Food Science and Quality Management www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-6088 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0557 (Online) Vol 2, 2011
A study on wheat grass
and its Nutritional value
Rajesh Mujoriya (Corrosponding Authors)
Sardar patel college of technology, {b-pharmacy}
Balaghat, dis. Balaghat, {m.p.} – 481001,INDIA
Tel. No. +918817517515, E-mail:
raj_mujoriya@live.com
Dr. Ramesh Babu Bodla
K.I.E.T. School of pharmacy, Gaziabad, India
E-mail:
ramesh_bodla@rediffmail.com
Abstract
Wheat Grass refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum
aestivum that is freshly juiced or dried into powder for animal and human
consumption. Both provide chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and
enzymes. Wheat grass is a humble weed that is a powerhouse of nutrients and
vitamins for the human body. In the form of fresh juice, it has high
concentrations of chlorophyll, active enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients
Key-Word: Wheat Grass, human consumption, Triticum aestivum, enzymes,
vitamins, nutrients.
1) Introduction
Wheatgrass juice will provide you with more energy by fulfilling
nutritional deficiencies and by removing wastes that clog your cells, blood,
tissues and organs. Wheat Grass refers to the young grass of the common wheat
plant, Triticum aestivum that is freshly juiced or dried into powder for animal
and human consumption. Both provide chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals,
vitamins, and enzymes. Wheat grass is a humble weed that is a powerhouse of
nutrients and vitamins for the human body. In the form of fresh juice, it has
high concentrations of chlorophyll, active enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients
Although the wonder benefits of wheat grass are being discovered only now in
India, they have been known in the West for years. Wheat grass juice has
chlorophyll that neutralizes infections, heals wounds, overcomes inflammations
and gets rid of parasitic infections the three most important effects of wheat
grass on the human body are: blood purification, liver detoxification and colon
cleansing. This is because wheat grass juice is the richest source of vitamins
A, B, C, E and K, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium, sulphur and 17
forms of amino acids.
1.1) Green Blood Therapy
Green Blood Therapy is the use of wheat grass juice which has also been called
the green blood. The wheat grass juice contains all the nutrients the body
requires and is considered a complete food
1.2) Green Blood Therapy: Cure for Many Diseases
Wheat grass therapy is recommended for patients suffering from chronic diseases
like Asthma, Atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Joint pains, TB,
Constipation, Hypertension, Diabetes, Bronchitis, Insomnia, Eczema, Sterility,
Hemorrhage, Obesity and Flatulence. It is also useful in the treatment of
cancer.
2) Method Of Preparation
The method of extracting the grass juice Place the fresh wheat grass, soon after
cutting it, on a platform or in a pounding basic and crush it well. Then wrap
them in a clean and thin piece of cloth and strain the juice out of it. A
plastic strainer could also be used for this purpose. If the magnetically
treated water is added to it while crushing it, the extraction of juice will be
in a greater quantity with its effectiveness is also strengthened. This wheat
grass can be also crushed in the electric juicer or mixer also.
3) Wheat Grass and Its Nutritional Values.
3.1) Wheatgrass juice is crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a
colon implant without toxic side effects. Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.
3.2) Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain
chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a
highly-oxygenated environment.
3.3) Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body
as a healer.
3.4) Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) rebuilds the bloodstream. Studies of various
animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell
count was returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of
chlorophyll, even in those animals which were known to be extremely anaemia or
low in red cell count.
3.5) Dr. Ann Wigmore had been helping people get well from chronic disorders for
30 years using wheatgrass.
3.6) Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them and makes them over.
3.7) Wheatgrass juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice
and other fruits and vegetables. Dr. Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wilmore, says
that 15 pounds of wheatgrass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrot, lettuce,
celery and so forth.
3.8) Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.
3.9) Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
3.10) Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.
3.11) In the American Journal of Surgery, 1940, Benjamin Ruskin, M.D. recommends
chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following
clinical uses for chlorophyll to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize strep
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 pyorrhea in many
cases.
3.12) A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet prevents tooth
decay.
3.13) Drink wheatgrass juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.
