Wheatgrass is a type of grass that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Down to earth, it’s the perfect ingredient for homemade drinks like wheatgrass juice, pastes, and smoothies. The benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice are numerous: it can help you with detoxification, lower bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure, prevent cancer cells from multiplying in your body, and improve your immune system. It can also help you rid toxins from your body quickly.
Wheatgrass is something that you will most probably have heard of before, but perhaps not in the sense that it was essential for good health. The word ‘wheatgrass’ is derived from the word ‘wheat’ and ‘grass’. It comes from a grass plant known as “Saccharum officinarum” or common name wheatgrass.
Types of Wheatgrass
There are different types of wheatgrasses out there though, each with distinct shapes and textures. According to Britannica.com, popular wheat grass species are
- Desert wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum)
- Crested wheatgrass (A. cristatum)
They are good forage plants and also used in the western United States. Wheatgrass is very popular all around the world. It’s juice is derived from seedlings of true wheat (Triticum aestivum), consumed as a health food for several diseases.
Wheatgrass Benefits
Here is a list of wheatgrass benefits that you can start applying to your everyday life.
High Antioxidants
Wheatgrass contains many different antioxidants that can be beneficial for your health. Antioxidants help to fight against the negative effects of free radicals in the body, which is why they are so important.
The natural antioxidants in wheatgrass can help balance the effects of free radicals in the body, which means they can help protect the body from various diseases and conditions.
The antioxidant properties found in wheatgrass make it beneficial when it comes to treating various diseases, particularly cancer. Wheatgrass is known to contain a high content of antioxidants which include vitamins A, C and E, selenium, folic acid zinc and CoQ10.
1. Lightly blended for a smoothie or blended for a juice drink.
2. Wheatgrass can be added to soups and other cooking recipes, but it must be consumed immediately after preparation.
3. Wheatgrass can be used in a variety of recipes.
4. Wheatgrass is great in salads and as a snack.
5. Wheatgrass can be used to make smoothies and juices.
6. Wheatgrass can also be frozen and used in smoothies or juices at a later date.
Eliminates Harmful Toxins from Your Body and Brain
Wheatgrass can eliminate harmful toxins, such as heavy metals, from your body. This will keep your brain and liver functioning at optimal capacity.
Improves Immune System
Wheatgrass is an herb that has been used traditionally as a medicine to treat many ailments. One of the most notable effects of wheatgrass on the human body is its effect on the immune system.
The immune system must be strong to protect our bodies because it defends against invading bacteria and viruses. Immune cells do this by releasing chemicals called “cytokines” that target and kill harmful organisms, or by engulfing them in what is called a “phagocytic vacuole.”
Wheatgrass contains a complex array of nutrients, including chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that may strengthen our immune system. These nutrients have the ability to help:
Increases Your Energy Levels
It sounds a little crazy, but wheatgrass has been shown to increase energy levels in numerous tests. Wheatgrass naturally boosts the antioxidant capacity of your system and provides a whole Vitamin E shot at once, which can reduce inflammation and boost the production of red blood cells.
A healthier you means more energy for your life! There’s no time like the present to ditch sodas for fresh squeezed wheatgrass juice, start taking supplements that fortify your diet with iron or Omega-3s, or even try juicing up some greens yourself.
Detoxes the Body
8) Can be used as a facial treatment and hair treatment due to its high content of chlorophyll and proteins. The nutrients will aid in rejuvenating, nourishing and moisturising your skin. Wheatgrass can also be applied on your hair to help strengthen it and make it grow faster. Wheatgrass is also good for treating dandruff.
Cholesterol Reducer
Cholesterol is a natural protein found in your body. The chemicals found in wheatgrass are similar to those of cholesterol, but the difference is that cholesterol contains more of the harmful substance called saturated fat. Therefore, by consuming wheatgrass daily, you will be reducing the amount of the bad cholesterol while increasing the amount of healthy HDL cholesterol. This can protect your heart and lower your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
Provides Vitamins Minerals and Nutrients
Wheatgrass contains vitamins, minerals, beta carotene and enzymes. The health benefits provided by wheatgrass come from the numerous constituents it has. These include vitamins A, C and E, selenium, folic acid, zinc and iron. The green pigment chlorophyll found in wheatgrass is also a vital component which can aid in detoxification as well as aid the growth of plant cells.
