It is strange to hear about Wheat Grass and it is not so obvious to understand what it is. We find it called “wheatgrass” in English, it is often attributed strange meanings but the true one is this. It is the young leaves of soft wheat plants. What do we do with these herbs? We use them to prepare a drink that turns out to be, especially in the United States, an excellent alternative to coffee to consume for breakfast, given how energetic it is.
We can find it as a fresh product, or powdered, and today it is increasingly easy to find it even in physical stores while until a few years ago it was a problem to buy it. There are several studies that explore its properties but we cannot say that we have in hand the certainty that this drink really has the properties that are attributed to it. In any case it is not a substance that works miracles because they do not exist, it could have interesting properties and now we are going to find out which ones.
Wheatgrass: what is it?
It is difficult to give a univocal definition of this Wheat Grass because its composition can also depend on the area of origin. Even the growth period is a factor that influences the type and quantity of nutrients contained in the grass in question, whether it has been dried and powdered, or consumed fresh.
In this somewhat mysterious mix of herbs, we find some very interesting nutrients, vitamins and mineral salts. In the first, vitamin A and its precursors, vitamin C and the B vitamins (thiamine or vitamin B1, riboflavin or vitamin B2, niacin or vitamin B3, pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 and vitamin B6). The most present minerals are potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium , then there is also a lot of chlorophyll, since it is grass, and many flavonoids, and then carbohydrates, fiber and proteins.
Wheatgrass: Benefits
From this herb, obtained from the first leaves that grow after the germination of the seed of the soft wheat plant (scientific name: Triticum aestivum) boasts many interesting properties, even if still to be demonstrated. It is very nutritious, first of all, therefore we find it recommended as a food supplement for example for those who follow a vegan diet. Even those who follow a normal diet can take it if they want to strengthen the immune system and the body as a whole.
Before choosing it as our treatment, it is better to consult your doctor because, as we will see, there are some contraindications and we must be sure that this herb does not cause us problems.
Wheatgrass: properties
According to experts, wheat grass would be able to fight free radicals , would contribute to cell renewal , providing greater resistance to fatigue, both physical and mental.
It would also be able to increase immune defenses and fill nutritional deficiencies.
Wheat grass is also said to have satiating properties : taken 40 minutes before lunch, it would reduce appetite.
Furthermore, thanks to its high chlorophyll content, wheat grass is said to have detoxifying properties : it would be able to cleanse the body of toxins, pollutants and chemicals.
It would also have alkalizing, antibacterial and immunostimulant properties.
Apparently, the combination of all these properties would make wheat grass a very powerful anti-aging product : the effects on the skin, hair and blood circulation would lead, according to experts, to a clearly visible aesthetic rejuvenation.
Wheatgrass: how to take it
On the Italian market, wheat grass is available in different forms : powdered, freeze-dried, in tablets or ready to drink, bottled like any other beverage.
It should be taken: dry, as a food supplement and fresh, in the form of juice.
In any case, it is advisable to take the product in the form of juice as it is more powerful and energizing.
30 ml of grass juice per day is equivalent to 1 kg of organic green vegetables. The juice is very sweet, so it is best to take it on an empty stomach, sipping it slowly. Being a natural product, it oxidizes quickly.
Useful recommendation: when purchasing a product, it is a good idea to choose the one that is richest in active ingredients and has the highest quality guarantee.
The easiest way to try wheatgrass is to use the dried and powdered version (less than 4% humidity). In this case we must dissolve it in water, in a juice or even in yogurt. Let’s not exaggerate with the quantities that must be chosen based on our weight and our characteristics, not by us but by the doctor. There are the indications reported on the label or on the package of the wheatgrass purchased but very often they are vague and must be “customized”.
Wheat Grass: Side Effects
Generally speaking, wheatgrass is considered a safe product, but there are many who have complained of side effects after taking it in high doses. In fact, it is nothing to worry about, in most cases headaches, nausea and other digestive problems appear . It can also happen that you are intolerant, so you have allergic reactions, with symptoms such as hives and swelling of the throat.
Obviously, therefore, if you are allergic, you should avoid this herb which is not recommended for pregnant women , breastfeeding mothers and children. Those who are gluten intolerant should not have problems with this herb but it is always better to be cautious and ask your doctor.
How to Grow Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass can be grown indoors and does not need to be exposed outdoors; it requires little space and little but constant attention. It can grow anywhere, from a pot to a common cup or tray, the seeds cost a few euros. But let’s see how to proceed:
- Soak the seeds in water overnight
- In the morning, drain and spread some soil in a pot to a layer of about two and a half centimetres and water.
- Spread the sprouted seeds and cover with a sheet of plastic or paper to protect them from light.
- As soon as they start to sprout, uncover them and leave them in the sun, watering 2-3 times a day.
- After a week the wheatgrass is ready.