3.14) Wheatgrass juice keeps the hair from graying.
3.15) Pyorrhea of the mouth: Lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased
area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out the pulp.
3.16) Wheatgrass juice improves digestion.
3.17) Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It
is high in magnesium.
3.18) Dr. Bircher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll 'concentrated sun
power'. He believes that chlorophyll increases the function of the heart,
affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus and the lungs.
3.19) According to Dr. Bircher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body
cleanser, re-builder and
neutralizer of toxins.
3.20) Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from
breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since
chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.
3.21) Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds.
3.22) The pH (hydrogen molecules) value of human blood and Wheatgrass both is
about 7 (alkaline) & is therefore quickly absorbed in the blood and is highly
beneficial.
THE MAIN SUBSTANCES AND THEIR USES:
Life saving substances:
A. Vitamin A: It enhances the skin luster and provides glow to the
outer skin and makes it disease free. It helps to cure the black spots and
blemishes below the eyes and improves the eyesight. It is also helpful in
checking the eyes, nose, and throat disorders. It nourishes hair and is helpful
in fighting the problems of pollution. Vitamin A is essential for normal growth
and development, good eyesight, and reproduction.
B. Vitamin B: It aids digestion. It is helpful in the treatment of
digestive disorders, mental, depression, insomnia, premature aging and anorexia.
C. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is usually associated with citrus fruits,
such as lemons, limes and oranges. However, ounce for ounce, wheatgrass contains
more vitamin C than an orange. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is helpful for
recovering from sickness (including the common cold) and preventing disease
(such as scurvy it is a vital substance for healthy gums and teeth and
maintenance of bones. It is essential for health and vitality and healing of
sores and wounds. It is also a natural source for antibiotic elements
D. Vitamin E: It dilates the capillaries and enables free flow of
the blood. It is helpful for the women during pregnancy, it prevents abortion
and it is a helpful substance in the treatment of sexual impotency, diabetes,
cancer, heart disorders and dysmenorrheal etc. Without enough of this
fat-soluble vitamin, we would face muscle degeneration, sterility, and slower
healing of wounds and infections. Vitamin E, an antioxidant and fertility
vitamin is also a protector of the heart.
E. Vitamin K and B-complex vitamins: Wheatgrass contains a number
of other important vitamins. It's rich in vitamin E, vitamin K and B-complex
vitamins. Wheatgrass is also a source of vitamin B-17, also known as amygdaline,
which some studies suggest can help ward off cancer. In addition to these
vitamins, wheatgrass contains 17 amino acids and 92 different minerals the human
body uses and needs. The nutrients in wheatgrass are also said to assist in
fighting cancer and repairing cellular damage of the lungs.
F. MSM: MSM is a sulfur bearing molecule found in all living
organisms destroyed in processed food. It helps our body use vitamins, helps to
reduce allergies, helps detoxify the body and increase oxygen, and takes out
inflammation. That also contains in wheat grass juice.
G. Proteins and Amino acids: Proteins are essential for muscular
strength and physical elegance. Plasmas, hormones and antibodies are obtained
through proteins. Amino acids aid digestion, blood formation and provide potency
to the heart.
H. Enzymes: Enzymes are the digestive elements. The substances in
the Wheat grass juice are helpful for dyspepsia. These are helpful for
digestion, building a healthy body and counteract the premature aging.
I. Minerals:
Iron: Iron is an essential element for life. Iron deficiency creates
shortage of hemoglobin in blood. It is helpful in pregnancy, for excessive
sweating, pale complexion, laziness and lethargy, and insomnia. Inorganic iron
is often constipating, but the iron salts in wheatgrass have no side effects.
Calcium: Calcium is the prime instigator of vital activity. It
strengthens the bones, it provides alkaline for the children and vitality for
old. It is helpful in treatment of the diseases like hemorrhage, distension of
body, slow movements, coldness and varicose veins etc. Wheatgrass is a good
source of calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth and regulates
heartbeat, in addition to acting as a buffer to restore balance to blood pH.