All of the ingredients used to make this wheatgrass ““juice will provide you with an abundance of vitamins and minerals that will give your body what it needs to be healthy.
Prevents Cancer
The nutrients found in wheatgrass help prevent the growth of cancerous cells by blocking their ability to divide. Wheatgrass contains lutein which helps stop the growth of tumors.
Thousands of people around the world have discovered that it only takes two tablespoons of wheatgrass juice to prevent cancer.
Now, you might ask: “How does it do this?” The answer is actually pretty simple! Wheatgrass juice has been found to contain up to 70% chlorophyll, which kills cancer cells.
How?
Chlorophyll is well known to heal wounds, purify the blood and build red blood cells. Chlorophyll has the ability to transform toxic elements into food for the body.
But this is not all. Chlorophyll also helps to eliminate carcinogenic chemicals from our bodies, and it even builds a hemoglobin level that is 44% higher than in people who do not consume wheatgrass juice regularly. This means that our overall resistance against disease is increased by as much as 220%.
Helpful in Multiple Diseases
1) Wheatgrass juice taken 2 times daily for 2 months has shown to reduce body weight and waist circumference in people who are overweight.
2) Wheatgrass can be beneficial in preventing the growth of some cancers, particularly colon cancer and also hamper the spread of breast cancer cells as well as being a preventive against these cancers.
3) Wheatgrass is also responsible for reducing inflammation, thus making it a beneficiary in the treatment of arthritis.
4) A wheatgrass extract and its phytonutrients are responsible for the natural anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties of wheatgrass that can help in preventing and treating arthritis.
5) Wheatgrass also helps in reducing cholesterol levels as it has a positive effect on the LDL/HDL ratio. In addition to that, wheatgrass can also help lower triglyceride levels and therefore is beneficial in protecting against heart diseases.
High Iron Content
The iron content in wheatgrass is very high, but the way it is absorbed into the body differs from that of other foods. Water soluble iron found in water and food sources cannot be absorbed by the human body all at once; instead it is only broken down into an inactive form before being absorbed by the body.
Manages Blood Sugar Level
Wheatgrass juice is an excellent blood sugar regulating agent. It helps in controlling the blood sugar levels by making the blood cells more sensitive to insulin. This increased sensitivity can make your cells more efficient in utilizing and absorbing glucose into the cells.
Decreases the Risk of Diabetes
If you’re struggling with high blood sugar levels, it’s important to know how to decrease your risk for diabetes. One of the easiest ways to do that is through diet — a number of studies have suggested that drinking wheatgrass juice can significantly reduce your chances of contracting Type II diabetes.
A research paper published in the “European Journal of Internal Medicine” found that a daily serving of wheatgrass significantly lowers your risk of developing diabetes. I could go on and on about the awesome health benefits, but I’ll let you read more about it on their website. For this post, I’ll just tell you that wheatgrass is a leafy green plant that is primarily grown in Asia, so if you’re in the mood to try this crazy thing out, make sure to look for a reputable source before buying.
Improves Energy Levels
If you’re feeling sluggish in the mornings, drinking a cup of wheatgrass juice can provide an instant boost. Wheatgrass juice can help increase your energy level by quickly replenishing blood sugar and stimulating your digestion. Wheatgrass also helps to detoxify the body and boost the immune system. Most people brew wheatgrass to make tea, but drinking wheatgrass juice is an even better way to reap its benefits.
6) Fights against cancer and heart diseases
7) Reduces cholesterol levels and makes LDL/HDL ratio favorable.
High Fiber Content
Wheatgrass has a high fiber content which helps in reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes. In addition to that, it also helps prevent constipation.
Relieves Cold Sores
Vitamin A found in wheatgrass helps protect against cold sores by building up the immune system, which is the body’s protective system against viruses, bacteria and other foreign organisms present in the body. Exposure to these organisms results in suffering of cold sores.
