Is Wheatgrass Safe for Children?
We frequently received a question like this: Can I offer Wheatgrass to my child or baby?
Wheatgrass provides an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, iron, protein, and fiber, vitamin C, many of the B vitamins, and contains a variety of blood-building factors. It is safe for children over 2 years old. But, what is most important is when to introduce them wheatgrass, and how.
When is the suitable timing to offer your kids wheatgrass? To be safe, it is always good to offer new food or beverage to your child when their digestion systems are stable and able to tolerate new food. For example, when the time you feel it is safe to feed your little monster fast food, snack and carbonated drink… In conversely, you are ready to offer them something good at that time too. Begin with a small quantity, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon daily mixed with water, honey or juice.
Undergoing any Food Sensitivity Issue?
Here is another common question: Is wheatgrass gluten-free?
Generally, Yes! They are harvested from a growing wheat plant without any seeds. Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted leaves of the wheat plant. When people hear wheat, they will link it to gluten. However, the actual grass itself does not contain gluten. Gluten is only found in the seed kernels of the wheat plant, not in its grasses. If the grass is cut at an appropriate time before it’s allowed to grow seeds, it should be gluten-free. Unfortunately, there is a risk of cross-contamination when it comes to wheatgrass and there’s always the unknown of when exactly it was cultivated. Additionally, if you are allergic to wheat, you should also avoid wheatgrass entirely just to be safe.
Things to Take Care about Fresh Raw Wheatgrass.
Though wheatgrass has numerous health benefits, there are some issues associated with wheatgrass, particularly for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.
Allergic reactions: Wheatgrass can cause nausea, headaches, hives or swell in throat either right after ingestion or after few minutes of ingestion. If the person experiences swelling of the throat, check with your doctor immediately. People with a grass allergy, celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid wheatgrass.
Bacterial and mold infections: As wheatgrass is grown in moist conditions, there are many chances of bacterial infections or molds growing in wheatgrass. As wheatgrass is consumed raw, chances are that these bacterial infections or molds can enter to the person ingesting wheatgrass. This is particularly an issue with infants, toddlers and pregnant women who are very sensitive to any bacterial or fungal infections.
Therefore, it is advisable that pregnant women taking wheatgrass and parents giving wheatgrass juice to infants and toddlers with cautions.
With the above-mentioned issue, we would suggest you take Organic Wheatgrass Powder – which they are organically grown and harvested. With high standard hygiene process and infections are avoidable!
Written by: Jasmine Lim
(Love Earth Nutritionist)
[Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietics (major) &
Food Science (minor) lowa State University, USA]
#LoveEarth #LoveLife #LoveOrganic
