What Are The Benefits of Wheatgrass?
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:
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!
The absolute main benefit of wheatgrass is how healthy it is for you! I love using wheatgrass!
Wheat grass powder or juice is the one and only beneficial to the cancer patients who are undergoing the treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. More information here:
http://breastcancerguide.weebly.com/side-effects-of-chemotherapy.html
Thank you, Tina, for addressing alternatives if you struggle with nausea, I am one of those who cannot take the taste and feel sick taking a straight shot. It is good to know there are options for us.
I made my very first green juice yesterday. It was surprisingly delicious. It sounds like wheatgrass will need to be next!
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I have wanted to have regular shots of wheatgrass for so long, but I chicken out every time, because the smell already makes me sick
Your blog just gave me new motivation and if I’m allowed to slightly dilute it, maybe there’s still hope for me…
The wheatgrass presser is much more affordable than I thought it would be! Thanks for the resource Tina.
It’s on my YES PLEASE list.
Oh, Tina, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us. I never heard of wheatgrass before. Looks like something I should add to my superfoods eats!
How great is that for wheat grass to come in packets for my busy life.
Tina – another great post. I’ve never tried wheatgrass before and didn’t know that it is gluten free. Does the powered alternative have a similar strong taste as the fresh?
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Yay – A powdered alternative! Not being a fan of wheatgrass straight shots, it is great to have such a highly recommended alternative. The convenience of the powder is also a huge plus. Also, this is the first time I have seen such a comprehensive and readable summary of the wheatgrass benefits – and I’ve even tried to research it. Many ongoing thanks for the education!
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Love reading all of the “juicy” details! I always wondered what the difference was between wheat and wheat grass! Can’t wait to start using it now that I have started juicing! This is the perfect blog for newbies and seasoned juicers alike. Awesome!
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You answered the question I had when I saw the title: does wheatgrass contain gluten? Yay! Thanks for that. I used to be a regular at the bar for a wheatgrass shot but since gluten was identified as an issue for me, backed off just in case. Nice to know I can belly back up and enjoy this superfood. Thanks for the informative post!
Gonna tweet this right now, Tina! xo
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