Wheatgrass juice is one of the latest health trends – but it’s not just a fad. There are many scientifically-proven benefits of wheatgrass, which is why its reputation as a ‘superfood’ is well-earned.
Firstly, what is wheatgrass juice? Wheatgrass juice is a green juice pressed from young wheat plants. It’s one of the richest sources of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and life energy available.
Here are some of the health benefits of wheatgrass:
1. Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll
Wheatgrass juice is about 70% chlorophyll. Chlorophyll molecules are almost identical to human red blood cell. It allows the human body to convert chlorophyll directly to hemoglobin, helping to purify and cleanse the blood.
Chlorophyll helps stop the growth of unhealthy bacteria and is a powerful protector and healer in the body. In other words, we need chlorophyll if we want to live optimally.
2. Wheatgrass includes a number of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
Wheatgrass is highly nutritious. It contains a high concentration of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Of the 102 minerals available in the soil, wheatgrass absorbs more than 92 of them. Those minerals go straight into your body when you drink wheatgrass juice.
In addition to those vitamins and minerals, wheatgrass juice contains 17 amino acids, including all 8 of the essential amino acids. ‘Essential’ amino acids are ones that cannot be produced within the body and must come from food sources.
These vitamins, minerals, and essential acids aids your body in feeling more energized and boosts your immune system.
3. Wheatgrass has anti-inflammatory effects
Studies show that chlorophyll has anti-inflammatory effects. This could be because it stops the production of proteins that produce inflammation. Since wheatgrass is such an excellent source of chlorophyll, it’s one of the best anti-inflammatory sources there are.
4. Wheatgrass aids weight loss
Wheatgrass contains thylakoids, which aid weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer. Human and animal studies both show that thylakoids decrease hunger by increasing the release of hormones that tell your brain you’re full.
5. Wheatgrass reduces cholesterol
Wheatgrass is effective at reducing cholesterol, according to some animal studies. While human studies are needed to confirm this benefit, there’s a good chance that wheatgrass is can help those with high cholesterol.
6. Wheatgrass improves digestion
Wheatgrass is rich in enzymes, which help the body break down and digest food. It also stimulates the body to produce its own natural enzymes. This aids in digestion and helps your body effectively absorb the nutrients in the food you eat.
Improving your digestion can help you beat fatigue. Heavy foods that are difficult for the body to process only weighs it down. The more energy spent on digestion, the more fatigued you are. This is why enzymes are so important for beating fatigue.
7. Wheatgrass could prevent cancer
There’s a growing about of scientific evidence that suggests wheatgrass can stop the growth of cancer cells. In one test-tube study, wheatgrass extract decreased the spread of mouth cancer cells by 41%.
In another test-tube study, it reduced the number of leukemia cells by up to 65%. More research is needed to understand these effects, because test-tube studies don’t always produce the same results in humans – but there’s hope!
Research shows that there are a number of health benefits of wheatgrass, which is why it’s worth adding to your health regime. Adding wheatgrass to your juice, or having wheatgrass in the form of capsules, powders, or shots, is a great way to give your body an extra health boost. Try a wheatgrass juice today and feel the benefits.