Prerna Porwal
What is Wheatgrass powder?
To start with, Wheatgrass is simply food prepared from the plant called Triticum aestivum. It’s considered a Concentrated Sun Power health food due to its numerous health benefits. It’s generally consumed as a fresh juice, but it also comes in powdered form.
Wheatgrass is basically the name of the young grass of a wheat plant. It is generally thick, dry grass that looks similar to hay and has a bright green color. It is used in formulating many natural and holistic medicines for its health-benefiting properties.
It is also well known for its concentrated source of nutrients. It primarily contains vitamin A, C and E along with minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and amino acids.
Wheatgrass is useful to following people having:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- heart disease
- blood disorders, such as thalassemia
Traditional medicinal uses of wheatgrass are:
- Helps in improving digestion
- For lowering the blood pressure
- For removing heavy metals from the blood
- Helpful to balance the immune system
- For relieving gout
It is useful in providing various health benefits which are as follows:
1. Treating gastrointestinal distress
Practitioners of traditional Ayurvedic medicines have identified wheatgrass as an important plant to reduce stomach pain and manage minor gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or digestive problems.
Wheatgrass has high fiber content and it helps to keep your gut healthy.
2. High in antioxidants
Wheatgrass is a great source of several essential minerals and vitamins. It is rich in vitamins A, vitamin C and vitamin E, and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, chlorophyll and important amino acids.
There are seventeen amino acids overall, of which 8 are very essential which our body does not generate and they are obtained from natural plants, one of them is wheatgrass.
Wheatgrass plant contains plant pigment called chlorophyll, which has several health benefiting properties.
It is also loaded with essential antioxidants, vitamins C, glutathione and vitamin E. These compounds fight with free radicals in the system to prevent cell damage and reduce oxidative stress.
Health experts have observed that antioxidants help to protect against complex issues of heart ailments, cancer, arthritis and neurodegenerative disorders.
3. It reduces cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is simply a waxy material in our body. We require cholesterol for producing hormones and bile in limited quantities; however excess cholesterol content results in blocking the regular blood flow and can result in improper heart functioning.
Experts have observed that it helps to reduce cholesterol levels in our bodies.
Doctors recommend wheatgrass juice daily for decreasing the levels of LDL or bad cholesterols.
4. It could help to kill cancer cells
Test tube experiments and studies have observed that wheatgrass assists to destroy and kill cancer cells and reduce cancer development. Moreover, the study also found that it might reduce complications of chemotherapy on the body.
However, there is still no full-proof evidence on the possible anti-cancer benefits on human beings as of now. More practical trials are in progress to identify how it might impact cancer growth. Time will tell!
5. It aids in blood sugar regulation
We all know excess blood sugar can cause issues like thirst, headaches, frequent urination and body pain, fatigue, etc.
Over prolonged periods, high sugar content in the blood may have severe consequences like skin infections, damage to nerves and vision disorders.
Wheatgrass is loaded with essential nutrients and minerals which help to balance your blood sugar and also maintain optimum blood flow in the body.
6. It helps to ease inflammation
Inflammation is caused by your immune system for protecting the body from any type of infection or injury.
Chronic inflammation leads to complicated issues like improper heart functioning, cancer and auto-immune disorders
Health experts have observed that wheatgrass assists in reducing the inflammation of an individual.
It is rich in plant pigment called chlorophyll, which has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. This chlorophyll is very useful to reduce body inflammation.
7. It helps in weight loss
Yes, you read that right; Weight Loss. Educated individuals have already started including wheatgrass powder or juice in their regular diet for its amazing property of weight loss.
Wondering how?
It is because; Wheatgrass plant consists of thylakoids, (the minute section observed in plants that have chlorophyll for absorbing sunlight in the photosynthesis process). It is also free from Trans fat and thus does not result in any fat build-up in the body.
8. Easy to include in the diet
Wheatgrass can be consumed in different forms, powdered form, and fresh juice and formulated capsules, which are easily available at food shops, grocery stores, Ayurvedic centers and e-commerce websites.
