder with rosewater, yogurt or milk and apply it on the desired area/lesions. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse.

1. Ice cubes: 

Freeze the Wheatgrass concoction in ice cube trays and apply it directly on the desired areas/lesions.

1. Wheatgrass bath: 

To warm water in the bath tub, add a cup or two of Wheatgrass juice or powder and soak for 15-20 minutes to relieve itching and irritation. 

1. Wheatgrass infused oil:

Wheatgrass powder can be infused into oil to produce a nourishing, moisturizing, soothing massage oil. Mix 1-2 tbsp of powder into 2 tbsp of your choice of oil (preferably Castor oil/Olive oil/coconut oil) in a glass bottle and let it sit for 2-3 weeks before straining and using it to massage on the desired areas/lesions.

1. Enemas:

For internal cleansing of colon, perform home enemas with wheatgrass using a ball syringe and warm water. It also provides the electrolytes and nutrients necessary to the colon lining. 

Neutralise Naturals

Be sure to check out our website. We have products for internal and external use, making it easier and convenient for you to introduce this superfood into your daily life.

References

1. The Medical Use of Wheatgrass: Review of the Gap Between Basic and Clinical Applications

Gil Bar-Sela et al. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2015

1. Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) Unwrap by Proteome Profiling and DPPH and FRAP assays

Santosh B Parit et al. J Food Sci. 2018 Aug.

1. https://foodinstitute.com/focus/food-producers-intrigued-by-wheatgrass-due-to-superfood-status/

1. Rajesh Mujariya, Ramesh Bodla A study on Wheatgrass and its nutritional value

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279370893_A_study_on_wheat_grass_and_its_Nutritional_value