subject: The Values Of Wheatgrass Supplements For Health [print this page] In the 1930s, agricultural chemist Charles FIn the 1930s, agricultural chemist Charles F. Schnabel conducted experiments with young grasses, including wheatgrass. He discovered that these grasses achieve their nutritional peak, with the highest concentrations of chlorophyll, vitamins, and protein, just before they reach what is called the "jointing stage." This stage of grass growth is the point where a stem forms and leaves branch from it, at which time the concentrations of these highly nutritional substances decrease significantly. When harvested at its peak, wheatgrass is one of the most nutritious of the deep green leafy vegetables.
Further, Schnabel's studies included using this young, fresh cut grass in feed for dying hens. His results were dramatic. The hens recovered and subsequently produced more eggs than their healthy counterparts, with hens fed wheatgrass doubling their egg production. Excited about his repeated findings, he began to encourage family and friends to use his dried, powdered grass as a dietary supplement, applying for a patent for his processes in 1934. Major drug stores in the United States and Canada were stocking cans of Schnabel's powdered grass on their shelves by 1940.
It is an unfortunate fact that most Americans fail to eat the recommended number of three to five servings of vegetables every day. A few wheatgrass tablets or a teaspoon of wheatgrass powder in a smoothie has the equivalent value of a full, mixed greens salad. Wheatgrass supplements provide needed protein, vitamins C, K, B-6 and B-12, folic acid, and trace minerals. Wheatgrass also contains all of the essential amino acids for cell growth. It also is one of the best sources of chlorophyll that is an anti-inflammatory and aids in body detoxification.
Numerous health claims have been attributed to wheatgrass supplements over the years, including cancer prevention and heavy metal detoxification, in addition to the promotion of general health through complete nutrition. Studies support the benefits of high chlorophyll diets in reducing the incidence of colon cancer. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that wheatgrass juice therapy is beneficial in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, significantly reducing rectal bleeding and disease activity.
Claims of wheatgrass benefits for digestion, blood flow, and detoxification have received scientific support in pilot studies where it has been used to treat patients suffering from blood disorders requiring periodic transfusions with positive results. Another pilot study demonstrated a decreased need for bone marrow and blood-building medication for breast cancer patients during chemotherapy.
In short, wheatgrass tables or powder added to the daily diet provide the body with the nutrients, protein, and amino acids it needs to be healthy and stay healthy. Even if you don't have the time or desire to eat all of those vegetables every day, there's always time for wheatgrass supplements.
