Health Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice has demonstrated effectiveness in treating active distal ulcerative colitis and may provide benefits through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties, but lacks sufficient high-quality evidence to recommend for most health conditions. 1
Evidence-Based Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice
Gastrointestinal Health
- Ulcerative Colitis: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100cc of wheatgrass juice daily for one month significantly reduced disease activity index and severity of rectal bleeding in patients with active distal ulcerative colitis 1
- The anti-inflammatory properties may benefit digestive health through mechanisms similar to those seen with other plant-based foods 2
Antioxidant Properties
- Wheatgrass demonstrates strong antioxidant activity that increases with plant maturity 3
- Contains multiple compounds with antioxidant properties that can be measured through cyclic voltammetry 1
- Proteomic analysis has identified 297 proteins in wheatgrass, many involved in preventing oxidative stress 3
Immune System Support
- Preliminary evidence suggests wheatgrass juice may support immune function during chemotherapy 4
- In colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, daily intake of 60cc wheatgrass juice resulted in:
- Higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10
- Less decline in white blood cell counts during treatment 4
Nutritional Content
- Rich in chlorophyll, flavonoids, vitamins C and E 5
- Contains minerals, active enzymes, and phytochemicals 3
- Available in various forms including fresh juice, frozen juice, tablets, and powders 5
Limitations and Considerations
Quality of Evidence
- Most clinical trials on wheatgrass have been small with methodological limitations 5
- Laboratory studies show promise, but larger clinical trials are needed before making definitive recommendations 5, 6
Safety Profile
- No serious adverse events have been reported in clinical trials 1, 5
- Some forms may pose tolerability issues for certain individuals 5
Comparison to Whole Grains
- While wheatgrass has specific properties, it's important to note that whole grains in general provide significant health benefits:
Clinical Applications
For patients interested in wheatgrass juice:
- Consider recommending for patients with ulcerative colitis as an adjunctive therapy 1
- May be beneficial as a supportive therapy during chemotherapy to help maintain immune function 4
- Can be suggested as part of an antioxidant-rich diet for general health maintenance 3
Practical Considerations
- Typical therapeutic dose used in research: 60-100cc daily 1, 4
- Fresh juice appears to be the form most commonly studied in clinical trials 1
- The nutritional profile may vary based on growing conditions and processing methods 5
While wheatgrass juice shows promise for specific conditions like ulcerative colitis and as supportive care during cancer treatment, more robust clinical evidence is needed before recommending it widely for other health conditions.