Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted green leaves that many people use as a drink, food, or dietary supplement. Nowadays, edible wheatgrass serves as great source of fiber and according to the gardener from this website, everyone can start growing a wheatgrass indoor. This plant can grow up to 5 feet. It contains chlorophyll, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to health.
Read more about it in this link here. There are even claims that it can be a nutritional supplement and can be used as a cure for a lot of diseases. However, these claims still need more scientific studies and more in-depth research.
People who are suffering from gluten intolerance, celiac diseases, grass allergies, and more should consult a doctor first before buying wheatgrass as a supplement. There are also possibilities of mold contamination if the juice is not taken according to package directions.
Wheatgrass Juice
This is made from fresh grasses. Some companies grow their plantations. They then grind the freshly harvested leaves and sell them in natural food stores. Some also sell these plants on indoor trays.
Most people can harvest healthy wheatgrass within ten days of planting. They can then extract the leaves and make a juice out of it. If taken raw, there are chances that an individual may have difficulty digesting it since it has a strong flavor and high fiber content.
This is why some people choose to mix the juice with their favorite strawberry smoothie, tea, and water to make the juice more comfortable to drink. There are exclusive juicers from food stores that are made to extract plant juice. You might want to buy one of these if you plan to grow your wheatgrass plants in your backyard.
Powder Form
Wheatgrass can come in other forms, and one of them is powder. The powder can be mixed with other fruit powders to make it sweeter.
The leaves are often dehydrated and dried so that they can be made into powder form. Some companies even make the powder into tablets and pills that can be sold as supplements. The powders are often mixed with fruits, drinks, and food to make it more palatable.
The Benefits that You Can Get
Lots of people debate about which one is more affordable, effective, and beneficial to health. There are the ones who believe that juice is better, and the others insist that the powder form is more effective. However, the effects can vary, and one should research before deciding which one to buy.
Wheatgrass leaves contain large quantities of chlorophyll. Most of the components of this chlorophyll mimic the hemoglobin that can be found in the human blood. The main difference between the two is that chlorophyll has large amounts of magnesium, while hemoglobin has large quantities of iron.
When chlorophyll is consumed through wheatgrass, it can help produce red blood cells. It can remove unnecessary carbon dioxide in the body and improve the flow of blood. It is also known to improve energy and alkalize the blood.
For bodybuilders and athletes, the juice and powder contain high amounts of protein. This is important for people who often go to the gym to exercise. The complete protein that the leaves can provide can support the muscles and help them grow.
Fresh Naturally Grown vs. Tray-Grown
Juices from tray-grown are said to have lesser chlorophyll content and provide lesser vitamins because they are grown in artificial conditions.
The naturally grown and freshly harvested wheatgrass contain maximum vitamins and minerals because they were collected at the right stage, and they are organically cultivated.
The naturally grown leaves are dehydrated at a specific temperature to preserve its enzymes and nutrients. They are then compressed and formed into powder for more natural consumption.
Many believe that the powder is more superior than the juice because it contains concentrated amounts of nutrients. Read more about Wheatgrass.com Myths about Wheatgrass Powder vs Juice in the link provided if you are interested to know more facts about this plant.
On the other hand, it is thought that juice is less useful because it was diluted with water. But it is important to note that both the powder and the liquid can help more effortless blood flow and cleanse the digestive system.
Other Information That You Need to Know
Most of the parts of wheatgrass, including the roots, rhizomes, and components that grow above the ground, are used as ingredients for medicine. In its concentrated form, it is rich in calcium, vitamins A, E, C, magnesium, and iron.
It is taken by mouth, and many believe that it increases the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is one of the molecules that carry oxygen in the red blood cells. People who are experiencing disorders such as diabetes, beta-thalassemia, and others also tend to consume the juice or the powdered form of wheatgrass. However, more in-depth studies and evidence are needed to support these.
Safety Precautions
If taken in food amounts or flavorings, it is likely safe. But you should consult a doctor before taking anything, especially if it’s something you are unsure of. There are not enough studies that were done to know the safety of wheatgrass food and drinks, especially in long-term usage.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding an infant, you should consult your OB-GYNE before taking anything. The safety of wheatgrass is not yet determined or studied at an in-depth level. To be on the safe side, it might be better to avoid taking it.
Diabetic people may exercise caution when using this. The juice may lower blood sugar and cause drastic changes. Hypoglycemia or signs of low blood sugar are linked to wheatgrass drinks. Read more about hypoglycemia here: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/hypoglycemia-overview. Monitor your blood sugar carefully and watch the things that you drink or eat to be safe.
Integrating the Juice in your Daily Diet
The potent effects of wheatgrass should make consumption limited to an ounce a day. You can gradually increase it to two ounces, but only if you feel comfortable. It is best to drink it on an empty stomach and accompany it with your favorite fruit. Consumption of wheatgrass after a meal may make an individual feel nauseous.
If you add wheatgrass in your diet, you can lose a few pounds, treat eczema, detoxify your cells, reduce food cravings, and a lot more. It is available in many forms, but you should do research first. And always ask a medical professional if you are unsure about how to include this in your daily food intake.
