As the years go by, we are all beginning to realize the importance of healthier food choices. The leafy components of our meals that we would rather not taste are now ruling over our menus. The day will come when broccoli will be preferred over a burger, just you wait. But until that miracle happens, how about we talk about the greenest healthy food out there?
Wheatgrass!
What is wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is young grass got from the wheat plant. It is usually harvested in the first 7-10 days after planting, so it’s gluten-free. It’s fibrous like hay but with a vibrant green color. It has the highest amount of chlorophyll found in any plant, hence the deep green.
Health food enthusiasts (and anyone that’s ever had wheatgrass) highly recommend this plant. Why do they? Well, the benefits are almost unbelievable.
Benefits of wheatgrass.
- It’s packed full of nutrients:
Wheatgrass is brimming with a generous amount of vitamins and other nutrients. These nutrients have beneficial therapeutic effects on the body. Some of the nutrients include:
● iron
● beta-carotene
● phytonutrients
● magnesium
● proteins
● 17 amino acids
● phosphorus
● vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex
● enzymes
● potassium
● chlorophyll
● calcium
- Used for detoxification:
Detoxification (detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances produced by the body. It is necessary because when they get to high levels, these harmful substances can cause a great deal of damage to your internal system.
Wheatgrass contains a large amount of chlorophyll, which is known to be a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants eliminate toxins from the body, thus improving general health and well-being.
- Aids digestion:
Fibrous foods are highly recommended for a healthy gut and digestive tract. Due to its high fiber content, wheatgrass is sometimes used to manage digestive problems.
- Immune booster:
Wheatgrass improves your immune system. It enhances the body’s ability to fight infections, leading to more extended periods of healthy living.
- Energy booster:
This plant can significantly increase your energy levels. This happens because wheatgrass clears harmful substances from your system. Therefore, the energy that would've been used by your body to eliminate toxic substances is now channeled to carry out everyday activities.
- Reduction of blood pressure:
The chlorophyll found in wheatgrass has a structure similar to that of hemoglobin. This causes an increase in the red-blood-cell-carrying ability of the blood. More blood is produced, and blood pressure decreases considerably for people with high blood pressure.
- Metabolism booster:
Wheatgrass is ideal if you plan on losing weight. This is because it contains no fats and very few calories. It is also nutrient-packed, which can cause you to feel full quickly, leading to reduced rations and cravings.
Wheatgrass is also known to have other benefits such as:
● Can help fight diabetes
● Aids in cholesterol reduction.
● Good for treating arthritis
● Has anti-inflammatory properties.
● Promotes healthy skin
● Enhances dental health, etc.
The benefits of wheatgrass are too many to mention. However, you’re advised not to take an excess of it. The ideal amount of wheatgrass to consume in a day is 1-2 ounces or one tablespoonful. Anything more than this, and you risk experiencing nausea and stomach issues.
How do you take wheatgrass?
There are numerous reasons why adding wheatgrass to your diet today will be a healthy choice. However, this just leads to another question. How exactly can you include wheatgrass into your diet?
- Wheatgrass juice:
Wheatgrass is a highly fibrous plant that human stomachs cannot process effectively. To digest fresh wheatgrass, you must first juice it in a masticating juicer. This juicer slowly crushes the grass, causing the juice within to seep out slowly.
You can either grow your wheatgrass in your home or buy fresh wheatgrass juice from health stores all over the country. Just make sure you’re buying from a reliable brand that is 100% organic.
However, just as the name states, wheatgrass has a flavor that is not entirely pleasant. This flavor is ten times stronger in the wheatgrass juice than in other forms of wheatgrass supplements like wheatgrass capsules and wheatgrass powder.
- Wheatgrass powder:
Wheatgrass powder is produced when dried wheatgrass is ground into a fine, powdery state.
The disagreeable flavor of wheatgrass is significantly reduced in powder form, and it is easier to store them than the juice.
You can use wheatgrass powder to make different healthy smoothies, juices, and even meals. Below are some examples of diet choices that include wheatgrass powder:
a. Apple wheatgrass juice recipe
This recipe contains one scoop of organic wheatgrass powder, one part of water, one part of organic apple juice, and juice from one normal-sized lime.
The lime and apple help considerably reduce the overpowering flavor of wheatgrass powder, so you don’t have to worry about the taste.
b. Orange wheatgrass smoothie
Wheatgrass smoothies are another way to incorporate this green superfood into our diets. This simple orange wheatgrass smoothie contains:
● 1/4 teaspoon wheatgrass powder
● 1/2 cup milk
● 1/4 cup water or coconut water
● 1/2 of a frozen banana
● One orange or two tangerines
● 1/2 cup ice
You need to place all these ingredients in a blender and blend till the mixture is smooth, then enjoy.
c. Sauces and dressings
The beautiful thing about wheatgrass is that a little goes a very long way. You can include a small amount of wheatgrass powder in your sauces and dressings. This would do little to change the taste because the sauce will overpower the wheatgrass flavor. But the health benefits of that little addition would be phenomenal.
Wheatgrass powder can be included in almost everything, from party dips to soups to chilled desserts. They are an easy way to have a healthy edge on your meals.
- Wheatgrass capsules:
These capsules are usually made from compacted wheatgrass powder or dehydrated wheatgrass juice. They are generally for on-the-go situations when you can't afford to sit back and enjoy your nutritious treat.
Wheatgrass is a healthy food choice that you wouldn't want to push to the sidelines. Including this superfood in your diet will go a long way to improve your general health and well-being. Your body will thank you for it. That’s a guarantee.