What Are The Benefits of Wheatgrass?

If you’ve read either of my books or done research on the healing benefits of juicing, or raw and living foods lifestyles, chances are you’ve heard of wheatgrass. It’s definitely a “superfood” that rocks, and has even been dubbed  “The Incredible Superfood”! There are many benefits to wheatgrass so be sure to read on and check out my “7 Mean ‘n’ Green Foods…” downloadable guide too (this info-packed guide is currently free for just signing up at the box on the right!).

History of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass has been sold in the United States since around the 1930s, but it’s really began taking off and becoming even more popular in the past several years, and can now be found at many juice-bars and healthy lifestyle stores and restaurants.

The credit for the recent popularity actually started in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, when a woman by the name of Ann Wigmore discovered the healing benefits of living foods – particularly wheatgrass – when she was diagnosed with cancer and was cancer-free within a year! Ann Wigmore woman really changed the world of eating a healthy, plant-based, living-foods lifestyle…with wheatgrass being the pinnacle of her healing regimen. The regular intake of wheatgrass for its healing properties can certainly be attributed to her.

What is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is the “baby form” of wheat as most people know it, however, there is no gluten in wheatgrass. In more traditional diets, wheat is used only when it is fully mature and the seeds have completely formed. Wheatgrass, on the other hand, is freshly sprouted and still green!

Like plants and vegetables, wheatgrass contains chlorophyll – it’s actually 70 percent chlorophyll – yowsa! It also contains 17 amino acids, is rich in protein, is packed with enzymes and phytonutrients, and delivers vitamins A, B-complex, C, E and K. Not too shabby!

So How Do I Take Wheatgrass?

Because of all the valuable nutrients and health benefits, wheatgrass is quickly becoming the powerful force it was meant to be. It is also a powerful way to assist you in getting the recommended 5 to 9 servings of vegetables (not that green juicing doesn’t do this as well!).

When taking fresh wheatgrass, it either has to be juiced or, if you are “brave”, chewed and spit out (masticated). This is because our bodies cannot digest grasses! Once you get on the regimen, your body will start to cleanse itself of the many toxins associated with everyday life.

It is suggested you drink it straight with no other liquid, but for many (me included) this can be a bit difficult. So, you can also take it slightly diluted with your favorite green juice or use green juice as a “chaser.” Wheatgrass can be pretty strong tasting and some of you may experience a little bit of nausea when starting a wheat grass regimen – don’t worry! Sometimes it still upsets my stomach a little bit, but this is normal, because the release of all those toxins is sure to cause a little bit of queasiness. This will generally pass with regular intake of the wheatgrass shots.

So, if you are doing fresh wheatgrass shots, ideally you will drink a 2-ounce shot in the morning on an empty stomach, and it is suggested to do the same in the afternoon.

If you are having any issues with fresh wheatgrass – whether getting the fresh stuff, or being able to drink it completely due to overwhelming nausea or other issues – simply try a good powdered form (these do not seem to cause nausea at all!) – here is a link to my favorite, and one that comes highly recommended: Organic Wheatgrass Juice Powder.

Health Claims of Wheatgrass

In addition to the above nutritional info, wheatgrass is about the best source of chlorophyll you can find and is also a complete protein. Some of its health claims include cleanses and detoxifies the colon; reduces cholesterol, regulates blood sugar; reduces high blood pressure; increases hemoglobin production; enhances your immune system; and is potentially able to cure cancer!

Now that’s sexy!

Wheatgrass Resources

So, now that you know the benefits of wheatgrass, it’s time to give it a try!

Here is the best, affordable manual wheatgrass juicer – I also have this model:

Healthy Juicer – Manual Hand Powered Wheatgrass Juicer – Wheat grass juicer

To check out the best powdered wheatgrass check out this link:

Organic Wheatgrass Juice Powder

To check out Anne Wigmore’s book on wheatgrass check out this link:

The Wheatgrass Book: How to Grow and Use Wheatgrass to Maximize Your Health and Vitality (Avery Health Guides)

So, let me know about your wheatgrass experience! Leave a comment below and also, I would love it if you would share this post by simply clicking on your fav social media buttons right below here…..THANKS!

One question I get asked a lot from people who are starting to change their lifestyle is where do I start? 

This is a great question!  While I have a lot of answers to this question (including equipment, recipes, etc.), I am giving you two of my mightiest answers that will be instrumental in your long-term success!

My “down & dirty” answer to this questions is below, and are actually directly from my Juice Yourself Healthy downloadable book (yea, so check that out gorgeous!).

Start with Small Steps

What you need to know as you begin your journey is that it doesn’t matter where you are right now.  What‘s important is the end result, and the first steps you are going to take to get there.

- Focus on now, today.

- Love yourself.

- Commit to yourself.

- Start with the first step on your journey…today.

Create a Support System

Whether you face a complex health issue or are simply starting a juicing regimen for better health, it’s important to create a support system.

When I found out I had cancer, I felt stunned and overwhelmed.  I knew I needed to make changes to my diet and lifestyle, yet didn’t know where to begin.  Thankfully, I created a support system that guided and buoyed me whenever I needed it.  In fact, it continues to do so.

Everyone’s support system looks different.  You might rely on a close friend or loved one to help you.  You might prefer a local group who can offer a range of resources.  You might hire a personal coach – like myself – to apply his or her expertise to your unique situation.  You might join an online forum. You might also consider joining one of my programs for a different level of support at your perfect pace.

We all resonate with support differently; the key is that you create a system that works for you.  Do whatever it takes to avoid feeling alone or alienated.

Let me know where you are and what your struggles are in the below comments. I would love to hear from you…