Wheatgrass juice is the juice produced from young grass of a wheat plant. This is the stage of the plant's life where it has the highest nutritional density and contains one of the best sources of rich green, living chlorophyll. The wheatgrass leaves are crushed and squeezed to make juice.
Wheatgrass juice provides a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential amino acids, and enzymes. Wheatgrass is generally used as a dietary supplement and also available in tablet, capsule, whole plant, and power form.
Before we go any further, it is important to point out that while some people swear by wheatgrass juice, there does not exist significant research studies which prove the claimed health benefits. However, there is so much information out there on the benefits associated with wheatgrass juice, we couldn't ignore it just because scientific evidence does not yet exist.
Proponents believe wheatgrass's most powerful ingredient is the chlorophyll, which increases the amount of oxygen in the body. Many websites suggest that one oz. of wheatgrass juice has the equivalent vitamins and nutrients as two pounds of vegetables.
Proponents of wheatgrass claim the juice will also boost your overall energy levels and:
- Boost the body's immunity and cell regeneration;
- Neutralize toxins in the body;
- Improve digestion;
- Purify the liver;
- Improve blood sugar levels;
- Prevent tooth decay;
- Reduce inflammation throughout the body; and,
- Protect the body from carcinogens.
We even read on two different websites that it can help prevent your hair from graying!
Wheatgrass can also provide relief for common ailments, such as
- Sore throat - Gargle wheatgrass juice for one minute.
- Toothache - Hold wheatgrass juice in your mouth for about five minutes to reduce or eliminate the pain.
More good news:
**Wheatgrass does not contain wheat gluten**
However, if you have a wheat or grass allergy, celiac disease or gluten intolerance, check with your doctor before using wheatgrass. Also, because it is in raw form, children, pregnant or nursing women, or anyone who has compromised immunity should avoid it because of the potential for bacteria.
(Good) Wheatgrass juice is pretty expensive, so if you interested in trying to grow it yourself and already have a juicer, a grow-your-own-wheatgrass kit may be a more affordable option (for example:
wheatgrasskits.com).
We have been adding wheat grass powder to our morning shakes and recently ordered wheatgrass juice @
Dynamic Greens. After reading more about it, we are wondering whether the processing of the wheatgrass into the powder form eliminates a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals. Check back in with us - we will be posting a review later in the month. We will let you know if we feel any difference in our energy levels, see a decrease in the amount of gray hairs that have recently begun to pop up, and most importantly, how it tastes!
