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.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. May Reduce Cholesterol
In addition to fighting free radicals, wheatgrass tackles the all too common problem of high cholesterol. High cholesterol is often caused by poor dietary habits and consuming too many saturated and trans fats. These typically come from animal products like red meat and dairy products and differ from the healthier fats that are found in foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil.
Some animal studies have led scientists to believe that consuming wheatgrass can reduce total cholesterol. For example, hypercholesterolemia induced rabbits were given wheatgrass while on a high-fat diet and were able to maintain lower total cholesterol levels than subjects who received a high-fat diet and no wheatgrass.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Kills Cancer Cells
Antioxidants are largely associated with the reduction of cancer cells, and wheatgrass is among some of the best known foods that fight cancer. With toxins teeming in food, water, and the air, cancer has become a widespread issue that many are fighting to beat and prevent. Seen as a long-time alternative cancer treatment, wheatgrass has been shown by several studies to inhibit the proliferation of certain cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma.
With medical cancer treatments being harsh and invasive, using natural food products is an attractive way to treat these illnesses. Natural cancer remedies also often involve altering the diet to include more plant-based foods and fewer processed foods like fast food and junk food. This increases the likelihood of success when using natural treatment methods.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Blood Sugar Regulation
Wheatgrass also contains properties that regulate blood sugar and can be beneficial for people with diabetes. This food has been shown to lower blood sugar in humans and can help stabilize blood sugar after meals and beverages. In addition to helping to naturally manage diabetes, this benefit can also prevent dizziness, fatigue, and other common symptoms of low blood sugar in non-diabetics.
However, people who have diabetes always need to be careful when ingesting foods and health products that may lower blood sugar. This particularly applies when a person is already taking medication to lower their blood sugar. Taking additional supplements that lower blood sugar can be more harmful than beneficial, and it’s important to seek medical advice before introducing new supplements to the diet.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Alleviate Inflammation
One of the many reasons that people enjoy adding antioxidant rich foods like wheatgrass to their regimen is to alleviate inflammation. Inflammation in the body is defined as the body’s protective response to foreign or toxic substances and typically causes white blood cells to be released into the blood or affected zone. In some cases, this protective response can turn against the body and result in autoimmune diseases.
Many believe that inflammation is one of the leading causes of numerous major health problems including digestive issues, skin disorders, and high blood sugar levels. Wheatgrass is popularly regarded as an anti-inflammatory that can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, stomach issues, and many other common health problems.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Promote Weight Loss
While wheatgrass offers many health benefits, one of its most attractive features is its promotion of weight loss in consumers. The anti-inflammatory aspects and antioxidants in this food help to balance and regulate the body, and the blood sugar control helps to manage cravings and energy levels.
These things work together to give the dieter more control in addition to offering important vitamins and minerals like Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Calcium, and Magnesium. It also contains beneficial amino acids and chlorophyll, which is the main component that makes it so green and incredibly healthy to eat and drink.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Easy To Add To Diet
Simplicity is perhaps the best reason to begin taking or drinking wheatgrass on a regular basis. With a multitude of options, including fresh juice, powder mixes, and tablets, adding this young grass to an existing diet is one of the easiest and most powerful changes anyone can make to their daily regimen.
Just one 1 oz. “shot” per day can deliver all of these benefits and nutrients that can help the body stay healthy and in balance. Experts advise taking this drink or tablet in the morning on an empty stomach, but it can also be taken in a variety of ways as it is natural and compatible with many healthy foods.
