What Are The Benefits of Wheatgrass? Your Introduction to a Superfood
It’s no secret that superfoods are at the heart of a healthy diet.
At the same time, the word “superfood” is often tossed about—so much so that, for some, the term has become misused, overused, and a touch suspicious.
But if there’s one food that’s genuinely super, it’s wheatgrass. Brimming with vitamins and antioxidants, the natural wonder has maintained its legacy as one of the most healthful supplements on the market.
What are the benefits of wheatgrass, exactly?
Below, you’ll find the answers you need and learn why you may want to weave wheatgrass into your regimen.
What is Wheatgrass?
First things first: What is wheatgrass, really?
Put simply, it’s exactly as its name suggests. Wheatgrass comes from the newly sprouted leaves of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum—an agricultural powerhouse that’s grown everywhere from China and India to Russia and the United States.
Wheatgrass started making its way into the mainstream wellness scene in the 1980s when Boston resident (and Lithuanian native) Ann Wigmore began publicizing its health benefits after observing its effect on dogs. While it had a rocky, scientifically unsubstantiated start, it has since landed on more than one list of must-have superfoods.
And for a good reason. Whether you choose to grow and prepare wheatgrass at home or opt for a supplement like Vibrant Health’s Green Vibrance, wheatgrass boasts a ton of perks.
Before we jump into those perks, you might immediately quash the thought of adding wheatgrass to your diet if you’re gluten-sensitive or have Celiac disease. Rest assured that wheat and wheatgrass (which is harvested 7-10 days after planting) are not one and the same. Moreover, the USDA confirms that wheatgrass is gluten-free and considered safe to eat for those with Celiac disease and other gluten-related issues.
8 Key Health Benefits of Wheatgrass
We’re still unlocking wheatgrass’ full range of advantages. From what we know so far, though, the superfood may:
1.Offer a High Nutritional Value
Wheatgrass falls under the umbrella of true “superfoods” because it’s jam-packed with nutrients but low in calories. Just a handful of the vitamins and minerals it contains include:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex
- Proteins
- Enzymes
What’s more, wheatgrass bursts with 17 amino acids and chlorophyll—a leading phytonutrient that’s been linked to skin health.
2. Encourage Detoxification
As mentioned, one of the main properties in wheatgrass is chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll—which gives wheat (and other plants) its green tint—has been associated with naturally nurturing detoxification. This may foster enhanced overall health.
3. Promote Digestion
Wheatgrass has a wealth of enzymes that may organically nurture improved digestion.
You likely have a pretty good understanding that we are putting a lot of bad, unnatural chemicals into our bodies, often without realizing it. This is often due to consuming processed foods.
Complex chemical preservatives are not commonly found in nature, and our bodies are not built to digest them. This can lead to issues as if our body cannot properly digest our food; it also cannot distribute any nutrients that it may have for our body to use.
Those enzymes in wheatgrass help your body to break down food, aid in digestion, and distribute and absorb the nutrients your body needs. This may lead to less:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
4. Nourish a Healthy Weight
We’ve already mentioned that wheatgrass has an impressive amount of nutrients, but it’s also low in calories. Its high-fiber content may also make you feel fuller for longer. Indeed, this fullness may curb your cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods and lead to a healthier weight.
5. Lower Cholesterol
A handful of studies have shown that wheatgrass may help reduce cholesterol levels and boost heart health. In fact, one study demonstrated that wheatgrass may mimic common cholesterol-lowering medications.
Keep in mind, though, that more studies are needed to confirm this. In the meantime, though? You can enjoy wheatgrass simply for the nutrients it provides.
6. Curb Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to anything it detects as a threat—whether that’s a bee sting or a pathogen. While acute inflammation is essential for survival, chronic inflammation has been linked to a host of health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and allergies.
Wheatgrass may work to curb inflammation and improve your well-being as a whole. According to a 2021 study featured in Current Research in Toxicology, wheatgrass extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory proteins and decreasing oxidative stress.
7. Boost Immune Health
Immune health is a cornerstone of well-being; the key to battling infections. Wheatgrass may help in this regard, too, thanks to its incredible antioxidant and vitamin content.
8. Reduce Chemotherapy Side Effects
Cleveland Clinic is just one medical authority that indicates wheatgrass may be a boon for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Not only does it have the potential to minimize alterations in blood counts and reduce the risk of infection, but it may also decrease common side effects (like nausea).
The Health Benefits of Wheatgrass: FAQs
Intrigued by the potential perks of wheatgrass—and interested in introducing it to your health routine?
Let’s review a few of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the superfood:
Is it OK to Take Wheatgrass Daily?
Not only is it OK to take wheatgrass daily, but you should be doing so.
That said, while wheatgrass is considered safe to consume and is generally well-tolerated, ingesting high amounts of it may result in side effects ranging from mild—like nausea—to severe (such as hives). Start out slowly and examine how your body “accepts” it.
Can Wheatgrass Reduce Belly Fat?
Possibly. A slightly older animal study found that wheatgrass extract prevented weight gain. However, more studies are needed to show its potential to stimulate weight loss.
All that said, wheatgrass may encourage your body’s natural detoxifying capacities and decrease bloating—a topic we’ll turn to briefly next.
How Long Does it Take Wheatgrass to Detoxify the Body?
As of now, there is no clear research on how long it takes for wheatgrass to work. Anecdotally, though, some people report feeling its effects within a few days; others say they begin to reap the benefits of wheatgrass within a month.
How Should You Take Wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is available in a variety of forms, such as:
- Wheatgrass juice
- Supplements
- Powders
It can also be grown and prepared at home in a juicer or blender, or purchased whole and prepared at home.
Opting for a powder? Consider adding it to your morning smoothie or homemade salad dressing. You can also toss it into your green juice along with other greens powders (or greens, period). In turn, you may get that boost of energy you need to tackle your day.
Shop Green Vibrance Products
There are various ways to incorporate the benefits of wheatgrass into your daily life. But if you are looking for a way to boost your overall health, we suggest that you look at a supplement called Green Vibrance by Vibrant Health.
Not only does Green Vibrance contain six different cereal grass varieties to help alkalize the body and provide the many benefits of wheatgrass, but it also contains 25 billion probiotics per serving, 2730mg of plant-based micronutrition, and 14 powerful antioxidants that encourage overall wellness. If you aren’t into shakes or don’t like the taste of them, Green Vibrance is also available in capsules to take along with your daily vitamins.
If you’re looking for a meal replacement or a powerful health supplement that is packed with protein, Vibrant Health also has a line of products called Maximum Vibrance that are available in many different flavors such as chocolate, chocolate coconut, and vanilla. The Maximum Vibrance products provide 20 mg of protein along with the powerful nutrients of Green Vibrance.
Reap the Benefits of Wheatgrass
Superfoods may abound, but if there’s one you should keep at the forefront of your mind, it’s wheatgrass.
Luckily, Vibrant Health’s collection of supplements makes it easy to benefit from this powerful superfood with quality nutrients that help you harness the power of good health.
See the difference and feel the difference with Vibrant Health.
