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Organic Kamut Grass

Also known as: Kamut Grass, Kamut Wheatgrass, Kamut® wheat, Triticum turgidum ssp. turanicum

Overview

Kamut Grass, scientifically known as Triticum turgidum ssp. turanicum, is the young grass of the ancient Kamut wheat plant. It is consumed as a dietary supplement, typically in juice, powder, or extract form, and is recognized for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic health benefits. While research is still emerging, it is primarily used to support immune function, reduce oxidative stress, and may offer benefits in managing metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. Kamut Grass contains a rich profile of beneficial compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. Although some randomized controlled trials and mechanistic studies exist, comprehensive systematic reviews specifically on Kamut Grass are limited, with much of the evidence extrapolated from general wheatgrass research. It is important to note that as a wheat species, Kamut Grass contains gluten and is therefore not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Benefits

Kamut Grass offers several potential health benefits, supported by both in vitro and limited human clinical studies. Its **anti-inflammatory effects** have been demonstrated in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial where daily intake of 100 mL wheatgrass juice significantly reduced disease activity and rectal bleeding in ulcerative colitis patients, with no reported adverse effects. This suggests a strong potential for managing inflammatory conditions. The **antioxidant activity** of Kamut Grass is attributed to its rich content of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which have shown significant free radical scavenging properties in various studies. For **metabolic health**, studies in type 2 diabetic patients indicated that 15 g/day of wheatgrass juice powder for four weeks could lower total cholesterol and improve markers of oxidative stress. Animal studies further support its anti-hyperglycemic effects. Additionally, Kamut Grass may contribute to **immune modulation**; extracts contain oligosaccharides that stimulate lymphocyte activation and nitric oxide production in macrophages, suggesting an enhancement of immune responses. Animal studies also hint at improved **physical endurance** with supplementation. However, it's crucial to note that while these benefits are promising, the clinical significance of outcomes like weight loss specifically for Kamut Grass remains unproven, and more robust, large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these effects.

How it works

Kamut Grass exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its rich array of bioactive compounds, including phenolic antioxidants, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and immunologically active oligosaccharides. These compounds work synergistically to modulate various physiological pathways. The **antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions** are mediated by the ability of phenols and flavonoids to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, thereby mitigating cellular damage and inflammation. The **immunostimulatory effects** are attributed to specific oligosaccharides that enhance immune cell function by increasing the expression of activation markers on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and inducing nitric oxide production in macrophages, suggesting an activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. The potential **anti-hyperglycemic effects** may involve the modulation of glucose metabolism and further reduction of oxidative stress, which is often elevated in metabolic disorders. The exact mechanisms of absorption and bioavailability are not fully characterized in humans, but they are likely influenced by the preparation form (juice vs. powder) and dosage.

Side effects

Kamut Grass and general wheatgrass supplements are generally considered well-tolerated, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse effects. Common side effects are rare and typically mild, with no significant adverse events (defined as >5% incidence) documented in studies. However, it is crucial to note that Kamut is a species of wheat and therefore contains gluten. Consequently, Kamut Grass is **contraindicated for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity/allergy**, as it can trigger adverse reactions in these populations. While no specific drug interactions have been formally established, caution is advised for individuals taking immunomodulatory drugs due to the potential immune-enhancing effects of Kamut Grass. Long-term safety data for consistent, high-dose supplementation are currently limited, and further research is needed to fully understand any potential long-term implications. As with any supplement, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting Kamut Grass, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those on medication.

Dosage

Dosage guidelines for Kamut Grass are primarily derived from clinical studies on general wheatgrass, as specific Kamut Grass research is limited. Efficacious doses observed in human trials range from 100 mL of wheatgrass juice daily to 15 grams of wheatgrass powder per day. For individuals with ulcerative colitis, a daily intake of 100 mL of wheatgrass juice for one month demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing disease activity. For metabolic benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, a dose of 15 grams of wheatgrass powder daily for four weeks was found to be effective. There is currently no established maximum safe dose, but the doses used in clinical studies have been well tolerated with minimal side effects. The timing of supplementation relative to meals is not standardized across studies. It is also important to consider that the preparation form (juice versus powder) may influence the bioavailability and absorption of the active compounds, potentially affecting the required dosage for desired effects. Always start with a lower dose to assess tolerance and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

FAQs

Is Kamut Grass safe for gluten-sensitive individuals?

No, Kamut is a wheat species and naturally contains gluten. Therefore, it is not safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and should be avoided to prevent adverse reactions.

How soon can benefits be expected from Kamut Grass supplementation?

Clinical improvements in inflammatory bowel disease have been observed within one month of daily supplementation. Metabolic benefits, such as cholesterol reduction, typically appeared after four weeks of consistent use.

Does Kamut Grass cause weight loss?

Current scientific evidence does not support clinically significant weight loss as a direct benefit of Kamut Grass supplementation. A systematic review found insufficient evidence for isolated organic compounds, including those in wheatgrass, for weight loss.

Are there any known drug interactions with Kamut Grass?

No specific drug interactions have been formally reported. However, due to its potential immunomodulatory effects, caution is advised for individuals taking immunosuppressant or other immunomodulatory medications.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33976376/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in 2021, evaluated dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds for weight loss. It concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend any of these compounds, including those related to wheatgrass or fructans, for weight loss, highlighting the need for more robust clinical trials.
https://wiki.plantpills.co.uk/wheatgrass/ – This source provides a comprehensive overview of wheatgrass, including its historical use, nutritional composition, and various health claims. It references studies on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic effects, serving as a general knowledge base for wheatgrass research.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3682569/ – This in vitro study investigated the immunological properties of wheatgrass oligosaccharides. It demonstrated that these compounds can stimulate lymphocyte activation and induce nitric oxide production in macrophages, providing mechanistic insight into the potential immune-enhancing effects of wheatgrass.