Nowadays, wheatgrass is fast getting popular as a health supplement as well as a natural remedy. This article provides some information about the nutrients in wheatgrass.
As people are becoming more health conscious, it is quite natural that health products, like wheatgrass gain popularity. The use of wheatgrass has been traced back to the period of ancient Egyptians, who believed that the grass is sacred with numerous health benefits. During the 1930s, an agricultural chemist named Charles F. Schnabel, fed some of his dying chickens with this grass. He was surprised to find that the birds not only regained their health, but also started giving more eggs. This fueled his interest in wheatgrass. He started manufacturing powdered wheatgrass, which soon became popular among the masses. Now, it is sold in different forms, like juice, tablet, and powdered concentrate. Wheatgrass is packed with nutrients, which are responsible for its health benefits.
Nutrients in Wheatgrass
The leaves of the young plants of common wheat, are packed with nutrients. Commonly consumed as juice, this grass contains considerable amounts of chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals. One fluid ounce of wheatgrass juice amounts to around six calories, and contains 0.6 grams of carbohydrate, 0.9 grams of protein, 28 milligrams of dietary fiber, 0.02 grams of fat, and 12 milligrams of chlorophyll. Go through the table given below, for a brief overview about the nutrients in a fluid ounce of wheatgrass juice.
| Nutrient | Value |
| Vitamin A | 121.05 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1.03 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.023 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.037 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.031 mg |
| Vitamin E | 4.3 IU |
| Folic Acid | 8.22 mcg |
| Calcium | 6.86 mg |
| Magnesium | 6.8 mg |
| Potassium | 41.67 mg |
| Phosphorus | 21.32 mg |
| Iron | 0.172 mg |
| Sodium | 2.92 mg |
| Zinc | 0.093 mg |
Health Benefits
Being rich in chlorophyll, wheatgrass is said to enrich the blood, lower high blood sugar and blood pressure levels, neutralize toxins, and detoxify the liver. Chlorophyll is also beneficial for removing drug deposits in the body, and is also an effective healing agent. Intake of wheatgrass is said to increase the energy levels and stamina. It is also believed to be good for the skin as well as the eyes; and for relieving constipation and body odor. It has also been suggested that wheatgrass boosts metabolism.
Wheatgrass is used for curing certain medical conditions, like strep infections and for healing wounds. It is also used for relieving the symptoms of typhoid fever, chronic sinusitis, ear infections, etc. Even rectal sores, cervical inflammation, and vaginal infections, are said to be cured with wheatgrass. It has also been suggested that the condition of kids with thalassemia can be improved with wheatgrass intake.
So, wheatgrass is claimed to be a super food with numerous health benefits. It is said to be free of side effects, but some people may develop allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, etc., after consuming wheatgrass. So, it is always better to seek the opinion of a qualified herbalist regarding consumption of wheatgrass, the right dosage, etc. This is far more important, if you want to use this product for curing some medical condition.
