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Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) is the young, green sprout of the wheat plant. It’s rich in nutrients and can offer a wide range of health benefits. Wheatgrass can be consumed as a powder supplement or juice.
Legend has it, wheatgrass was first consumed 5000 years ago by the Egyptians, who considered it sacred. It was later popularized in the 1930s when an agriculturist nursed dying chickens back to health with fresh-cut wheat grass. Nowadays, wheatgrass is one of the original superfoods, known for its rich nutrient profile and many health benefits. In this article, we will cover all the health benefits of this incredible grass.
Nutrients in Wheat Grass
Wheatgrass is packed with nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Some of the most important nutrients found in wheatgrass include:
- Vitamin A: This vitamin has a number of important functions, including supporting healthy eyesight, immune function, and skin health.
- Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant can help support optimal immune function during times of stress and is also considered an antioxidant vitamin.
- Minerals: Wheatgrass is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and iron
- Amino acids: Wheatgrass is loaded with amino acids, the building blocks of protein that are used throughout the body for a variety of functions.
- Chlorophyll: Wheatgrass is a rich source of chlorophyll, which gives it its bright green color. Chlorophyll contains the antioxidant pigment phylloquinone (also known as vitamin K1) and is responsible for the majority of wheatgrass’s health benefits.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: These protect against free radicals, which are highly reactive chemical compounds that can damage cells and DNA. Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been linked to a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in older adults.
Health Benefits of Wheat Grass
Wheatgrass contains many vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can help your body in many ways. Wheatgrass is a natural source of antioxidants, antibacterial agents, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The following are benefits that you may experience if you start using wheatgrass regularly:
- Alkalinity: There are many health benefits associated with wheatgrass. For one thing, it has an alkalizing effect on your body. Consuming chlorophyll helps restore balance by neutralizing acids in the body that are associated with muscle pain and fatigue.
- Detoxification: Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll helps remove toxins from the body.
- Digestive support: Wheatgrass has been shown to help with digestion by providing a rich source of enzymes that reduce bloating and support optimal absorption of nutrients.
- Weight loss support: Wheatgrass can be a great addition to your diet if you are looking to lose weight. It contains many vitamins and minerals, making it an extremely nutrient-dense food. Nutrient-dense foods can help keep us feeling full for longer, which could contribute to weight loss.
- Immune system health: When your body has the proper nourishment, you’re less likely to get sick. Wheatgrass contains many vitamins and minerals that provide your immune system with fuel to fight off infections.
- Energy levels: If you’ve ever had a shot of wheatgrass juice or tried a quality powder, you likely noticed a lift in energy. Additionally, when your body is appropriately detoxified (from consuming wheat grass), you will have more energy.
- Cognition: In one animal study, wheatgrass was shown to inhibit beta-amyloid plaques, a marker of cognitive age-related degeneration.
Wheat Grass Supplements
While you probably won’t have access to fresh wheatgrass juice each day to reap the long list of health benefits, it’s possible to buy high-quality wheat grass powder supplements. When looking for wheat grass powder, there are a couple of things to consider.
Juice powders call for a slightly different process than whole-plant powders. Whole plant powders require that the whole ingredient be finely ground, dehydrated, and then powdered. Juice powders use this same grinding process, but the second step is different. Juice powders are filtered and dried with the pulp left out.
It is worth pointing out that although wheatgrass comes from the wheat plant, it is generally considered safe for those with gluten intolerance because the grass is from a different part of the plant than the gluten-containing part of the grain. That said, if you have Celiac Disease, it is worth purchasing a certified gluten-free wheat grass powder.
As you can see, wheatgrass is rich in nutrients that provide a range of benefits throughout the body. When you drink wheatgrass juice, you’re consuming all these nutrients in a concentrated form and it’s easy to see why this can have such a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.
Where To Buy Wheat Grass?
Wheat Grass Juice Powder by Organic Traditions is a top-quality supplement that provides dense nutrition. It’s a certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, kosher supplement powder that’s sustainably grown outdoors in mineral-rich soil with natural sunlight. It dissolves easily in water, has a smooth taste, and is a truly raw juiced wheat grass with no added fillers for optimal digestion and absorption.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