Potassium: Helpful for the radiance and luster of youth, hypertension,
dementia, palpitation, tiredness, suicidal instincts and depression etc.
Potassium, called the youth mineral by some nutritionists, helps maintain a
smooth mineral balance, and balanced body weight. It also tones the muscles,
firms the skin, and promotes overall beauty.
Zinc: Helpful in the prostate gland disorders and nourishes hair.
Sodium: Sodium regulates the extra cellular fluid volume. It also
regulates the acid-base equilibrium and maintains proper water balance in the
body.
Magnesium: You will find about as much magnesium in wheatgrass as in
broccoli, Brussels’ sprouts, beets, carrots, or celery. Magnesium is important
for good muscle function and for bowel health, as it aids eliminative functions.
I believe that this mineral is also responsible for drawing fat out of the
liver, in cases of fatty infiltration there.
J. Nutrients and other substances: These provide nutrition to the
tendons. These are the elements which are resistant to the disorders related to
jaundice, menstruation, hydrocele, dysentery, mental debility, tooth problems,
evacuation of bowels and the cold related problems.
K. Chlorophyll: The curative and prophylactic elements. The wheat
grass juice is a source of the alkaline elements, prophylactic and curative
elements. It also supplements proteins, carbohydrates and fat. The lacteal
substances found in it are considered to be an effective element and the only
remedy for curing cancer. Chlorophyll the most important element of the wheat
grass is contained in the cells called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts produce
nutritious elements with the help of sunshine. Dr. Brusher calls it as
“Concentrated Solar Energy”. The chemical formation of the wheat grass juice has
a striking similarity with the chemical formation of the human blood. The pH
factor of the human “blood is 7.4. The pH factor of the wheat grass juice is
also 7.4 that is the reason why it is quickly absorbed in the blood. We all know
that human blood contains a substance called hemoglobin it also obstructs their
regeneration or reproduction. The physicians who have successfully tried this
therapy on a number of diseases such as skin diseases, T.B., heart diseases,
brain hemorrhage, ulcer, varicose veins, inflammation of the intestine,
arteriosclerosis, osteomyelitis, etc have found it quite effective.
Internal Rejuvenation. Wheat protein, which comprises up to eight
per cent of the grain, has a special benefit as it has eight of the essential
amino acids in delicately balanced proportions. A complete internal rejuvenation
takes place when Wheat protein is metabolized into health-building amino acids.
4) Diseases And Their Treatment
Wheat grass therapy is recommended for patients suffering from chronic
diseases like Asthma, Atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Joint pains, TB,
Constipation, Hypertension, Diabetes, Bronchitis, Insomnia, Eczema, Sterility,
Hemorrhage, Obesity and Flatulence. It is also useful in the treatment of
cancer. Wheat grass can be directly taken by chewing or in the form of juice.
For better results it can be taken in the form of juice. This is the last
alternative when all other therapies fail to cure.
4.1) Diseases related to Blood and the Blood Circulation System
Included among this category are anemia, high blood pressure,
atherosclerosis, internal hemorrhage, clotting and the like. Regular intake of
the wheat grass juice works wonders especially in the cases of anemia for which
no other therapy has such quick cure. Having 200 ml juice twice a day is
recommended.
4.1.1) Deficiency of Hemoglobin. Wheat grass juice is termed as a
substitute for natural red blood cells. The wheat Grass possesses all the
compositions that Hemoglobin possesses. It is also known as “Green Blood”
because of its close structural similarity to Hemoglobin. Wheat Grass contains
many nutritious and prophylactic ingredients.
4.1.2) Increase Of Uric Acid In Blood. The increase of uric acid in the
blood caused complications such as swelling of the body, digestion trouble,
insomnia, etc. He approached Grime’s Nature Cure Center for treatment and could
not believe that Wheatgrass therapy could help him. He decided to give it a try
and was amazed at the excellent results. Within one month all his problems were
gone and he became perfectly normal.
4.2) Diseases related to the Respiratory System
Common cold, asthma, bronchitis and all the related disease get cured
with the regular regimen of this wheat grass juice therapy. Common cold
generally disappears in a couple of days only. Asthma is a dreadfully stubborn
disease responding to almost no given therapy. But wheat grass juice taken twice
a day creates wonders in this case also.
