Wheatgrass Side Effects

Have you finally joined the group of health enthusiasts who want to benefit from the goodness of all the things green and organic? If yes, then on your search for health foods, you must have definitely come across wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant that is dried and changed into powder or juice to be consumed by human beings and animals. However, before hastily incorporating this plant into your list of healthy foods, why not take a look at the wheatgrass side effects? Both the side effects and benefits of wheatgrass are mentioned below.

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

If you are looking for the side effects of wheatgrass, then you probably already know about the benefits of this plant. Nevertheless a quick glance at its health benefits would help one understand people's curiosity about wheatgrass side effects.

• Vitamins and antibacterial properties of wheatgrass enables it to aid in digestion.
• Vitamin B complex, Vitamin K and the various minerals and amino acids in wheatgrass help it to promote healing.
• Chlorophyll in wheatgrass checks the growth of harmful bacteria in wounds.
• Antioxidants in wheatgrass slow down the damage done to cells by free radicals, thus endowing it with anti aging properties.
• Wheatgrass juice helps boost energy levels. This is one of the main wheatgrass juice benefits. Those undergoing chemotherapy may take this juice every day.

Side Effects of Wheatgrass

Though this article is about wheatgrass side effects, I feel very happy to tell you all that there aren't many of them. The few that there are, are in fact of very mild nature. Nevertheless, since it is very important to know both the beneficial as well as the harmful effects of the foods we eat, there are a few things that we need to understand before starting off on a wheatgrass diet. Some common health problems experienced after consumption of wheatgrass are:

Nausea
Many people complain of experiencing a feeling of nausea after they have had a glass of wheatgrass juice. However, if this is the situation then it could be because the individual consumed the juice either with his meal or just after having it. It is best to consume it either on an empty stomach, early in the morning or at least an hour before having a proper meal. You should consume organic wheatgrass juice if you want to enjoy the health benefits mentioned above.

Headache
Either along with the feeling of nausea or even without it, it is possible to have headache after having consumed wheatgrass. However, this wheatgrass side effect is often attributed to the detoxification effect that the body undergoes after one has consumed a glass of wheatgrass juice. As the body rapidly gets rid of the toxins like heavy metals, fats and metabolic wastes in the body, one experiences headache and nausea. Once the toxins have been removed from the body the effects of nausea and headache also subside. These effects are also often, although incorrectly associated with mold in wheatgrass.

Diarrhea
Those who drink wheatgrass juice for the first time or too much of it at one go, may suffer from upset stomach and diarrhea. Some may suffer from loss of appetite and constipation.

Allergic Reactions
Some people are allergic to wheat. Needless to say, such individuals must avoid wheatgrass juice supplements. Allergies due to wheatgrass will be manifested in the form of skin rash or hives, breathing problems, swelling of the mouth or throat. People who are allergic to molds should also avoid wheatgrass as they may have reaction to the mold growing on wheatgrass.

Wheatgrass and Mold

Like other grass plants wheatgrass is also prone to molds. The most common variety is the 'blue fuzz' mold. However, this mold is non-pathogenic, that is, it does not penetrate the wheat plant. Hence it can't cause harm to human beings. This type of mold can be easily removed from the plant by rinsing it in water before it is processed and converted into consumable forms. However, there are other varieties of pathogenic mold like the white or brown mold. But these molds kill the plants. This reduces the chances of ingesting these molds along with wheatgrass. Harmful effects of wheatgrass due to mold is largely disputed. However, it is best to buy commercial varieties of wheatgrass juice or supplements to negate the possibility of suffering from the side effects due to mold.

Benefits of wheatgrass are many. Daily intake of wheatgrass juice helps lower the symptoms of arthritis. Wheatgrass supplements in the form of capsules are available in the market. You should consult your physician before opting for wheatgrass capsules. And, it is always helpful to remember the side effects of wheatgrass so that chances of unwanted discomfort are minimized.