Wheatgrass is a food made from the Triticum aestivum plant. It’s regarded as a super potent health food with amazing benefits. It’s usually consumed as a fresh juice, but it also comes in powdered form. Fresh wheatgrass juice is considered to be a living food.
Health enthusiasts have long raved about the countless benefits of this plant, and for good reason. It can be used as an everyday health tonic and may even help treat specific diseases. More research is needed to truly determine its efficacy, but researchers agree that wheatgrass has potential.
Keep reading to discover the possible healing benefits of wheatgrass.
Wheatgrass is packed with a powerful combination of nutrients that make it extremely useful to your health. It has many therapeutic benefits and is known as complete nourishment. The extensive combination of vitamins and nutrients may make wheatgrass an exceptional choice to enhance your well-being. Wheatgrass has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- iron
- calcium
- enzymes
- magnesium
- phytonutrients
- 17 amino acids
- vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex
- chlorophyll
- proteins
The nutrients in wheatgrass aid the body in getting rid of impurities and stored toxins. For example, the chlorophyll aids in detoxing the body and helps support healthy liver function. Once your body is cleansed, you may see an increase in energy levels and better health overall.
Wheatgrass has high levels of enzymes that aid in digestion by helping your body to break down food and absorb nutrients. This can help with digestion.
The detox effects of wheatgrass clean your intestines so you experience less gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Wheatgrass may also help relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues.
Drinking wheatgrass can boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss. It’s an excellent choice if you’re watching your weight, because it’s low in calories and has no fat.
Wheatgrass is a nutrient-dense food, leading many to feel fuller faster and longer. This can help to reduce cravings.
Wheatgrass is also known to lower cholesterol levels. Losing weight can also help you lower cholesterol levels, which can make you less at risk for developing heart disease.
Wheatgrass enhances the function of your immune system. This can help ward off infection and disease. Plus, you’ll feel much better when your immunity is performing at optimal levels. If you do get some type of illness, having a strong immune system can help you recover more quickly.
Your energy levels may be higher than usual from the nourishment you receive. Once your body has cleared out harmful substances, your energy can be directed to performing daily tasks and exercising. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
You can lower your blood pressure by consuming wheatgrass. The chlorophyll molecule is similar to hemoglobin and increases blood cell count. This helps to normalize blood pressure. It’s also thought to purify blood and improve blood circulation.
Wheatgrass may improve overall mental function and relieve anxiety. Its neuroprotective effects allow for better cognitive function and can help ward off and treat Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to prevent memory loss and can be used to improve hand-eye coordination.
Wheatgrass has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This is, in part, because wheatgrass has compounds that have an effect similar to insulin. It lowers the glycemic index of foods, which has a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
The anti-inflammatory properties of wheatgrass may ease some of the symptoms of arthritis, such as stiffness, pain, and swelling. This may result in less discomfort and improved function.
You should only purchase wheatgrass from a trusted supplier, such as a reputable health store. Talk with an associate to ensure that the plants were grown and cleaned properly. This helps to eliminate the possibility of harmful bacteria and mold.
When you first start taking wheatgrass, begin with a small dose and gradually increase your intake to meet the recommended dose. This will help to get your body adjust to digesting wheatgrass.
A typical liquid dose is anywhere from 1 to 4 ounces (oz.), or about 2 shots. The usual powdered dose is 3 to 5 grams, or about 1 teaspoon. Drinking an 8 oz. cup of water after taking wheatgrass can help reduce your risk for side effects.
Possible side effects include:
- nausea
- headache
- constipation
- upset stomach
- fever
These symptoms typically fade within two weeks, or after your body has adjusted to the wheatgrass.
Don’t take wheatgrass if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Allergic reactions are possible in some people, especially people who are allergic to wheat or grass. It may also affect you differently if you have a blood disorder, celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance.
Wheatgrass may be a powerful addition to cancer treatment plans.
A 2015 review of studies found that wheatgrass has anticancer potential. This could be because wheatgrass kills off certain cells. When used alongside conventional cancer treatment, wheatgrass can boost the immune system and help the body to detox. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
One 2007 study found that people with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy reduced their toxicity levels by taking wheatgrass juice. This may be because of its high chlorophyll content. Wheatgrass may also lower myelotoxicity that is caused by chemotherapy. Myelotoxicity reduces bone marrow function and can increase your risk for infection.
A 2011 review also shows that wheatgrass has antioxidant properties that can help to prevent cancer. The high nutritional value of wheatgrass helps to build a strong immune system, which is thought to keep the body healthy and free of disease.
To make the most of these benefits, try taking a serving of wheatgrass every day or every other day. Pay attention to any changes that you notice in your body. You may wish to take notes at the end of each day to help map when you experience side effects or when you see other impact, such as an increase in energy.
It’s important to find the dosage and time of day that works for you. Trial and error can help you decide if it’s better for you to take on an empty stomach or after food.
If you’re taking wheatgrass for a specific health concern, look into other lifestyle changes that can further aid in improving your health. Your doctor may also be able to recommend specific changes in diet or routine.