You can also cultivate wheatgrass at your home, harvest it and dry it naturally or in an oven and crush it to powder and also crush it to prepare fresh juice.
Apart from sipping healthy wheatgrass juice, you can even use its powder to improve the nutritive index of smoothies and other recipes.
Wheatgrass powder is perfect for salad dressings, Hot and cold beverages like herbal tea or green tea.
Apart from these prime benefits:
Wheatgrass powder is also beneficial to:
· To reduce obesity and eventually reduce risk of heart diseases and diabetics
· For treating gastrointestinal diseases
· For fighting the infections
To know more about this superfood, check this video by expert Nutritionist Luke Coutinho here:
I have picked the top 3 brands of wheatgrass powder available in the market in the below section.
Wheatgrass powder produced by 24 Mantra organic is 100% natural and organic. It is packed with utmost care and is well known for its flawless freshness. The prime feature of this brand is that all the products of 24 Mantra are tested by Indian, US and European organic standards and supplied fresh to its global customer base.
This organic product is rich in nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals that help to alkalize, purify and oxygenate the blood in our system. It helps in increasing the hemoglobin content in the blood. It provides our body with essential amino acids and is a natural source of antioxidants. The organic nature of the product adds more to the wheatgrass value.
Key Features:
- It is India organics and USDA certified product
- It is an organically cultivated product
- It is prepared from just one-week old wheatgrass
- It is free from pesticides or harmful chemicals
- It is rich in antioxidants and chlorophyll content
Organic Tattva’s wheatgrass powder contains chlorophyll which is essential for our blood and strengthens the body’s immunity. Organic Tattva’s pure, natural and organic wheatgrass powder contains 0 grams of Trans fat and sugar. The calorie count in a teaspoon (2g) of Organic wheatgrass powder is only 7. This product is free from any added materials and chemicals and retains all the natural properties of wheatgrass plants.
Key Features:
- It is a certified organic product
- It is USDA certified powder
- It is rich in essential antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- It is chemical and pesticides free
- It is gluten-free and vegan product
Saptamveda’s wheatgrass powder is prepared from naturally sun-dried plant leaves. It has a peculiar earthy flavor. Daily consumption of this organic wheatgrass powder aids in benefiting the thyroid gland, which improves metabolism rate and helps to provide more energy to our body. Saptamveda’s Wheatgrass powder helps to amplify the tally of red blood cells, boosting the body’s immune system and avoiding diseases.
Key Features:
- It is a rich source of vitamin A and vitamin E
- It is a 100% organic product
- It is non-GMO & gluten free
- It is free of additives and chemical preservatives
- It has plenty of antioxidants
10 essential reasons to buy organic products:
1. To protect yourself and your loved ones from cancer-causing pesticides
2. To say goodbye to harmful chemicals in your diet
3. Focus on health and nutrition of natural food
4. Reduce health risks with enhanced purity levels
5. Consuming the foods adhering to international standards
6. Protect the earth as organic farming is a planet and eco-friendly
7. Prevent water and land contamination and pollution as there are no chemicals pollutants in organic farming
8. Gain from the diversity of crops which is slowly getting extinct.
9. Helping small farmers and eliminate the long chain of traders and middlemen to create sustainable livelihoods
10. To live in harmony with Mother Nature
Wheatgrass is basically safe for everyone, even individuals having celiac issues or ones having gluten sensitivity. Only the wheat kernel seeds have gluten, the rest of wheatgrass is completely gluten-free and a vegan product.
It’s best to consult the doctor or health expert before consuming any wheatgrass products.
Some individuals have reported signs of headaches, nausea or diarrhea after wheatgrass intake. In case you too experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to reduce your daily intake.
If negative side effects continue to arise, consult a healthcare expert or completely eliminate wheatgrass in all forms from your daily diet.
Consuming Wheatgrass on daily basis can have a negative impact in certain cases as follows:
Special Note – Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
There is no scientific research on wheatgrass being beneficial to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and thus it is avoided by many mothers.
