Wheatgrass – Health Benefits, Nutrition & Weight Loss

It may resemble a thin blade of grass, but wheatgrass packs a powerhouse of nutrients. An ounce – about 28 gm – of this green elixir is packed with nutrition – containing 8 gm of protein and dietary fibre each, 240% of the RDA of vitamin A, 93% of the RDA of vitamin C, 356% of the RDA of iron, and 12% of the RDA of calcium, it has the nutritional equivalent of 2.5 pounds of the best raw organic vegetables, and is only 120 calories!

Its nutritional value doesn’t just end there! Comprising 98 of the 102 earth elements found in soil, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus along with essential enzymes and 19 amino acids, wheatgrass is a power-packed supplement! Made up of 70% chlorophyll, the life-blood of plants, wheatgrass is nature’s finest medicine.

Nutrition of Wheatgrass Juice

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one 8-gram (g) tablespoon of organic wheatgrass powder contains:

• Energy: 25 calories
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g, or 2% of an adult’s daily requirements or daily value (DV)
• Fibre: 4 g, or 14% of DV
• Calcium: 24 milligrams (mg)
• Iron: 1 mg, or 6% of DV
• Vitamin K: 86 micrograms, or 70% of DV

Proven Health Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice

1. It facilitates digestion

The American Cancer Society says that wheatgrass powder contains certain alkaline minerals that provide relief from ulcers, constipation and diarrhoea.

Studies say it helps cleanse the colon, keeps acidity at bay and helps with smooth digestion. The magnesium and chlorophyll in wheatgrass tone the muscle of the intestine and increase its water retention. 

2. Aids weight loss

Regular consumption of wheatgrass helps stimulate the thyroid gland, which boosts metabolism, provides more energy and aids in weight loss. This has been proven by a 2015 research. Furthermore, wheatgrass is an energy booster and thus supports your weight-loss regime by providing much-needed stamina. Have it on an empty stomach to get the best results. 

Loaded with nutrients, wheatgrass ensures to lower cravings and compensate for a lack of vitamins or minerals. A wheatgrass supplement every morning may prevent overeating throughout the day.

3. Wheatgrass helps you detox

The term detox is often confused to be only related to people with drugs and alcohol. But that’s not the case. One can detox their body if they have unhealthy dietary habits or lifestyle choices.

The master player here is chlorophyll. Research says it boosts the RBC count, cleanses the blood and increases haemoglobin level. The cleansing properties of chlorophyll detoxify the bloodstream, liver and colon, and enhance the strength of cells. 

Wheatgrass’ detoxifying nature cleanses your blood and helps eliminate bad odours of breath and sweat.

4. Wheatgrass improves immunity

Aforementioned, wheatgrass increases the count of red blood cells. This strengthens the body’s immune response and prevents the occurrence of illness/disease.

In case you fall sick, a stronger immune system will help you recover faster and better. Studies show that wheatgrass has also been helpful to slow down the effects of certain infections like antibiotic resistant ones in particular. 

5. It works against diabetes

According to a comprehensive study, the fibre present in wheatgrass regulates the absorption of cholesterol and sugar, helping control blood sugar levels. The magnesium present in wheatgrass boosts insulin responsiveness which further helps bring down the glucose level. 

6. It lowers inflammation

The combination of fibre, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals can help treat any type of inflammation. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, wheatgrass has proven itself to be significantly rewarding to stop bleeding, ease pain and accelerate healing of the wound. It can be effective to cure related conditions like stomach ulcers, sore throats to even arthritis, colitis and haemorrhoids. 

7. It prevents varicose veins

Regular consumption of wheatgrass may reduce the chances of developing varicose veins or spider veins. Wheatgrass dilates the blood vessels and increases the amount of oxygen in the blood thereby improving circulation and flow of nutrients in the body to prevent and fight such conditions.

8. It can help de-stress and fight depression

Wheatgrass contains vitamin B, which curbs anxiety and helps one relax. Being a powerhouse for iron, it boosts the adrenal system and helps keep depression at bay. Chlorophyll, present in abundance in wheatgrass, is a known mood elevator and energy booster. 

9. It averts dental problems

Our star agent, chlorophyll, is also a chemo protein that destroys harmful bacteria. Powdered wheatgrass can help treat tooth decay and other dental issues.

Apart from consuming it, try massaging your gums with the powder to keep them firm and healthy. It can destroy and keep away oral Streptococcus Mutans, the prime cause of tooth decay. Rinsing your mouth with wheatgrass powder can relieve gum inflammation owing to Vitamin E presence, says this study. Wheatgrass juice even keeps bad breath at bay. 

10. Promotes better skin

Given its detoxifying power, wheatgrass cleanses the blood and thus prevents skin breakouts like pimples or acne. Applying a paste of wheatgrass powder and milk can prevent and treat acne promoting healthy skin.

Vitamins E and B encourage faster healing and skin regeneration. In-depth research has proven the anti-fungal properties of wheatgrass that safeguard our skin against any infection and breakouts.

Rubbing wheatgrass juice on your face and neck can help dilate blood vessels, making your skin glow.  These properties make it the best natural solution for bruises, sores, insect bites, rashes, sunburns, boils and cuts. The natural anti-ageing properties of wheatgrass help rejuvenate cells, take care of sagging skin, maintain skin elasticity and keep you looking younger.

11. It improves hair health

Regular consumption of wheatgrass along with topical application helps remove dead cells from the scalp and promotes hair growth. Adding a teaspoonful of wheatgrass powder to your regular shampoo can reverse hair damage and strengthen the roots. 

