1. High in Nutrients and Antioxidants
Wheatgrass is an excellent source of many different vitamins and minerals. It is especially high in vitamins A, C and E, as well as iron, magnesium, calcium and amino acids.
Of its 17 amino acids, eight are considered essential, meaning your body cannot produce them and you must obtain them from food sources.
Like all green plants, wheatgrass also consists of chlorophyll, a type of green plant pigment associated with many health benefits .
It also contains several important antioxidants, including glutathione and vitamins C and E.
2. May Reduce Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found throughout the body. While you need some cholesterol to make hormones and produce bile, too much cholesterol in your blood can block blood flow and increase your risk of heart disease.
Several animal studies have found that wheatgrass may help lower cholesterol levels.
In one study, rats with high cholesterol were given wheatgrass juice. They experienced decreased levels of total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
3. Could Help Kill Cancer Cells
hanks to its high antioxidant content, some test-tube studies have found that wheatgrass may help kill cancer cells.
According to one test-tube study, wheatgrass extract decreased the spread of mouth cancer cells by 41%
In another test-tube study, wheatgrass induced cell death and reduced the number of leukemia cells by up to 65% within three days of treatment.
Some research indicates that wheatgrass juice may also help, when combined with traditional cancer treatment, minimize adverse effects.
4. May Aid in Blood Sugar Regulation
High blood sugar can cause a wide array of symptoms, including headaches, thirst, frequent urination and fatigue.
Over time, high blood sugar can have serious consequences like nerve damage, skin infections and vision problems.
5. Could Help Promote Weight Loss
Many people have started adding wheatgrass juice to their diet as a quick and convenient way to boost weight loss.
Wheatgrass contains thylakoids, which are tiny compartments found in plants that contain chlorophyll and absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.
6. Easy to Add to Your Diet
Wheatgrass is widely available in powder, juice and capsule form and can easily be found at health food shops and specialty grocery stores.
Furthermore, if you are able to grow wheatgrass at home, you can use a juicer to make your own wheatgrass juice.
Besides drinking wheatgrass juice, you can use the juice or powder to boost the nutritional content of your favorite green smoothies.