1. How to make wheatgrass powder?
To prepare wheatgrass powder at home, you must first plant the wheatgrass inside or outside of the home. After a few days of growth, cut the leaves and let it dry naturally or you can even put it in the oven to quickly dry them. Once the leaves are free of moisture, simply grind the leaves to obtain a fresh powder.
2. Is wheatgrass powder good for skin?
Wheatgrass has exceptional anti-aging properties and thus is very helpful for your skin. It is an important antioxidant to control the free radicals in the body, which are responsible for aging and oxidative stress.
3. Is wheatgrass bad for kidneys?
Wheatgrass juice is suitable for individuals of all ages. However, it is a very rich source of potassium, which might not be feasible for people having kidney diseases, so should be avoided in certain cases.
4. What time of day should I drink wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass should usually be consumed on an empty stomach, Wheatgrass juice should be taken 20-30 minutes before your morning breakfast.
5. Does wheatgrass grow hair?
Yes, Wheatgrass supports hair growth, Regular consumption of wheatgrass juice and its application on hair and scalp removes the dead cells and assists in hair growth.
6. How often should I drink wheatgrass powder?
Ideally, you can drink wheatgrass juice once a day before breakfast in the morning, you can keep a track of changes in your body after including wheatgrass in your diet. Some notable aspects to be considered are changes in energy levels, any kind of allergies, or side effects observed. Based on these observations, you can plan the intake on daily or alternate days.
7. Is wheatgrass good for weight loss?
Yes Friends, Wheatgrass is good for weight loss, it is nutrient-rich food and keeps your body feel full and boosts metabolism to result in weight loss. In addition to this, it is low in calories and does not contain any bad fat. So it’s a good option if you are looking to reduce the bodyweight
8. How long does it take for wheatgrass to work?
Wheatgrass juice boosts immunity and kills the harmful bacteria in the body and clears out waste from the body. As per scientific trials, it is observed that wheatgrass gets incorporated in the system and provides instant energy to the body. This process takes around 15-20 minutes when the wheatgrass juice or powder is consumed on an empty stomach.
9. Does wheatgrass increase hemoglobin?
Yes, Wheatgrass increases hemoglobin count as it is rich in vitamin A, C and E, along with calcium, magnesium and amino acids. It is useful to treat thalassemia patients. It also helps in building red blood cells in the body and helps in the growth of tissue cells.
10. Is wheatgrass powder good for thyroid?
Wheatgrass has an abundance of the mineral selenium present in it, which improves the functioning of the thyroid gland. Selenium is essential for the thyroid, which aids in maintaining body weight and thus should be included in the daily diet.
11. Is wheatgrass alkaline or acidic?
Wheatgrass is alkaline in nature, and including it in daily diet helps to reduce acidity levels and restore alkalinity in the blood. It has an exceptional detoxifying property which is useful to problems like diarrhea, constipation and ulcers.
12. What happens when you drink wheatgrass every day?
Wheatgrass is nutrient-rich and it helps to boost the immune system of your body. Thus by drinking a glass of wheatgrass juice daily you are protecting your body against illnesses and diseases.
13. Is wheatgrass considered a vegetable?
Complex questions require complicated answers. Yes and No here, as wheatgrass is simply the grass of a wheat plant and since it’s not the grain, we can group it in the vegetable category. However, it is not a whole vegetable itself.
14. Is wheatgrass the same as wheat?
Both are different. Wheatgrass is simply the newly sprouted tender leaves of the wheat plant called Triticum aestivum, which are primarily used as a foodstuff, prepare drinks and dietary appendages. On the contrary, wheat malt comes in dry form. Wheatgrass is grown taller and longer than wheat malt.
15. Can we drink wheatgrass during periods?
Yes, Wheatgrass juice can be consumed during the periods. It benefits the body as it reduces menstrual pains and cramps due to the presence of essential vitamins and minerals. It is also useful to solve the issue of irregular periods.