Detoxification
Wheatgrass juice is an excellent detoxifying agent. It usually lowers the levels of bad cholesterol and has a powerful effect on the harmful free radicals that are responsible for many diseases.
The benefits of wheatgrass have been known for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians would ensure that the seeds were included in their diet by grinding them into a powder and adding them to breads, soups, or salads. Wheatgrass is packed full of nutrients, including vitamins A, B-6 and C, iron, magnesium and potassium. It contains more antioxidants than any other plant on Earth . In addition to being a powerful detoxification agent and immune booster , wheatgrass is gluten free .
How Does Wheatgrass Help You Detox?
Wheatgrass is an excellent detoxification agent because it supports the entire body through the elimination of toxins. It contains chlorophyll, which is a powerful blood purifier and cleanser . Chlorophyll works as a diuretic by cleansing your blood. It draws out heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals from your body when you drink wheatgrass juice.
Weight Management
Wheatgrass juice can be used with other weight management methods. The high fibre and water content in it helps in reducing the calorie intake from food as well as increasing the feeling of satiety, which is important in weight management plans.
Improves Liver Function
The ability of wheatgrass to improve liver function means that it is a good antioxidant, which helps in protecting the body against the many diseases that are caused by free radicals.
1. Wheatgrass contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals.
2. Wheatgrass contains very high levels of antioxidants, which help remove cholesterol from the blood and prevent heart diseases.
3. Wheatgrass contains fiber and chlorophyll which help detoxify the body.
4. Wheatgrass also contains proteins and amino acids that help in the functioning of the body.
Wheatgrass is a rich source of various nutrients, but some people may find it difficult to consume it in large quantities. Therefore, it is good to take wheatgrass supplements which have many benefits, particularly for cancer patients. Wheatgrass supplements have been found to have 60 times more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables do.
Aids in Weight Loss
Wheatgrass is a rich source of protein, and it also contains a large amount of fiber. Protein can help keep the body full for longer and thus helps in weight management. The high content of fiber in wheatgrass helps regulate glucose levels in the body and can therefore help in weight management. The ability of wheatgrass to improve liver function means that it is a good antioxidant, which helps protect the body against heart diseases, diabetes and cancer. Wheatgrass contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are beneficial for treating many diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Wheatgrass can be used with other weight management methods; however, it must be consumed immediately after preparation.
Improves Energy Levels
Wheatgrass contains vitamin B and many minerals that are essential for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s major energy source. This can help increase energy levels and thereby help in weight loss. The fiber content in wheatgrass also helps to reduce cholesterol levels and therefore help to improve HDL/LDL ratio, which is a lipid profile commonly used as a screening tool for predicting heart disease risk.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is one of the major factors responsible for diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Wheatgrass juice contains anti-inflammatory substances that help to reduce inflammation by decreasing the level of body stress hormone called cortisol.
Suppress inflammation in the body and build immunity. Inflammation is the basis for many diseases like heart disease, diabetes type 2 and arthritis. Inflammation can also be caused by stress. Studies show that wheatgrass can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety and depression.
Helps to Improve Digestion
Wheatgrass juice is an excellent source of fiber, which helps to improve digestion. It also contains minerals like magnesium, potassium and chromium.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels and Makes Ldl/Hdl Ratio Favorable
Wheatgrass juice also contains high levels of vitamins and minerals that help in reducing cholesterol levels. The high fiber content in wheatgrass helps make the body more efficient in absorbing the cholesterol present in the body and improves the LDL/HDL ratio, which can help protect against heart disease.
Fights Against Cancer
Wheatgrass juice is a rich source of various antioxidants that are beneficial for fighting numerous diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart problems and arthritis.
How to Make Wheatgrass Juice at Home
Both wheatgrass and its juice have been used by people of many ages, especially the young, for their health benefits. Many people have reported good effects when taking wheatgrass. Here are some of the interesting benefits from Dr. Carter’s book:
“Wheatgrass juice has been used in treatment for a variety of conditions, including acute and chronic fatigue; allergies; menstrual cramps; osteoporosis; swollen joints and arthritis; kidney disease; Candida (yeast infection), multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, eczema and psoriasis. It has even been reported to be effective in treating West Nile virus and Lyme disease.”
