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Wheatgrass - A detoxifying and rejuvenating food
The healing powers of wheat grass are known since ancient times, but since 1930s it is gaining prominence. The most avid proponent of wheatgrass is Dr. Ann Wigmore, who has been using wheatgrass for a variety of indications. Analysis of the chemical components of wheat grass shows that it provides a wide range of vitamins, enzymes and other nutrients that have been linked to disease prevention and specific health benefits. Wheatgrass is one of the richest, most natural sources of chlorophyll. More than 70% of the solids in wheat grass juice is Chlorophyll. It is considered the "blood" of plants and is useful as an anti-inflammatory, purifier and rejuvenator. The Superoxide Dismutase in wheat grass plays a vital role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. Superoxide Dismutase is also present in our bodies as a part of the in vivo antioxidant defense system and helps to slow the process of aging. Evidence for health benefits of wheat grass A) Anti oxidant and Anti inflammatory Action Wheatgrass juice has been investigated as a possible therapy for ulcerative colitis. The components of wheatgrass juice include chlorophyll; vitamins A, C, and E; and various amino acids. It has been demonstrated that wheatgrass juice is anti-mutagenic. One constituent of wheatgrass is apigenin, which is believed to possess both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some believe that this constituent may be beneficial in ulcerative colitis (1 & 3). It is a bioflavonoid that has been shown to inhibit TNF-induced transactivation. 2 B) Ulcerative colitis management A randomized controlled trial of wheatgrass juice in the management of ulcerative colitis has demonstrated some efficacy. There was a significant difference in other symptomatic indicators of disease activity, such as rectal bleeding. 3 C) Protective effects during cancer chemotherapy Patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, suffer from life threatening Myelotoxicity induced by chemotherapy. Wheat grass juice may prevent myelotoxicity when applied with chemotherapy. This was achieved without affecting efficacy and with reduced need of GCSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) to prevent neutropenia. 4 D) Reduces requirement of blood transfusion in Thalassemia major (improves hemoglobin) In a pilot study consumption of wheat grass juice reduced the blood transfusion requirements in 50% of the patients who completed the trial. It is popularly believed that the similarity of the structure of Chlorophyll to Hemoglobin is responsible for this, but the authors did not wish to speculate on the reasons for the beneficial actions of wheat grass juice. No adverse effects were reported 5. Chlorophyll contains magnesium in the central atom, whereas Hemoglobin contains iron. Other benefits Chlorophyll was praised in the 1940 American Journal of Surgery by Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. for its antiseptic benefits. The article recommends the following clinical uses for Chlorophyll - to clear up foul-smelling odors, neutralize infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhoea in many cases. A small amount of wheatgrass in the human diet helps prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is the result of other degenerative changes in the body. Gargle with wheatgrass juice for toothaches. Gargle with wheatgrass juice for a sore throat. The purification attribute stops the growth of bacteria in wounds, eliminates odors of the body, reduces bad breath, and removes chemicals from your body through detoxification. Protein Wheat grass has nearly a gram of protein per teaspoon, but contains no cholesterol or fat. It provides eight of the essential amino acids, and thirteen of the non-essential amino acids. Vitamins and Minerals It contains Beta Carotene, Vitamins A, B-Complex group, C, E and K, as well as 15mg of Calcium, 8mcg Iodine, 3.5mcg Selenium, 870mcg Iron, 62mcg Zinc, and many other minerals. Conclusion Wheat grass has a long history of use as a preventive and curative super food. Even carnivorous animals are known to eat grass when they have a stomach upset. Its major uses were for detoxifying the liver and gastro intestinal tract, revitalizing blood, healing wounds, de-odorizing the body, improving immunity and as an energizer. There was a tremendous amount of skepticism about the benefits of wheatgrass, since not many clinical trials were conducted. Relatively recent evidence quoted above reveals that wheatgrass may indeed be a very valuable food supplement due to its Chlorophyll, protein, vitamins and mineral content. The antioxidant, anti inflammatory, blood building and anti cancer actions of wheat grass have brought it into the limelight. In addition to all the above benefits wheatgrass may have beneficial effects on the skin and scalp hair growth. Wheatgrass and Chlorophyll, the 'blood of plant life' which converts the 'power of the sun' into energy may prove to be a very useful to 'Fight Aging and Stay Young' References:
Fight Aging Site team has taken maximum care to ensure that the information is authentic. The information has been extracted from published medical trials and text books. The information is not meant to substitute a Physicians advice, nor is it meant to treat any disease. Members are advised to consult a Physician, Dietician, Physiotherapist or Trainer before taking medication or starting an exercise program. Source: FightAgingSite.com |
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