Nutritional Benefits of Wheatgrass Microgreens
One of the drastic steps you can take towards living a healthy life in 2020 and beyond is incorporating microgreens in your meals. You would be surprised by the health benefits they have. Growing wheatgrass microgreens at home is not only easy but also inexpensive. Health gurus have been vocal in promoting the consumption of wheatgrass. Most enthusiasts eat it dry in capsule or tablet form since matured leaves are hard to digest. The other three options are consuming it as a smoothie, or sprouts and microgreens for their nutritive values. So, what are the benefits of this superfood?
1. High in Nutrients and Antioxidants
Fully matured wheatgrass is a perfect source of a couple of vitamins and minerals. It’s higher in vitamins A, C, and E and also has magnesium, iron, calcium, and acids. Considering that microgreens have 10 to 40 times the nutrients in fully matured food types, you can expect wheatgrass microgreens and sprouts to have more of these nutrients.
They also contain several vital antioxidants including the essential glutathione and vitamins C and E. These antioxidants help to find free radicals to shield body cells from damage, and also reduce oxidative stress. Based on some studies, it has vital that antioxidants may help prevent some conditions like cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
2. Helps to Fight Infections
A 2015 research found out that wheatgrass products can kill or halt the growth of certain infections. They are therefore best suited for treating antibiotic-resistant conditions or people allergic to certain antibiotics. Researchers experimented with a test tube and published the results that indicated that wheatgrass has antimicrobial properties that can help fight certain types of strep infections and some forms of Lactobacillus bacteria. This lactobacillus bacteria plays a significant role in many infections including dental-related. To keep the doctor away, it's not just the apple that you haveto eat. Wheatgrass microgreens may play the same role.
3. Restores Alkalinity to the Blood
Cancer claims lives. In 2019 over 600,000 people died of cancer in the US alone. To live a cancer-free life, the first step is changing your diet and understandinghow cancer cells grow. They thrive in an acidic body, and keeping your body in a slightly alkaline state is key to preventing any developing of these cells leading to the deadly condition.
Some trustworthy medical sites state that a slightly alkaline body is key to preventing chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis,which can result inantibiotic-resistant cramping, bloating, headaches, and other health issues. Fortunately for those who consume wheatgrass microgreens and smoothies, the superfood is highly alkalizing.
4. Helps Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Studies conducted at the Sharma University of India, wheatgrass is essential for heart and blood vessel health. It can be usefulin treating hyperlipidemia. Moreover, it helps lower high cholesterol which is otherwise harmful to your heart health and also lowers triglyceride levels. One study was done on rabbits to examine the effects of wheatgrass. Three groups of ten rabbits each were put to the test.
One group received a high-fat diet, the other one a control diet, and the last one received a high-fat diet together with wheatgrass for more than ten weeks. Samples were taken from the animals for cholesterol analysis. The high-fat diet increased oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and lowered vitamin C. The ones that consumed wheatgrass recorded significantly reduced MDA levels and higher vitamin C and glutathione levels.
5. Wheatgrass Microgreens are a Source of Iron
Wheatgrass microgreens provide over 10 mg of iron per serving. Iron is essential for hundreds of enzymes and proteins in the human body. One of the most important roles of iron is helping to form the essential compound hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin helps to transport oxygen molecules through the blood. People who experience low iron levels tend to be anemic since their tissues lack enough oxygen. Enjoying a cup of wheatgrass smoothie made from sprouts or microgreens, or consuming them directly as salads will ensure your iron level is average.
6. May Aid in Blood Sugar Regulations
High blood sugar can result in thirst, headaches, frequent urination or fatigue. If the condition lasts longer, there will be serious consequences like nerve damage, skin infection, and issues with vision. According to some animal studies, wheatgrass can help control blood sugar levels.
However, the research was done on rats where it was noticed that their blood sugar levels decreased significantly after 30 days of consuming wheatgrass. More studies may be needed to understand how it may affect humans, but the chances are that a cup of wheatgrass microgreens may be very helpful in blood sugar regulations.
7. May Help in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Treatment
People have used wheatgrass traditionally as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, and scientists have found evidence that may be helpful. In a2016 study done on rats, it became clear that wheatgrass raised insulin levels and also lowered blood glucose.
Experts are convinced that inflammation plays a critical role in diabetes. By fighting inflammation, wheatgrass may also help people manage both diabetes and some other complications related to it. Such a valid reason you should roll out a wheatgrass microgreen diet.
8. Gives You a Potent Vitamin Boost
Our bodies cannot produce vitamins naturally, and therefore, we have to get them from the foods we eat. One of those foods you should often eat to gift your body with the nutrients it needs is wheatgrass. Nor only as a smoothie or capsules but microgreens. Wheatgrass is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and multiple B vitamins.
collectively, the vitamins help support the physiological processes, including enzymatic reactions, cellular metabolism, and supportive processes for maintaining cell membranes structure.
9. Acts as a Detoxifier
According to a study done by Hippocrates Health Institute, wheatgrass has been used traditionally as a blood cleanser.
It’s a powerful detoxifying agent that help to build red blood cells, resulting in healthier skin and hair. So, if you are planning to detox, wheatgrass microgreens are the real deal.
9. Promotes Weight Loss
Many people tend to drink wheatgrass smoothie as a way to boost weight loss. Wheatgrass contains thylakoids which are tiny compartments found in plants containing chlorophyll.
Studies have shown that supplementing high-carb meals with thylakoids enhance satiety and increase weight loss. Thylakoids are also available in greens like spinach and kale. Microgreens and sprouts are highly rich in these tiny compartments.
Conclusion
It’s no brainer that our health depends on what we put in our mouths. Wheatgrass, in particular, has been known to have most of the nutritional benefits our bodies need, inclusive of the ones we have mentioned above. Perhaps the best decision you can make in 2020 is kickstarting a microgreen diet.