If you’ve walked into a juice or smoothie bar recently, you’ve probably seen wheatgrass popping up in smoothie and juice recipes. Maybe you’ve even seen the increasingly popular wheatgrass shot. But what is wheatgrass and what are its benefits?
We’re bringing you five incredible benefits of wheatgrass and all the ways you can add wheatgrass to your diet. Keep reading to find out more about:
- What wheatgrass is
- The health benefits of wheatgrass
- How to add wheatgrass into your diet
What is wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass has made its mark on the health food world, but what is it?
Wheatgrass is the newly sprouted leaves of the wheat plant. While there are many different types of wheat, the most common kind is Triticum aestivum. Most people consume wheatgrass in the form of juice either as a wheatgrass shot or incorporated into smoothies or juices. However, you can also buy it in powdered or supplement capsules in most health food stores.
While it may look a bit like the grass that grows in your front lawn, wheatgrass boasts a lot of nutritional value and can be used in a lot of different ways. Some of it’s benefits include:
- Aiding in digestion
- Reducing oxidative stress
- Improving immunity
- Reduce blood sugar levels
- Improves oral health
Wheatgrass aids in digestion and weight loss
Like many other fibrous foods, wheatgrass is extremely helpful in weight management and digestion.
As a fibrous food, wheatgrass is extremely beneficial for digestion and weight loss. It contains lots of fiber and vitamin B, which boost the function of muscles in the digestive tract. B complex vitamins help to move energy from food to tissue cells during the digestive process.
Wheatgrass also contains selenium, a naturally present element which is good for your thyroid gland. A healthy thyroid is integral to maintaining healthy weight and plays a large role in weight control.
Wheatgrass reduces oxidative stress and boost immune function
Wheatgrass can help to boost immune function and reduce oxidative stress on the body.
Oxidative stress is often caused by infection or free radicals entering the body and overwhelming the body’s defenses. Though it doesn’t contain as many antioxidants as dark leafy greens and berries, wheatgrass contains many nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin E, and enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD).
These nutrients can help to relieve and prevent excess oxidative stress, further preventing the risk of diseases or infections like cancer. In one study, healthy subjects were given wheatgrass shots to include in their physical training routines and found significant reduction in oxidative stress caused by lipid peroxidation.
Wheatgrass may aid in blood sugar reduction
Wheatgrass may help to lower blood sugar levels, relieving symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
High blood sugar can cause many unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. When not managed, high blood sugar can lead to more serious issues like nerve damage, skin infections, and vision issues.
In a study that fed diabetic rats wheatgrass extract for 30 days, scientists saw a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. While this research is beneficial, it is limited to animals and research on the effect of wheatgrass on human’s blood sugar levels is yet to be done.
Wheatgrass can improve oral health
High amounts of chlorophyll may mean that wheatgrass has the ability to cure oral diseases and infections.
Wheatgrass has antimicrobials that help to improve oral health. Wheatgrass juice kills harmful bacteria in the mouth that may cause oral diseases and bad breath. The juice is believed to treat such things as gum diseases as well as toothaches.
A study done in 2007 found that the high content of chlorophyll in wheatgrass helped to cure candida albicans and might have the ability to treat oral thrush as well.
How to add wheatgrass into your diet
Wheatgrass can be added to your diet in a variety of easy ways.
There are many great ways to get wheatgrass into your diet on a regular basis. From fresh juice, to wheatgrass shots, to wheatgrass powder and supplements, there are many options for getting wheatgrass in your diet.
Some great ways to get wheatgrass into your diet include:
- Taking wheatgrass shots
- Wheatgrass powder
- Wheatgrass pills/supplements
Wheatgrass shots
Wheatgrass shots are the most popular way to get wheatgrass into your diet.
The most popular way to consume wheatgrass is in the form of wheatgrass shots or wheatgrass juice. Wheatgrass juice is made by juicing or crushing the wheatgrass and the juice can be had on its own in the form of a shot or mixed in with other vegetable and fruit juices.
Powdered wheatgrass juice or wheatgrass tablets make for great ways to mix up a quick wheatgrass juice on the go. One tablet can typically be mixed into 1 glass of water to make your own wheatgrass juice to go.
Wheatgrass powder
Powdered wheatgrass makes it easy to make wheatgrass juice or drinks on the go.
Powdered wheatgrass can be added to juices or smoothies for a boost of earthy goodness and loads of nutrients. Powdered wheatgrass can be found in most health food stores and make for a great addition to many different dishes.
Wheatgrass pills
Wheatgrass pills are even simpler than powder or shots, just pop one in your mouth and you're good to go!
If you don’t like the taste of wheatgrass but still want all the amazing benefits that come with consuming it, you should try wheatgrass pills. These are pressed powdered wheatgrass capsules that are easy to consume. Wheatgrass pills can be found at most health food stores.
No matter how you choose to bring wheatgrass into your diet, it’s important to make sure you are getting the supplements from a trustworthy brand. It is also important to consult a doctor before adding wheatgrass pills or any wheatgrass supplement into your diet, as it may have unwanted side effects or interactions with other medications.
Now go graze on some wheatgrass! Actually, just go buy a juice, you’ll like it better than raw wheatgrass…trust me.