“Strong evidence exists that wheatgrass juice may be effective in reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, increasing antioxidant levels and strengthening the immune system.”
(Dr. Carter)
To make wheatgrass juice you will need:
Wheatgrass Juice Recipe
Ingredients: (For 1 cup serving)
- 2 cups Wheatgrass,
- chopped- 1 orange
- peeled and diced
- 1 lemon, peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup water (2 cups will yield the best juice)
- 1 celery stalk, sliced thinly into rings
- 1 cucumber, sliced thinly into rings
- handful of cilantro leaves
For the easiest juicing experience you could ask for, use a blender. Pour orange and lemon into a blender jar, and add the water up to 1 gallon. Add in the celery and cucumber slices too, then chop your wheatgrass until it is small enough to fit with all these ingredients.
Place this mixture into your blender jug, cover with lid, and blend on low (medium works also) for at least 5 minutes or so until completely liquefied. If you would like a less intense experience, you can use a regular-sized blender, and blend on medium speed. Once blended, place one end of the strainer/colander over your juice-coated jar, holding it above the jar.
Pour the juice into this (you are creating a safe and clean connection between your two containers so that juice does not spill out of your colander). While pouring the juice, hold on to the wheatgrass pulp, and move it up towards the strainer. Once you have finished pouring, keep holding onto the wheatgrass pulp so that none of it falls back into your juice.
While you are holding this, rinse your blender jug with water, and then repeat steps 4-6 until all of your juice is extracted from the wheatgrass. Stir in your cilantro leaves before drinking. This produces a fresh tasting drink, with a subtle taste of greens and citrus.
What is involved in a good quality wheatgrass juice?
Wheatgrass is a green plant that grows and produces its own food. It has its roots in the earth, so the soil where it grows should be rich, but not more than you can eat yourself. The wheatgrass leaves are green and leafy, they look like grass with long petals on top and stem below.
The wheatgrass plant produces a small flower that fertilizes itself with the energy provided by the sun. It produces a seed that has its own life.
What to do when making your own wheatgrass juice: Cut the long stems from the wheat grass with scissors or a knife and put them in a jar. Then pour about 2 cups of warm water into the jar and close it. Then put the jar in the sun for one day. (Don’t forget to put the lid back on it). This is done in order to soften the wheat grass and prepare it for juicing. The next day you remove all of the water, compost and plant material that has been collected in the jar.
If you have a good blender, you can now blend this wheat grass drink with about 2 cups of warm water for about 1 minute.
Precautions While Consuming Wheatgrass
In some people, wheatgrass can act as a blood thinner. If you happen to be allergic to grass or pollen, then you should avoid eating or drinking wheatgrass.
No known precautions are available at this time.
The following is just a sample of the many thousands of testimonials on the benefits of consuming wheatgrass for optimum health and vitality. These testimonials have been provided by a multitude of people from all walks of life in many countries around the world (USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia), and all ages (ranging from young to old). The comments have been sorted into different sections (e.g., physical health improvements; emotional health improvements; etc.).
Symptoms After Consuming Wheatgrass
People have experience these symptoms after consuming the wheatgrass
I started taking wheatgrass just two days ago. After I tried it, I felt extremely energized and actually feel like can do more today than yesterday. I took the wheatgrass just now during summer time and I feel so hot in the afternoon, even if I took a lot of water. When I woke up this morning at 8:00 am and then 8:30 am, my face is really hot as if a fever; hard to keep my eyes open for a long time. My face is burning down, even though it is not dry now (took a bath half an hour ago). However, after taking wheatgrass juice three times today at 3 p.m. (about a cup and a half), my face is feeling ok now; but my body still feel extremely hot. I just love the wheatgrass juice, feel so good. Hope it is not harmful to me because I drink too much.
