Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is rapidly gaining popularity as a nutrient-dense superfood. This freshly sprouted leaf of the wheat plant may look unassuming, but it packs a lot of punch as it contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Therefore, it is understandable that interest in wheatgrass amongst health-conscious individuals is on the rise. After all, wheatgrass presents a natural way to boost one’s well-being without any side effects.

This humble grass is a powerhouse, brimming with lots of nutrients, amino acids, and chlorophyll. Therefore, its benefits range from immune function to digestion. Many experts believe that regular consumption of wheatgrass aids in detoxification, helps increase energy levels, and prevents many chronic diseases.

What is wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted green leaf of the plant Triticum aestivum. On its own, the wheatgrass plant grows to produce grain, but when it is harvested in the vegetative portion after 10 days of growth, it is available in the wheatgrass form. Normally, wheatgrass is grown in trays without soil and can be consumed either as fresh juice or dried into a powdered supplement. In its juice form, wheatgrass has an intense and vibrant green color because of its rich chlorophyll content. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass enhances its antioxidant effects and has cleansing properties. For those who get turned off due to its strong grassy flavor, wheatgrass powder can be had either in smoothie form or by mixing it in water.

Wheatgrass: The Nutritional Powerhouse

There are many reasons why wheat grass is considered a nutritional powerhouse. This plant is dense in lots of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and other health-promoting compounds. A single ounce of wheatgrass juice comes packed with as many vitamins and minerals as there are in two pounds of fresh vegetables.

The key nutrients in wheatgrass include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, calcium, and amino acids like lysine and arginine. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass assists in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals.

Research has also indicated that wheatgrass has cancer-fighting properties owing to its high antioxidant properties. Also, the high density of phytonutrients and enzymes helps boost immunity and aid in cellular repair activities. Furthermore, the alkalizing effect of wheatgrass is beneficial in restoring the body’s slightly alkaline pH level.

Potential Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

One of the most promising aspects of wheatgrass is its ability to support healthy digestion. The abundance of enzymes in this plant helps break down foods and thereby let nutrients get absorbed effectively. Also, the chlorophyll in wheatgrass helps in detoxifying the body.
The rich antioxidant profile of wheatgrass is also believed to prevent a wide range of diseases and enhance immune function. Furthermore, the presence of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals helps in destroying bacteria and viruses, fighting oxidative stress, and reducing inflammation. It is also believed that wheatgrass also assists in preventing conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Individuals who are plagued by low energy and fatigue can get a boost from wheatgrass. It’s been shown that consumption of wheatgrass increases red blood cells, which helps in oxygenating the body and providing stamina to the body. Research has also indicated that wheatgrass aids in controlling cravings and boosting metabolism.
Consumption of wheatgrass is also beneficial in addressing more specific health conditions. For example, its high iron and folic acid concentrations help prevent anemia. Its blood-sugar-controlling properties are helpful in diabetic care. Also, its anti-inflammatory properties come in handy for easing arthritis symptoms and pain.

Easing into the Wheatgrass Lifestyle

To get all the health benefits that wheatgrass has to offer, you must ease into the wheatgrass lifestyle smoothly. The best way is to start with small amounts, like 1-2 ounces of wheatgrass juice, to allow your body to get adjusted to it.

If you want to make it more palatable, consider adding sweeter fruit juices like orange, pineapple, or apple juice. Also, you can mix wheatgrass powder into fresh vegetable smoothies or juices to mask the taste.

If making juices is tough for you, simply adding a couple of teaspoons of wheatgrass powder to a glass of water should do the trick for you. As and when required, you can increase the intake to help you reap all the health benefits this amazing plant has to offer.

 

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