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Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MBA, MD Pharmacology
Scientific View By
Monalisa Deka
M.Tech, B.Tech
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Wheat

Wheat is the most widely cultivated cereal crop in the world. It is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, proteins and minerals.
Wheat bran helps in managing constipation as it adds bulk to stools and helps in their easy passage mainly due to its laxative property. This laxative property also makes it useful for the management of piles. Wheat diet might also help in weight management as it gives a feeling of fullness and prevent overeating. Wheat flour is generally used to prepare chapatis. It is also added to various whole grain preparations like breads, noodles, pasta, oatmeal etc.
Wheat helps manage various skin problems like scars, burns, itching etc. as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Wheat flour along with milk and honey can be applied on the face to get a clean and glowing skin. Wheat germ oil can also be applied to the skin for managing skin irritation, dryness and tanning due to its antioxidant property.
It should be noted that Wheat contains gluten which may cause allergies in some people, so it is advisable for gluten intolerant individuals to avoid the use of wheat or wheat products[2][12].

What are the synonyms of Wheat?

Triticum aestivum, Gehun, Godhi, Bahudugdha, Godhuma, Godumai, Godumbaiyarisi, Godumalu[1]

What is the source of Wheat?

Plant Based

Benefits of Wheat

What are the benefits of Wheat for Constipation?

Modern Science View
Wheat bran may be useful in managing constipation. Wheat bran has potent laxative property due to the presence of a high amount of fibre. It bulks up the fecal matter, increases the frequency of bowel movement and reduces intestinal transit time. It also increases fecal moisture and thus aids in easy removal of waste from the body[3][8-10].
Ayurvedic View
Wheat helps to manage constipation as it is rich in fiber and adds bulk to stool. This is due to its Guru (heavy) nature. It also stimulates intestinal contractions and peristaltic movements because of its Sara (mobility) nature. This helps in easy expulsion of stools and corrects constipation.
Tips:
1. Take Wheat flour and make chapati.
2. Have it 2-4 or as per your requirement in day.

What are the benefits of Wheat for Piles?

Modern Science View
Wheat can be useful in managing piles (also known as hemorrhoids). Wheat bran is a rich source of fibre due to which it is increases bowel movement, moistens and bulks up fecal matter and aids in its easy removal[3][11][12].
Ayurvedic View
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to pile mass. Wheat in diet helps to control constipation because of its Sara (mobility) property. It also balances Vata due to its Vata balancing nature and thus reduce the symptoms of piles.
Tips:
1. Take Wheat flour and make chapati.
2. Have 2-4 or as per your requirement in a day.

What are the benefits of Wheat for Irritable bowel syndrome?

Modern Science View
Wheat may be useful in managing Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Wheat is a rich source of fibre due to which it is increases bowel movement, moistens and bulks up fecal matter and aids in its easy removal[3][8][13].

What are the benefits of Wheat for Type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Modern Science View
Wheat may not be useful in managing type 2 diabetes[3][18].

What are the benefits of Wheat for Stomach cancer?

Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Wheat may be useful in managing stomach cancer. Wheat is rich in fibre, various phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans that have potential antitumor activity[3][19][20].

What are the benefits of Wheat for Breast cancer?

Modern Science View
Wheat may be useful in managing breast cancer. Wheat has antioxidant and antiproliferative properties. It removes free radicals and helps in killing cancer cells. Wheat is also rich in fiber which may adsorb dietary carcinogens thus reducing the risk of development of cancer[3][19][21][22].

How effective is Wheat?

Likely effective
Constipation, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Irritable bowel syndrome, Piles
Likely ineffective
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Insufficient evidence
Breast cancer, Stomach cancer

Precautions when using Wheat

Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
Some people may be intolerant to Wheat due to which they might develop celiac disease. So it is advisable to consult your doctor for appropriate diet substitutions[4].
Allergy
Modern Science View
Wheat may cause allergic reactions in some people due to the presence of gluten proteins. It may cause baker’s asthma and rhinitis. So it is advisable to consult your doctor if you experience allergic reactions after Wheat consumption[4].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Wheat is safe to take during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Wheat is safe to take during pregnancy.

Recommended Dosage of Wheat

  • Wheat Powder - ¼-½ cup a day or as per your requirement.