Get rid of dandruff or a dry/itchy scalp by applying a poultice of wheatgrass powder and water. Applying wheatgrass powder to your scalp can even prevent greying of hair. There are various studies under process on the ability of wheatgrass to reverse the greying of hair. 

Consumption Precautions

Wheatgrass should always be consumed on an empty stomach or with other fruits and vegetables. Start with an ounce a day and slowly graduate to 2 ounces. The ideal consumption time is in the morning, a few minutes after waking up. Avoid consuming it after a meal because it may leave you feeling nauseous.

This natural supplement is easily available – you can grow and juice it at home or buy it from a health and wellness store. While the fresh juice should be consumed within 10 minutes of juicing, wheatgrass in bottled, powdered, tablet or capsule form can be stored for longer. If you can’t bear the taste initially, mix it with orange juice, milkshakes or smoothies and then move on to other forms of consumption. 

Summary 

Wheatgrass juice is a powerhouse of nutrients comprising 98 of the 102 earth elements found in soil, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus along with essential enzymes and 19 amino acids, wheatgrass is a power-packed supplement. Made up of 70% chlorophyll, the life-blood of plants, wheatgrass is nature’s finest medicine. 

Wheatgrass has several health benefits. It boosts digestion, promotes healthy skin and hair, improves immunity and even aids weight loss by stimulating metabolism and providing essential nutrients to the body that suppress food cravings. It is well known for its detoxifying, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Wheatgrass has also proved itself beneficial in treating various conditions ranging from diabetes and depression to varicose veins. Consume wheatgrass on an empty stomach to reap the most of it. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does wheatgrass do for your body?

Wheatgrass has several health benefits. It boosts digestion, promotes healthy skin and hair, improves immunity and even aids weight loss by stimulating metabolism and providing essential nutrients to the body that suppress food cravings. It is well known for its detoxifying, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Wheatgrass has also proved itself beneficial in treating various conditions ranging from diabetes and depression to varicose veins.

Is it OK to drink wheatgrass every day?

Yes, wheatgrass can be consumed every day. It will make you healthier and fight various underlying conditions. 

Can wheatgrass reverse GREY hair?

Regular consumption of wheatgrass along with topical application helps remove dead cells from the scalp and promotes hair growth. Applying wheatgrass powder to your scalp can even prevent greying of hair. There are various studies under process on the ability of wheatgrass to reverse the greying of hair. However, Adding a teaspoonful of wheatgrass powder to your regular shampoo can reverse hair damage and strengthen the roots. 

When should I drink wheatgrass?

The best time to drink wheatgrass is in the morning on an empty stomach. Avoid drinking it post any meal as it can make you feel nauseous and even vomit.

Will wheatgrass make you poop?

It helps cleanse the colon, keeps acidity at bay and helps with smooth digestion. The magnesium and chlorophyll in wheatgrass tone the muscle of the intestine and increase its water retention. Wheatgrass contains certain alkaline minerals that provide relief from ulcers, constipation and diarrhoea. 

Is wheatgrass good for skin?

Wheatgrass cleanses the blood and thus prevents skin breakouts like pimples or acne. Applying a paste of wheatgrass powder and milk can prevent and treat acne promoting healthy skin. Vitamins E and B encourage faster healing and skin regeneration. The anti-fungal properties of wheatgrass safeguard our skin against any infection and breakouts.

Rubbing wheatgrass juice on your face and neck can help dilate blood vessels, making your skin glow. These properties make it the best natural solution for bruises, sores, insect bites, rashes, sunburns, boils and cuts. The natural anti-ageing properties of wheatgrass help rejuvenate cells, take care of sagging skin, maintain skin elasticity and keep you looking younger.

Does wheatgrass reduce belly fat?

Regular consumption of wheatgrass helps stimulate the thyroid gland, which boosts metabolism, provides more energy and aids in weight loss. Furthermore, wheatgrass is an energy booster and thus supports your weight-loss regime by providing much-needed stamina. Have it on an empty stomach to get the best results. Loaded with nutrients, wheatgrass ensures that your body doesn’t crave food items to compensate for a lack of vitamins or minerals. A wheatgrass supplement every morning may prevent overeating throughout the day.

How much wheatgrass should you have a day?

The ideal wheatgrass liquid consumption should not be more than 2 shots. In its powdered form, 1 tablespoon or 3-5 grams should be consumed daily. However, you may consult your doctor or dietician as well. 

Does wheatgrass affect hormones?

Yes, wheatgrass has several positive effects on hormones. It increases the fertility hormones among both men and women. It also checks the irregularity in periods and eases menstrual cramps in women. It also elevates mood and de-stresses our bodies. 

Is wheatgrass good for the brain?

Wheatgrass is very good for the brain. It strengthens cognitive functions and stimulates the muscle power of the brain. It has been seen to ward off cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

Does wheatgrass help with hair growth?

Yes, regular consumption of wheatgrass along with topical application helps remove dead cells from the scalp and promotes hair growth. Adding a teaspoonful of wheatgrass powder to your regular shampoo can reverse hair damage and strengthen the roots. 

Can I drink wheatgrass at night?

The best time to drink wheatgrass is in the morning on an empty stomach to reap the best benefit. Being an energiser, having wheatgrass at night may make it difficult for you to get to sleep on time. Avoid drinking it post any meal as it can make you feel nauseous and even vomit.