Wheatgrass has many, many pros and very few cons. It is a potent superfood with a hefty list of benefits and very few to absolutely no negative side effects. Not only can it be taken for your general well-being, but it can also be used to treat an array of ailments as well.
About Wheatgrass
You may be wondering what exactly wheatgrass is. Is it a wheat or is it a grass? It's actually both. It is derived from the special "leaf seeds" of common wheat, called cotyledons. All wheats are grasses. Wheatgrass actually looks more similar to bright, green grass than it does other types of wheat. The growing process is similar to that of growing malt wheat, but wheatgrass is allowed to grow for a longer period of time. It is harvested when the sprouts begin to split and all of the parts that are above the ground are used. This is when it will provide the optimum nutrition.
What It Does
Superfoods all have really high nutritional value and wheatgrass is no exception. It has high quantities of vitamins A, C and E, along with calcium, magnesium, iron and lots of amino acids. It is an excellent way to round out your diet and provide you with new energy and vitality, especially when paired with other superfoods.
Along with all of the vitamins and minerals, wheatgrass has antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a well-rounded immune system booster. It also increases the production of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. This helps to purify the bloodstream as well as more efficiently deliver oxygen to the rest of the body. With this increased oxygen flow, you will find yourself feeling better both physically as well as mentally.
While removing toxins from the blood it also helps to cleanse the liver. It can even remove heavy metal and drug deposits that may have accumulated. Wheatgrass is also great for irrigating the body. It is a mild diuretic and can help to remove impurities as well as bacteria from the bladder, kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract.
Who Should Take It
Everyone can benefit from a small dose of wheatgrass daily. It is such a great superfood that you only need a small amount to experience the effects such as having more energy and fewer colds. Some people with certain conditions or certain ailments can get added benefits from wheatgrass. It is also obviously a good choice for anyone engaging in a detox or body cleansing regimen.
Because of it's amazing effects on red blood cells, wheatgrass is a good way to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also helpful for those with diabetes and other blood sugar conditions. It is excellent for combating infections, especially bacterial ones. As a diuretic as well as an anti-bacterial agent, it is particularly effective against UTIs and similar infections.
As a short term remedy, it can ease sore throats along with respiratory symptoms of the cold and flu. It is also good for mild joint pain, including arthritis. It can even act as a digestive aid. Many people also enjoy the taste so it is used in a number of food and drink products to enhance the flavor.
Forms of Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a staple of specialty food stores. You can buy the raw wheatgrass, wheatgrass juice or powder, as well as wheatgrass pills and tablets. Wheatgrass has a distinct and strong flavor that is somewhat sweet. Some people dislike the flavor, which turns them away from raw, juice and powder forms. Luckily, tablets are now readily available and they do not even have an aftertaste.
Wheatgrass juice is believed to provide the largest amounts of benefits. People often take "shots" of the juice because that is all that is needed. Some people chase it with fruit juice or incorporate it into smoothies. Drinking the juice can unfortunately get a bit expensive though.
The powdered wheatgrass can be bought in bulk and tends to last longer than the juice. Many people are turning to the powdered form. It is processed though so it does lose a bit of its nutritional value. Wheatgrass is so high in nutrients, though, that even the powdered form still has the qualities of a superfood.
Side Effects
As far as negative side effects of wheatgrass go, they are very uncommon. A small number of people may experience mild nausea, constipation or loss of appetite after taking wheatgrass. The benefits definitely out-weigh these mild side effects for most, so give one of the forms of wheatgrass a try.
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