Wheatgrass, the freshly sprouted leaves of the common wheat plant, has been marketed as a superfood with numerous health benefits. Despite its popularity, scientific evidence supporting these claims is lacking. This article explores the history and evolution of wheatgrass health claims, highlighting key figures and developments in its journey from a dietary supplement to a controversial health product.
Early Popularization
The consumption of wheatgrass in the Western world
began in the 1930s, thanks to the efforts of Charles Schnabel. Schnabel conducted experiments to popularize wheatgrass, claiming that it reached peak nutritional value at the jointing stage. By 1940, cans of Schnabel's powdered grass were available in major drug stores across the United States and Canada. His research focused on wheatgrass grown outdoors in Kansas, harvested after 200 days of slow growth through winter and early spring.
Ann Wigmore, another key figure in wheatgrass history, advocated for its consumption as part of a raw food diet. Wigmore believed that wheatgrass could cleanse the body of toxins and treat serious diseases. Despite her claims, reputable health institutes have denounced them as unfounded and potentially dangerous.
Health Claims and Scientific Scrutiny
Wheatgrass is often marketed as a superfood, with claims ranging from supplemental nutrition to cancer prevention. However, the American Cancer Society states that scientific evidence does not support the idea that wheatgrass can cure or prevent disease. While some trials report benefits in specific conditions, such as reduced chemotherapy side effects, these studies are generally small and short-term.
The nutrient content of wheatgrass includes potassium, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Despite these nutrients, wheatgrass lacks vitamin B12, which is not produced by plants but by microorganisms living on them. The claims of wheatgrass containing B12 are not backed by reliable sources.
The Superfood Controversy
The term "superfood" is often used as a marketing tool, with little scientific basis. The Dutch food safety organization Voedingscentrum has noted that health claims used to sell wheatgrass are not scientifically proven. Consuming such foods in large quantities may lead to an impaired, one-sided diet.
Despite its popularity, wheatgrass remains a controversial health product. Its journey from a promising dietary supplement to a scrutinized superfood highlights the importance of scientific evidence in health claims. As consumers become more aware of the lack of scientific support, the future of wheatgrass as a health product remains uncertain.
