Wheatgrass

Note: This article is not meant as a substitute for proper medical advice. Please consult with your medical practitioner before using any type of remedy, herbal or otherwise.

Have you ever gone to a juice store and wondered about the mysterious green shot of wheatgrass?  What is it? Now considered a “superfood,” wheatgrass is considered by many to be a healthful tonic with many nutritional benefits. A shot of wheatgrass juice is the best way to absorb the nutrients, but wheatgrass can also be dehydrated and taken in powder or pill form. Customers can special order trays of wheatgrass in our Produce Department at any time, and our Wellness Department has a number of wheatgrass containing products. 

There are few research studies about the effectiveness of wheatgrass, but anecdotally, wheatgrass has a reputation for boosting immunity, killing harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, and cleansing the body of toxins. It has been used for increasing hemoglobin, improving blood sugar disorders (like diabetes), lowering cholesterol (by blocking its absorption), and treating cancer and arthritis in alternative treatment programs.

Wheatgrass is a good source of chlorophyll (which acts as an antioxidant), iron, amino acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, and calcium. Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant triticum aestivum. The grass is cut when it is 5-8 inches tall and the leaves develop a “split” as another leaf emerges. Be sure to not cut too close to the soil and to rinse the trimmings well to avoid bacteria or mold from soil or water contamination.

It’s important to note that some people experience nausea or headaches after drinking wheatgrass, and anyone allergic to wheat or intolerant to gluten should speak to a doctor before using it. While the benefits of wheatgrass are still not yet supported by medical research, and drinking the juice might not be for everyone, consuming wheatgrass as part of a balanced diet can add some variety to your routine. Can’t handle a straight shot? Feel free to mix it with vegetable juice or add it to a smoothie!