Wheatgrass is prepared from the cotyledons of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. I knew about wheat grass when one of my close family member suffering from cancer took it as a supplement. I got curious and I wanted to know if wheatgrass really is a magic super-food. I decided to learn more about Wheatgrass. Here’s what I found:
What is Wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is the cotyledons of the wheat plant. It is sold either as a juice or in a powdered form. Wheatgrass is gluten-free because it is harvested before the wheat seeds begin to form.
Nutritional Value:
This grass is a good source of Protein, Potassium and Dietary Fiber. It also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium.
Wheatgrass is a rich source of Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, Enzymes, Chlorophyll and Dietary Fibre. It contains more than 90 different nutritious substances and 19 Amino Acids including 9 Essential Amino Acids.
Reference – http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/custom/900675/2
Other interesting facts:
1 spoon (3g) Powder = 40g fresh wheat grass
100g powder = 23KG vegetables in nutrition
Wheatgrass is referred to as green blood because the molecular structure of chlorophyll in wheat grass bears a close resemblance to Hemin contained in Human Blood.
Benefits of Wheat Grass:
- Helps maintain health and promotes healing.
- Heals the immune system.
- Detoxify, reduces stress and tension.
- Combats foul odour and breath.
- Helps maintain pH towards alkaline.
- Increases haemoglobin count.
- Chlorophyll in wheatgrass washes away drug deposits from the body. It neutralizes the toxins and purifies the liver.
- Resolves digestion related problems like acidity, ulcers etc.
- It is a dietary fiber and helps to keep cholesterol and blood sugar in control.
- The dietary fibers help in curing acidity, ulcers and prevents constipation.
- Helps cure skin problems and improves the skin tone.
- Helps reproductive health of both men and women and helps in conceiving
- Highly effective for weight loss / gain when supplemented with a proper diet.
Scientific Validation:
The claims including prevention of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; detoxification and cleansing of the liver have not been substantiated scientifically. Even though wheatgrass juice has loads of nutritional benefits, there is no evidence or scientific explanation for the same.
However, the most important thing to do is to look at the nutritional value of wheatgrass. There’s a lot of research proving that these nutrients are useful for the human body. Wheatgrass is very high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Such foods can be very beneficial because it will help people to be less reliant on medications further in their life.
Any green plant food you have eaten over the years, such as spinach, fenugreek etc. has also been contributing chlorophyll – and so does wheatgrass. It is your daily shot of chlorophyll.
Wheatgrass is comprised of 73% Carbohydrates & Dietary Fibre; 27% Protein and 0% Fat
Fresh Wheat Grass Juice / Powder / Tablets – Which one is better?
Fresh Wheatgrass:
This is obviously the most healthy option as it is the fresh source. But, I have heard that growing wheatgrass at home attracts mosquitoes and flies. However, I’m planning to grow fresh wheatgrass at home. I will update here if it works out for me.
Wheatgrass Tablets:
I am not quite sure of it’s effectiveness and source. Also, I am doubtful if simply gulping down the tablet would be of any help.
Organic Wheatgrass Powder:
This seems to be the most convenient and effective option available in the market now. I am currently using the Patanjali Wheatgrass powder and I am liking it.
Directions to use:
1 spoon (3 – 5) grams of wheatgrass powder mixed in 275 ml warm water. It almost tastes like plain water, you could add honey to enhance the flavor a bit. It is recommended to avoid eating food 30 minutes before and after consuming wheatgrass.
I use the Patanjali wheatgrass powder. I mix 5g of organic wheatgrass powder with a glass of warm water and drink it the first thing in the morning. I do not use honey.
As far as I read there are no side effects of consuming wheatgrass on a long term basis. Try it for a full month to see the benefits, before you give it a break.
If you are planning to consume wheatgrass for specific health issues like cancer, high blood sugar, high cholesterol etc. I would recommend you talk to your doctor and dietician first. They will guide in a better way.
A few things to keep in mind before you get wheatgrass powder –
- Ensure you buy certified 100% organic wheatgrass powder.
- Wheatgrass powder is light muddy-green in color. It is not a bright green. Make sure the wheatgrass you buy is free from added colors and other nasty ingredients.
Where to buy Organic Wheat Grass Powder in India?
We have good brands in India that sell organic wheatgrass powder. I’ve linked them below for reference.
- Patanjali Wheat Grass
- Organic India Wheat Grass
- 24 Mantra Organic Wheat Grass Powder
Have you tried wheatgrass? Please share your experience below. It would help everyone reading this post. I look forward to your comments.
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter for daily musings. Thank You for reading!