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Wheatgrass shots have taken Instagram by storm. Are you familiar with this product? In our new guide, we will tell you why it has become the latest health trend. Wheatgrass is obtained from the freshly sprouted first leaves of the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum).
This green superfood is a source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and chlorophyll. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, hypolipemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. A few sips of wheatgrass juice are enough to provide your body with a large portion of the micronutrients it needs, all the while taking care of your health.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 The Best Wheatgrass in the United Kingdom: Our Choices
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Wheatgrass
- 3.1 What is wheatgrass exactly?
- 3.2 What nutrients does wheatgrass provide?
- 3.3 What are the health properties of wheatgrass?
- 3.4 What types of wheatgrass supplements are there?
- 3.5 What are the naturopathic properties of wheatgrass?
- 3.6 Can wheatgrass juice replace eating vegetables?
- 3.7 Can celiac individuals consume wheatgrass?
- 3.8 Is chlorophyll needed to oxygenate the blood?
- 3.9 Should I take wheatgrass on an empty stomach?
- 3.10 Is wheatgrass a good source of vegan protein?
- 3.11 Does wheatgrass present side effects or contraindications?
- 4 Buyer’s Guide
- 5 Summary
Summary
- Wheatgrass is the name given to the leaves of the common wheat plant. They contain vitamins, minerals, pigments (chlorophyll and beta-carotene), amino acids, and enzymes. Regular consumption of wheatgrass can mitigate oxidative damage, reduce cholesterol levels, improve digestion, and help you feel more energized.
- You can make your own juice from fresh wheatgrass, but most people prefer to buy it in the form of tablets, powder, or frozen juice.
- You will have to take various factors into account to find the most suitable wheatgrass supplement for your needs. These include the manufacturing process and the presentation form of the product, as well as your potential dietary restrictions.
The Best Wheatgrass in the United Kingdom: Our Choices
While you can decide to grow your own wheatgrass and make homemade juices in your kitchen, the fast-paced nature of modern society means that it is often much more practical to buy supplements that are ready to use. In the following section, you will discover our selection of the best wheatgrass products currently available on the market:
Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Wheatgrass
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What is wheatgrass exactly?
What nutrients does wheatgrass provide?
The juice obtained from these leaves is very low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, which is why it is ideal for individuals following weight-loss diets. The nutritional composition of wheatgrass juice is different from that of powder and capsules, as you can see in the table below:
| Nutritional composition (per 100 ml/gram) | Juice | Powder | Tablets/capsules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proteins | 2.47 g | 17 g | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.3 g | 26.5 g | 5 g |
| Fat | 0.13 g | 2.3 g | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g | 46.1 g | 34 g |
What are the health properties of wheatgrass?
- Anti-inflammatory: Chlorophyll and certain polysaccharides present in wheatgrass are responsible for this (5). Inflammation is common in cardiovascular conditions, inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), obesity, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and certain types of cancers.
- Energizing: B-complex vitamins, zinc, and magnesium are vital nutrients for energy metabolism. The daily consumption of wheatgrass will reduce fatigue and increase your energy levels (6).
- Antioxidant: The pigments of wheatgrass (chlorophyll and beta-carotene), zinc, and vitamins E and C are potent antioxidants. This is why these supplements can counteract oxidative damage that is related to various diseases (cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions, diabetes) and aging (7).
- Antibacterial: Chlorophyll has the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria (8).
- Lipid-lowering: A study in rats demonstrated that wheatgrass juice decreased the level of triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Regarding the latter, it has also been proven that wheatgrass significantly increases the fecal excretion of this compound (9).
- Digestive: It has been reported that wheatgrass could relieve dyspepsia (indigestion) thanks to the enzymes it contains. Its fiber also contributes to fighting constipation (10).
- Antiaging for the skin: Antioxidants – and, more specifically, beta-carotene and vitamin C – delay the aging of the skin. In addition, vitamin C is an essential nutrient for collagen formation, which makes the skin smooth and firm (11).
- Immunostimulant: Zinc, iron, and vitamin C found in wheatgrass are essential micronutrients for the proper functioning of the immune system (12).
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What types of wheatgrass supplements are there?