4.3) Digestive diseases
Wheat grass therapy is most effective in the case of digestive disorders
i.e. it shows its quick effect. Constipation, indigestion, flatulent, nausea,
vomiting, acidity, ulcers in the stomach and intestines, smelling on the
intestines and worms are some of the prominent diseases. It is an excellent
laxative In the severity of rectal bleeding. No serious side effects were found
Grass juice appeared effective and safe as a single or as added support to treat
active ulcerative colitis. This enema is very helpful in disorders of the colon,
mucous and ulcerative colitis, chronic constipation and bleeding piles.
4.4) Teeth and Gum related diseases
4.4.1) Tooth Disorders. Wheat is valuable in the prevention and cure of
pyorrhea. It takes time to eat wheat and as it is generally taken with other
foods, it compels the chewing of other foods also. Wheat grass juice acts as an
excellent mouth wash for sore throats and pyorrhea. It also prevents tooth decay
and tooth aches.
4.4.2) CURE FOR Toothache. The juice of wheat grass acts as an excellent
mouthwash for tooth decay and cures toothaches. Wheat grass can be chewed with
beneficial results.
4.5) Diseases of Joints
Included in this category are swelling on the joints, pain in the
joints, osteoarthritis, bone rotting The efficacy of wheatgrass in the
management of bone and joint disorders is due to its powerful anti-inflammatory
effect. It can significantly help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, and
check subcutaneous and cutaneous bleeding quickly, thereby enhancing the natural
healing process.
4.5.1) In osteoarthritis patients frequently report warmth in and around
the joint a short while after application. Usually this is followed by increased
mobility of the joint i.e. within 10 to 20 minutes. This can be quite dramatic.
As with any “natural” product, it pays to persist with chronic conditions for at
least three months before ceasing treatment.
4.5.2) Fractures If closed fracture, apply immediately to suspected
fracture site before splinting. Apply around the wound if skin broken. If
plaster already applied, smear WG over skin at both ends of plaster 3 times a
day. Can produce marked reduction in swelling, bruising & pain & hasten healing.
4.5.3) Gout, acute & acute on chronic
Apply every 3 or 4 hours. Maintain hyperuricemic therapy. Can facilitate
anti-inflammatory effect of hyperuricemics & shorten attack. Continue daily
application to assist prevention of further attacks.
4.6) Skin diseases
As the wheat grass juice is an active blood purifying agent, it is very
effective in the treatment of skin diseases. It has been found to be curing
eczema, ache (pimples), boils, cuts and wounds, bites and burns.
4.6.1) GANGRENE. The Wheatgrass powder / juice was poured over the wounds
thrice everyday. Initially he was kept on a diet of Naturopathy juices of
various fruits and vegetables miraculously, his situation improved and to
everybody’s surprise he was cured of the gangrene in about 10 months time. The
kidney function and Hemoglobin level in the blood also improved up to normal.
4.6.2) SKIN ITCHING. Severe itching on the skin all over the body used to
cause wounds. The treatment he was undergoing started showing side effects such
as improper bowel movement, gases in stomach and loss of appetite. At this
stage, he started the Wheatgrass therapy. Within a month the itching reduced and
with it the digestion system also improved. In three months the patient was
cured of his problem without any side effects.
4.6.3) Reduce Eczema Symptoms. Wheatgrass juice is an excellent choice
for a drink as it helps in blood purification. Drinking wheatgrass on a regular
basis will also ensure you of a normal blood pressure. Hence, wheatgrass is said
to be able to "cure" blood disorders of all kinds. Wheatgrass is also known to
provide the essential enzymes that the body needs for optimum health. Enzymes,
in turn, are very helpful in strengthening the body's immune system and in your
fight against eczema.
4.7) Kidney related ailments
Included in the section are the problem of stone, inflammation of the
urinary bladder, and inflammation of the kidneys. Along with the wheat grass
juice if water treated with magnets is also taken the results are better and the
cure is faster.
