The green drink

Besides being used in cancer therapy,wheatgrass has become popular with health enthusiasts

Over the years,wheatgrass has become an integral part of health foods and cancer therapy. Wheatgrass shots are increasingly being sold alongwith juices in health food outlets. What makes this grassy green immensely popular with health enthusiasts is worth investigating. As it appears there is limited scientific research available,however,traditional and alternative medicine attribute several health benefits to it and perhaps for good reasons. Interestingly,Barley grass with similar properties is grown and worshipped as a part of the Navratra rituals.

Wheatgrass is known to be a concentrated source of certain essential nutrients,including iron,calcium,magnesium,amino acids,chlorophyll,and vitamins A,C and E. Its rich chlorophyll and nutrient composition is believed to boost immunity,kill harmful bacteria in the digestive system,and improve digestive problems by killing harmful bacteria in the digestive system. Its high chlorophyll content makes it alkaline in nature,which promotes digestive health and may help relieve constipation and ulcers.

Besides its use in cancer therapy,wheatgrass has also been found to play a protective role in several other health conditions like anaemia,diabetes,infections,skin diseases,ulcerative colitis and joint pains.

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A recent animal study conducted in 2010 in India reported the beneficial role of wheatgrass in treating hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol levels). Another study in India (2004) reported that administration of wheatgrass juice to individuals with thalassemia significantly reduced blood transfusion requirements for most.

However,with limited research highlighting the benefits of wheatgrass,its difficult to substantiate such health claims.

Generally perceived to be a nutritional supplement,it is widely taken as a healthy green drink. Besides wheatgrass shots,it is widely sold as a dietary supplement in a variety of forms including tablets,capsules,liquid extracts and tinctures. It may also be had as a juice or added to other juices,beverages including tea or smoothies.

Wheatgrass is safe and can be consumed by most; however,it may cause nausea,headaches,hives or swelling of throat in sensitive individuals. It is best avoided by pregnant and lactating women. Wheatgrass is gluten-free and can be consumed by people with gluten-intolerance or celiac disease,but check with the physician before using it.

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Wheatgrass is usually grown in soil or water and consumed raw,which means it could be contaminated,therefore it must be trimmed carefully and washed thoroughly before being used. Wheatgrass can also be grown at home or organically. Draw the most from this grassy tasting juice using organic wheatgrass.

While no magic bullet,wheatgrass is certainly a good investment in your health alongwith a healthy diet.

Ishi Khosla is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being,one should integrate physical,mental and spiritual health. According to her: To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.

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