Abstract

THE EFFECT OF WHEAT GRASS JUICE IN TYPE-2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Dr. Roma Anand* and Dr. Pavan Singh

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Globally it is estimated that 382 million people suffer from diabetes for a prevalence of 8.3%. Indians are more diabetic as compared to other countries. It affects more than 62 million Indians. The increase in incidence in developing countries follows the trend of urbanization and lifestyle changes. Deviation from traditional dietary habits also accounts for increased prevalence. Wheatgrass can be traced in history over 5000 years to ancient Egypt and perhaps even early Mesopotamian civilization. Dr. Ann Wigmore was also a strong advocate for the consumption of wheatgrass as a part of Raw Food Diet. She was the founder of Hippocrates Health Institute believed that it would cleanse the body of toxins while providing a proper balance of nutrients to treat illness. Wheatgrass is the nature’s finest medicine, its properties ranging from promotion of general wellbeing to cancer prevention. Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins A, C, K, E and B-complex, selenium and certain amino acids. Hyperglycemia in diabetes generates reactive oxygen species and disturbs the endogenous antioxidant defense system that causes oxidative stress. Wheatgrass is a miraculous drug having antioxidants. The patients between age group 40 – 70 years were selected, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria with written inform consent. The patients were administered 50 ml Wheatgrass juice diluted with 50 ml water half an hour before morning food and half an hour before dinner daily. Blood sugar levels (fasting blood sugar and post prandial) and sign and symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus were reduced and was found statistically significant with appreciable percentage of relief.

Keywords: Wheatgrass, Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.