How to use Wheat

1. Roasted Wheat flour
a. Dry roast about ¼ cup of Wheat flour in a pan on low heat for 25-30 minutes.
b. Add 2 tablespoons ground sugar and mix well.
c. Roast for another 1-2 minutes.
d. Add 2 tablespoons ground almond and ⅛ tablespoon cardamom.
e. Add some water and let it cook for some time while stirring continuously.
f. Garnish with almonds, raisins and pistachios.

2. Wheat chapati
a. Sift 1 cup whole Wheat flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
b. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and ¼ cup water to it.
c. Knead until firm and elastic.
d. Divide the kneaded flour into balls and roll each ball flat and round using a rolling pin.
e. Heat a pan on medium heat and place the flat rolled flour on it.
f. Cook on both sides until golden-brown in colour (approximately 1 minute on each side).
g. Cook for a few seconds on direct flame.
h. Add a few drops of oil on the cooked chapati (optional).

Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Wheat and rice have similar calorific value and carbohydrate content but they have different nutritional profiles. Wheat is richer in fibre, protein and minerals as compared to rice but takes more time to digest. For diabetics, Wheat is better than rice as it has a lower glycemic index.
Modern Science View
China is the largest producer of Wheat followed by India and Russia. China produces about 126 million metric tonnes of Wheat every year on a land area of about 24 million hectare.
Modern Science View
Wheat seed consists of 3 parts- Bran (outermost layer), Endosperm (tissue around the embryo of seed) and Germ (embryo). Wheat germ oil is extracted from the germ. It is used in many commercial preparations such as skin creams, lotions, soap and shampoo.

References

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    WebMD.Wheat-bran: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
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    Jenkins DJA, Kendall CWC, Vuksan V et al.The effect of Wheat bran particle size on laxation and colonic fermentation.J Am Coll Nutr.1999;19(4):339-345.
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    Badiali D, Corazziari E, Habib FI et al.Effect of Wheat bran in treatment of chronic nonorganic constipation - a double-blind controlled trial.Dig Dis Sci.1995;40(2):349-356.
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    Alberts DS, Einspahr J, Rees-mcgee S et al.Effects of dietary Wheat bran fiber on rectal epithelial cell proliferation in patients with research for colorectal cancers.J Natl Cancer Inst.1990;82(15):1280-1285.
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    Qu H, Madl RL, Takemoto DJ et al.Lignans are involved in the antitumor activity of Wheat bran in colon cancer SW480 cells.J Nutr.2005;135(3):598–602.
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    Reddy BS, Hirose Y, Cohen LA et al.Preventive potential of Wheat bran fractions against experimental colon carcinogenesis:implications for human colon cancer prevention.Cancer Res.2000;60(17):4792–4797.
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    Decosse JJ, Miller HH, Lesser ML.Effect of Wheat fiber and vitamins c and e on rectal polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.J Natl Cancer Inst.1989;81(17):1290–1297.
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    Jenkins DJA, Kendall CWC, Augustin LSA.Effect of Wheat bran on glycemic control and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care Sep.2002;25 (9):1522-1528.
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    Ferguson LR, Harris PJ.Protection against cancer by Wheat bran: role of dietary fibre and phytochemicals.Eur J Cancer Prev.1999;8:17-25.
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    Terry P, Lagergren J, Ye W et al.Inverse association between intake of cereal fiber and risk of gastric cardia cancer.Gastroenterology.2001;120(2):387-391.
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    Tandon S, Arora A, Singh S et al.Antioxidant profiling of Triticum aestivum ( Wheatgrass ) and its antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.J Pharm Res.2011;4(12):1-4.
  22. 22
    Studies on the mechanism of cancer protection by Wheat bran: effects on the absorption, metabolism and excretion of the food carcinogen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5- f]quinoline (IQ).Carcinogenesis.1999;20(12):2253–2260.
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    Khattak MMAK.Physiological effects of dietary complex carbohydrates and its metabolites role in certain diseases.Pakistan Journal of Nutrition.2002;1(4):161-168.
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    Stevenson L, Phillips F, O’sullivan K et al.Wheat bran: its composition and benefits to health, a European perspective.International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.2012;63(8):1001-1013.
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    Anderson JW, Gustafson NJ, Bryant CA et al.Dietary fiber and diabetes: a comprehensive review and practical application.J Am Diet Assoc.1987;87(9):1189-1197.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.