4.8) Disease connected with the reproductive organs
Sexual debility and dysmenorrhea are the two disease/disorders which this
therapy can cure with comparative ease. Taking the wheat juice orally and
applying the parts of the soft portion of the wheat grass on the private parts
help greatly cure the disease.
4.9) Ear diseases
In relieving ear pain and curing the problem of septic discharge from
the ear wheat grass juice has shown very good results. In addition to taking the
wheat grass orally, some juice should be dropped in the ears to cure ear
diseases.
4.10) Anticancer
4.10.1) Myelodysplastic Syndrome (Preleukemia). The effect of wheat
grass juice in reducing Ferrite (Iron) level in myelodysplastic syndrome (Preleukemia)
and also do the biochemical analysis of the wheat grass juice. Wheatgrass juice
is a MUST for Cancer patients of any type whether you are operated, done
Chemo/Radiation or with no Allopathy treatment. SOD, Selenium, laetrile (B17) in
Wheatgrass kills Cancer cells and Chlorophyll (a green blood) increases your
white & red blood cells counts for faster cure.
4.10.2) On Breast Cancer. Bone marrow (where new blood cells are made)
damage caused by chemotherapy can become life threatening. White blood cell
count and red blood cell count can become abnormally low. There are medications
to help build the blood cell count, but they come with negative side effects and
increased costs. It was found that drinking the green healing juice helped
produce healthier blood levels while receiving the chemotherapy thus decreasing
the need for blood building medications. Wheatgrass juice was found to not
diminish effectiveness of chemotherapy. These preliminary results need
confirmation in a phase III study.
4.10.3) Reduces Skin Toxicity in X-Ray. Deep X-ray therapy for the treatment of breast
cancer can be fraught with complications and adverse reactions called "skin toxicity".
Essentially, this means that after treatment, the skin becomes inflamed, tends to blister and
break down leading to pain, difficulty in management and wound infection.
Because of skin toxicity, the patient has to wait much longer between treatments
for the skin to recover sufficiently to allow the next treatment. This in turn
tends to reduce the patient's chances of recovery.
4.11) Treatment of migraine
Migraines are severe, recurrent headaches that can cause debilitating
pain for hours on end. While there is no cure for a migraine, home remedies and
life-style changes can go a long way to reduce symptoms. A highly digestible,
concentrated source of nutrients, wheatgrass is a commonly used supplement for
natural healing for all kinds of illness, including migraines. Wheatgrass
contains chemicals shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
(helpful for overall health and migraines). Wheatgrass treatment usually
involves daily consumption of a small amount of freshly juiced wheatgrass.
4.12) Thalassemia
Whether 'green blood' method is not a cure for thalassemia. What we
have found among patients taking this therapy is that the interval between blood
transfusions has increased to 25-30 days. Earlier, thalassemia patients had to
have a transfusion once in two weeks. However, we are still studying the
efficacy of this treatment," Dr Ram K Maratha of the pediatrics’ department of
PGI told The Times of India. Grass juice is the juice extracted from the pulp
of wheatgrass and has been used as a general purpose health tonic for several
years. Several patients in the thalassemia (a hereditary form of anemia,
occurring chiefly in people of Mediterranean origin, marked by the abnormal
synthesis of hemoglobin and a consequent shortened life span of red blood cells)
unit began consuming wheatgrass juice after anecdotal accounts of beneficial
effects on transfusion requirements.
These encouraging experiences prompted evaluations on the effect of wheatgrass
juice on transfusion requirements in patients with transfusion dependent beta
thalassemia.
Acknowledgement
Very first I respectfully acknowledge this work to my Parents [Zanklal
Mujoriya (Father) & Rajani Mujoriya (Mother)], my sweet wife Jyoti and Family
Members who made me genius in field of education. It is said that
accomplishments must be credited to those who have put up the foundations of the
particular chore: here I pay tributes to my parents for lifting me up till this
phase of life. I am also thankful to my dearest brother Pravin, Amol & for their
encouragement, love and support which have boosted me morale. Thanking you all.
Reference...