Wheatgrass refers to the freshly sprouted leaves of Triticum aestivum or the common wheat plant. These leaves are harvested and used for food, drink, or dietary supplement because of their perceived health benefits. It is served fresh or freeze-dried, differentiating it from another wheat derivative, the wheat malt, which is dried convectively. Compared to wheat malt, growers allow wheatgrass to grow taller before harvesting. Typically, farmers let the wheatgrass grow to at least four inches tall which takes about 7 to 10 days upon sprouting.
Wheatgrass is a perennial plant and grows from 30 cm to 100 cm tall. It has creeping rhizomes and spread in an area. The leaves are flat or a bit rounded in shape and bear spike-like flowers. A few species are highly drought-tolerant and can survive even on soils with high saline content. The plant contains amino acids, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Most researchers say that wheatgrass is best for supplementing nutrition, and some claim it has curative properties.
Farmers grow wheatgrass indoors and outdoors. They harvest leaves when they manifest the split or when another leaf emerges. Wheatgrass can be cut with scissors, and most farmers allow a second growth before replacing the crop.
Here are some of the benefits of wheatgrass you have to know.
Good Source of Antioxidants and Nutrients
Health buffs consider wheatgrass as one of the better superfoods available. Wheatgrass provides a high concentration of different vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants which all help keep the body healthy. In addition, these substances are vital in warding off oxidative stress, which accelerates the aging process.
Wheatgrass contains a healthy dose of vitamins A, C, and E. It also packs a lot of iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, flavonoids, chlorophyll, and amino acids. These substances fight different free radicals and help prevent the occurrence and development of various types of cancers, arthritis, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Drinking wheatgrass juice is also advisable because of the presence of chlorophyll, one of the plant’s antioxidants. According to research, chlorophyll boosts red blood cell production, helps keep weight off, and neutralizes toxins. Studies also state that chlorophyll can help increase the production of glutathione.
Health experts, however, also warn of side effects. They advise observing how the body reacts to taking wheatgrass juice. Some people report that they experienced diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomachs a few hours after ingesting wheatgrass juice. If this happens, it will be better to consult a physician before continuing its use.