- Wheatgrass juice: The juice is extracted from the leaves, and the fiber is almost entirely removed. The resulting liquid is generally sold in small bottles of 10 to 100 milliliters. You can also purchase frozen juice.
- Wheatgrass powder: A microwave drying process is used to preserve the quality of the leaves. Once dried, they are ground into a fine powder that you can dissolve in water or shakes. You can even add it to your soups and stews (13).
- Wheatgrass capsules or tablets: These capsules usually consist of wheatgrass powder wrapped in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (plant-based cellulose).
| Characteristics | Juice | Powder | Capsules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Herbal, slightly sweet | Herbal, more powerful | Soft, almost neutral |
| Recommended dose | 10 to 100 ml | 5 to 10 grams (1 to 2 teaspoons) | From 2 to 6 capsules (depending on the concentration) |
| Form of consumption | Pure or mixed with orange, pear, or apple juice | Diluted in water, smoothies, soups, and stews | On its own with a sip of water |
What are the naturopathic properties of wheatgrass?
- Asthma and allergies
- Arthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
- High blood pressure
- Bronchitis
- Hemorrhages
- Hemolytic anemia
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Hyperuricemia (high uric acid)
- Digestive ulcers
- Migraines
Can wheatgrass juice replace eating vegetables?
Can celiac individuals consume wheatgrass?
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Is chlorophyll needed to oxygenate the blood?
Should I take wheatgrass on an empty stomach?
Is wheatgrass a good source of vegan protein?
Does wheatgrass present side effects or contraindications?
Buyer’s Guide
As we have discussed throughout our article, wheatgrass supplements are sold in different forms on the market. However, you have to consider a series of key criteria in order to determine which product is the most suitable for your needs. In the following section, we will delve into these essential factors to help you make the right purchase:
Dosage Form
Those who enjoy the taste of wheatgrass and want a product that is as natural as possible can opt for the juice or powder. The former comes ready to drink, while you will have to mix the latter with hot or cold liquids. Wheatgrass capsules are recommended for those of us who want to avoid its peculiar taste and are looking for the most practical option.
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Organic Farming
Most of the wheatgrass supplements available on the market are made from organically farmed common wheat. This is fundamental because all leaf foods tend to be very sensitive to pests; the more vulnerable they are, the more synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used in their cultivation. In that regard, we strongly encourage you to choose a supplement with the organic label of approval.
Manufacturing Process
Before it is transformed into powder, wheatgrass is dried by means of microwaves. This process allows the preservation of its nutritional quality. In addition, the content of vitamins – the nutrients most fragile to heat – remains unaltered. If you opt for frozen juice, on the other hand, the freezing process must be quick to avoid nutritional and organoleptic deterioration.
Presence of Gluten
While wheatgrass is naturally gluten-free, you should always look for the seal that certifies that the supplement is suitable for people with celiac disease. Small parts of seeds can sometimes contaminate the wheatgrass. If gluten-intolerant individuals consume these products, this food transgression will expose them to a series of potential complications.
Value for Money
The wheatgrass powder and capsules generally have an excellent price-quality ratio. If you opt for a juice that is made with 100% wheatgrass, it will be more expensive than other supplements forms. In fact, it can double or triple the price. While wheatgrass juices mixed with fruit juices are more affordable, keep in mind that their quality is inferior.
Summary
Wheatgrass offers numerous health benefits, many of which are actively being investigated. Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for its green color, confers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties to the common wheat leaves. In fact, this plant provides almost all the vitamins needed by the human body, as well as essential minerals.
Wheatgrass can increase your energy levels, relieve constipation, lower cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. Whether you take it as a natural juice, powder, or capsules, get ready to enjoy its goodness!
We hope that you found our shopping guide on wheatgrass helpful and informative. We’d love to hear your opinion, so feel free to leave us a comment in the section below. You can also share this article on your social media, so your friends and family make the most of this superfood!
(Featured Image Source: Vorobeva: 83768291/ 123rf.com)
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Kothari S, Jain K, Mehta S, Tonpay S. Hypolipidemic effect of fresh Triticum aestivum (wheat) grass juice in hypercholesterolemic rats. - PubMed - NCBI [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2011 [cited 28 November 2019].
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