7 Benefits Of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant and is instantly recognizable due to its appearance and flavor. This young wheat is vibrant green in color, gluten-free, and packed with important vitamins and nutrients such as Iron and Vitamin C. Popularly consumed for health reasons, it is often juiced and consumed as a wheatgrass drink or “shot”, but it can also be mixed in with another beverage such as juice or a smoothie. Wheatgrass is also available as a dehydrated powder and in pill or tablet form.Many juice bars offer fresh wheatgrass shots or drinks, but it can also be grown and juiced at home with the right environment and the proper equipment. Most people either love or hate the taste of wheatgrass, but almost everyone can agree on its exceptional health benefits. In fact, it contains dozens of elements that are necessary to good health for both humans and many other species.While it has been trending in health and celebrity circles in recent years, this health food has been consumed and promoted since as far back as the mid 1930s. Wheatgrass is often associated with better digestion, antibacterial effects, internal cleansing, tooth strengthening, and improved sleep, to name a few. Here is an in-depth breakdown of some more essential reasons to consume this product:

1. High Antioxidants

One of the main reasons people consume this young wheat is for its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation process and protect cells by limiting the free radicals that damage them. These antioxidant molecules are known to ward off things like aging and illness and are associated with overall better health. The benefits of antioxidants weren’t acknowledged until the second half of the 20th century, but they have become some of the most popular and sought-out properties in food and supplements.Some types of antioxidants found in wheatgrass include flavonoids and phenolic acid. Flavonoids in particular have been widely associated with anti-inflammatory effects and immune system improvements in addition to benefiting other parts of the body. Phenolic acids are phytochemicals that offer similar benefits to flavonoids and are typically found in nutritious foods like kiwis, berries, and coffee.Some studies show that wheatgrass has a higher concentration of antioxidants than other antioxidant-rich foods. It may even be possible to obtain the nutritional value and antioxidant content of a variety of fruits and vegetables like berries, grapes, and peppers in a single cup or one ounce shot of wheatgrass juice. These antioxidant effects can also be captured and consumed in tablets, dehydrated powders, and pills, though the antioxidant concentration will vary depending on the delivery.Next