Wheatgrass refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum, typically harvested after 7-14 days of growth. The freshly cut wheatgrass is juiced or dried into powder for animal and human consumption. Some people grow wheatgrass at home to guarentee a continuous supply of fresh wheatgrass.

Wheatgrass contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements, including selenium, and amino acids. It also contains the hormone abscisic acid, the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and many other enzymes.

Wheat allergies

People with wheat allergies need not be concerned when consuming wheatgrass juice. Wheatgrass is a leafy green and is different from the grain and refined grain products. Wheatgrass does not contain the gluten found in the grain.

Wheatgrass benefits

There are many claims surrounding wheatgrass, but little scientific evidence. Claims include:

Improvement of the digestive system.
A cure for constipation.
Blood purification.
Detoxification of heavy metals.
Prevention of cancer.
Prevention of diabetes.
Prevention of heart disease.

Many websites making these claims are also selling wheatgrass juice products.

A common claim is that one ounce of wheatgrass juice is equivalent to 1 kg of green vegetables. This is simply not true. The vitamin and mineral content of wheatgrass juice is not that high.

However Mr CabbageHead tried drinking 2 ounces of wheatgrass juice a day for several months and noticed a dramatic improvement in digestion and energy levels. Perhaps it is the enzymes and phyto-nutrients that are useful.

How to drink wheatgrass juice

The wheatgrass should be harvested fresh, juiced and consumed immediately on an empty stomach. Many juice outlets sell wheatgrass shots which are typically 1 ounce. You can consume 1 or 2 ounces at a time, one or more times a day. Start with 1 ounce a day. Wheatgrass juice seems to be a powerful detoxifier, so start with modest amounts.

References:

Ferruzzia M, Blakesleeb J. Digestion, absorption, and cancer preventative activity of dietary chlorophyll derivatives, Nutrition Research Volume 27, Issue 1, 2007

Meyerowitz S. Nutrition in Grass, Wheatgrass Nature’s Finest Medicine: The Complete Guide to Using Grass Foods & Juices to Revitalize Your Health, 6th Edition, Book Publishing Company, 53. 1999.