Superfoods, by definition, are foods which have been researched and found to be heavily nutritious with dietary and health benefits for users. Most of these foods have been used since ancient civilizations to promote good health, and can therefore be incorporated into one’s diet in the natural treatment of different conditions. With the highest levels of pollution in today’s modern world, the use of superfoods has gained traction in recent years. Additionally, many more people are taking their health very seriously, hence creating more awareness for the need to use superfoods as a healthier option. Wheatgrass is one such superfood. This type of grass has been shown to be rich in nutrients which inadvertently improve your diet and compliment your efforts to eat right. This explains why wheatgrass is sold in different supplement forms – whether it is a tablet, capsule or syrup form.
While its nutrients are excellent for many people, there are groups of people that cannot enjoy this nutritious dietary addition. These groups constitute people who are allergic to wheat, grass or are gluten intolerant. Before using wheatgrass, it is advisable to check with your doctor to avoid any adverse reactions. If in the clear, you will be grateful for the grass’ immense health benefits. Below are some of the top reasons why wheatgrass is listed as a superfood, and why you probably need to include it in your diet.
1. Excellent Source of Chlorophyll
Wheatgrass is an excellent source of chlorophyll, and science has listed the grass as among the top sources of chlorophyll. For you to harness the full advantages of this chlorophyll however, the grass must be used in its raw form, which is why you would need to juice the grass.
With more than 70% chlorophyll, this juice plays an integral role in the synthesis of the blood components. In fact, chlorophyll molecules have an uncanny resemblance to the structure of Haem. Haem is categorized as a co-factor in the blood, and is responsible for attachment of oxygen molecules, therefore allowing the blood to transport oxygen to where it is required in the body. The intake of wheatgrass juice therefore plays a critical role in building blood.
In addition to this role, the chlorophyll also contains enzymes which help deal with free radicals in the blood. One of the most notable enzymes is known as the super-oxide dismutase, an enzyme that is found in Red Blood Cells, and whose function is the breakdown of superoxide radicals.
One of the best things about this enzymatic action is that it helps reverse the process of aging, therefore maintaining a youthful glow on one’s skin.
Other benefits that arise from the chlorrophyll found in wheatgrass include the enhancement of iron levels in the bodyas well as the potential treatment for different types of blood disorders.
2. Excellent Detoxification Agent
One of the most popular characteristics of wheatgrass is that it is an excellent detoxification agent. Its cleansing abilities can be attributed to its constituent nutrients. These nutrients include beta-carotene and the following vitamins: B, C and E. All these vitamins have been shown to help with the elimination of toxins from the body.
In addition, the presence of antioxidants helps the body fight free radicals.
The regular intake of wheatgrass therefore has the capacity to boost your immune system while ensuring that your system remains toxin-free. This also serves to protect the cells from antioxidant damage.
The second way wheatgrass enhances detoxification is through preventing metal poisoning. The chlorophyll in the wheatgrass is able to bind to metals, thus preventing the absorption of the harmful metals into the blood system.
Research shows that this same mode of action can be used to prevent the binding of other pollutants in the environment. The process of detoxification helps promote your cells’ health, making wheatgrass an excellent dietary supplement.
3. High Concentration of Amino Acids
Amino acids are an integral part of the body’s normal functioning. This is because amino acids are defined as the building blocks of proteins. Proteins on the other hand, are responsible for the growth and proliferation of body cells.
Since wheatgrass has a high concentration of these building blocks, it is safe to say that the grass does play an essential role in the regeneration of cells. More importantly, the wheatgrass contains complete proteins.
Complete proteins, by definition, are those that are made up of a well-distributed proportion of the essential amino acids (those which must be included in the diet as the body does not synthesize them).
Some of the amino acids present in wheatgrass include Valine, Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, Leucine, Methionine, Alanine, Glycine and Lysine. The rest of the amino acids include Arginine, Aspartate and Serine. This nutritional value explains in part why many body building products contain wheatgrass as one of the ingredients.
Whether you are working out at the gym, or would love to take care of your body cells, wheatgrass certainly goes a long way in making this possible.
4. Helps Protect The Body From Disease
The inclusion of wheatgrass into your diet is an excellent way of protecting your body from disease. In case you are already suffering from one disease or the other, the grass does help your body fight off the disease and speed up recovery. This is made possible by the presence of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The select enzymes also go a long way in protecting the body from disease.
With the presence of the mineral salts, one of the key properties that comes to light is the alkaline nature of these salts. The minerals include Iron, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium. The alkaline nature of these minerals creates a harsh environment that ensures bacteria do not survive, thus enhancing proper health. This process also compliments the detoxification process.
5. Helps Manage Hunger and Cravings
Research in recent times has indicated that the nutrients present in wheatgrass helps manage hunger and cravings. As one of the grasses that offer complete nutrition (vitamins, minerals, and amino acids), wheatgrass helps you get rid of cravings and hunger spikes as it promotes satiety ( a feeling of been full). The result of this is that there’s less binge eating, and for anyone struggling with weight loss, this is a priceless trait.
The nutritional value afforded by wheatgrass has the capacity to increase your strength and mental acuity, with many users admitting to feeling a renewed sense of rejuvenation.
Other benefits of using wheatgrass include topical use to treat skin disorders naturally, control of body odor, protection from the growth of candida as well as relief of systemic swelling.
With so many benefits, it is important to know how to use wheatgrass. The first and perhaps the easiest most convenient option is the use of wheatgrass supplements.
The second alternative is the use of fresh wheatgrass purchased from your choice grocery shop. With this option however, make sure that the grass is juiced as you watch to ensure you get maximum benefits. Lastly, you can always grow your wheatgrass; this way you have a constant supply of fresh wheatgrass, which allows you easy access to this remarkable superfood.
