Superfoods - Wheatgrass Flashcards
Wheatgrass:
Description
- AKA. Triticum aestivum
- The young grass of the wheat plant. Can be eaten whole or raw, though is more commonly juiced or milled to a fine powder
- Ann Wigmore discovered the health benefits of wheatgrass
Wheatgrass:
Energetics
Cooling, cleanses toxins from the body
Wheatgrass:
Composition
- Grass, roots and rhizome are used.
- Good sources are gluten– free – relies on the grass being extracted before the grain develops, which contains gluten
- Rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and B
- Vitamins; iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium
- Amino acids
- Chlorophyll
- Antioxidants including phenolic compounds and flavonoids
Wheatgrass:
Benefits & clinical applications
- Antioxidant
- Immune support
- Anti-cancer
- Alkalising
- Regulates blood lipids
- Weight loss
- Detoxification
- Digestion
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1-C7PDPPmM
Wheatgrass:
Antioxidant
The various antioxidants (e.g. phenolic and flavonoid compounds) in wheatgrass can help to protect against chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress, supporting detoxification
Wheatgrass:
Immune support and anti-cancer
Wheat grass has anti-cancer properties, and appears to reduce chemotherapy side-effects; also beneficial for chronic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, diabetes and obesity
Wheatgrass:
Alkalising
Due to the high chlorophyll content
Wheatgrass:
Regulates blood lipids
Shown to reduce serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, whilst increasing HDL cholesterol
Wheatgrass:
Weight loss
Can reduced appetite and increase hormonally-driven signals of satiety (e.g. CKK), supporting healthy weight management.
It’s effects can also be attributed to it’s role in balancing blood sugars (reduce cravings)
Wheatgrass:
Detoxification
Supports liver detoxification pathways with its abundance of nutrients and antioxidants
Wheatgrass:
Digestion
Wheatgrass is used in TCM to nourish this splean Qi – supporting digestion. It is also used to drain dampness
Wheatgrass:
Dosage
General recommendations are:
* Fresh juice; 30 - 120 mil daily
* Powder; 3 - 5 g daily
* Start at smaller doses and gradually increase
* Take on an empty stomach and follow with 200 ml glass of water
Caution: caution in those with known grass allergies