(Tina, Singapore)
I had started taking wheatgrass for about 3 months. When I first started taking the wheatgrass, it took a couple of months to heal my psoriasis and eczema to the point where I was so happy that it’s no longer itching or flaking; it’s smooth and just glowing with health.
(Hui, Singapore)
When I first started to have pain on my lower back, my grandma told me to drink wheatgrass juice because she said it’s good for strengthening your back and legs. After a month or so, I’ve noticed that my back pain has decreased, and now I can do more activities without hurting my back.
(Harlen, USA)
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and she decided to take wheatgrass juice because she heard that it can help fight cancer. She said that thanks to the wheatgrass juice, her cancer is treatment is going well. Now she takes wheatgrass every morning for a year already and still feels great health-wise.
(Ann, USA)
I drink wheatgrass juice for at least once a week. It helps me with my skin and eyesight, but I also hear that it can help you lose weight. I drink a glass of wheatgrass juice once in the morning and another two or three times in the afternoon. Sometimes I feel tired if I don’t take it but it’s not because of the wheatgrass; I feel tired after eating too much sweets or taking some hot baths. With this healthy lifestyle, my body is getting stronger each day.
Side Effects of Wheatgrass
“Many people who experience a negative reaction to wheatgrass do not have a true allergy. However, if you are allergic to plants in the Amaryllis family (also known as hollyhock), you might experience some side effects of wheatgrass while consuming.
Symptoms of Wheatgrass Side Effects
These include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation; rash; swelling of the lips, tongue or throat; and itchy skin. It is important to note that wheatgrass contains arsenic compounds, which are carcinogenic in high concentrations. When consuming wheatgrass juice, moderation is the key. Most people who enjoy the juices do so because of their unique health benefits and taste; one shouldn’t drink too much of it at once if you want to avoid side effects.”
Note:
Kenya and Germany use a variety of wheat that is grown only for medicinal purposes. It does not contain gluten and is therefore not suitable for use in bread. The wheat used in wheatgrass production has been genetically modified.
(source: wikipedia)
Frequently Asked Questions About WheatGrass
Which wheat is best for wheatgrass?
The best type of wheat is called “hard red winter wheat.”
How do you identify wheatgrass?
When you drink wheatgrass juice you are consuming the green blood of the plants that have transformed sunlight into chemical energy to fuel their growth and development.
What type of plant is wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is a variety of grass, originating from Asia and Africa. It is a C4 plant, meaning that it has four times the chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis than other plants.
Can wheatgrass be grown in North America?
Yes, wheatgrass can be grown here in the United States. Many of the farmer’s markets find that their most popular product is their wheatgrass juice! Most people love to get “green juice” everyday and it’s especially popular because you can go to a farmers market and pick up fresh juiced greens whenever you want.
Can I drink wheatgrass everyday?
Yes, you can drink wheatgrass juice everyday. Drinking it daily is highly encouraged especially if you want to make a positive change in your life.
Can everyone drink wheatgrass?
Yes, wheatgrass is not just for those who are on a weight loss diet. This can be consumed by anyone, including athletes and the elderly.
What are the benefits of drinking Wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass juice is rich in many vitamins and minerals that will keep your body in top shape as well as boost your energy levels, improve digestion and help eliminate bad health habits such as smoking and unhealthy eating. It has also been used to detoxify the body and maintain mental health.
Does Wheatgrass contain gluten?
Wheatgrass is the grass that has been cut from the wheat plant, therefore it does not contain gluten. However, you should be aware that if you have a gluten allergy to wheat or other grains then you should avoid it because of cross contamination.
Can you drink the wheatgrass juice straight?
You can drink wheatgrass juice straight.
What is the best way to store Wheatgrass Juice?
It’s best to use glass bottles so that you do not have to worry about breakage or leakage. Store in your refrigerator and consume within a couple of days for best results.
What is the Scientific Name of Wheatgrass?
Triticum aestivum is scientific name of wheatgrass. Wheatgrass has been grown for more than 5,000 years as a food source for human beings. The name “wheat grass” comes from the Latin word “viscum”, which means plant or bush, and refers to its appearance in European fields.
