Wheatgrass Benefits: 10 Solid Reasons To Give it a ‘Shot’

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Wheatgrass is a powerhouse with more vitamin C than oranges, provitamin A than carrots, and more potassium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium than in any other grain.

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When I first started drinking and growing wheatgrass decades ago, people thought I was nuts. I was asked the question again and again when folks saw the long green blades spiking up in my window, catching the light of the sun:    

“Seeding a lawn there, eh?”

“Your cats like grass?”    

Unsurprisingly, I had to explain. And trust me, it wasn’t so easy. In fact, looking back, if I really had to guess, I’d say most folks had never heard about wheatgrass. Its benefits seemed widely unknown.

Grass was for animals.

Period.  

So aren’t we actually animals? Well biologically speaking, yes. Research has shown we share between 93-99% of our DNA sequences with primates (think apes, monkeys).

We’re also in a family called Hominidae, which makes us hominids like gorillas and chimps.

And while we all know that humans eat both meat and plants—the mammalian classification of ‘omnivore’—biologically, we’re primarily herbivores. Designed for a plant-based diet.

According to Dr. Milton Mills, M.D:

“From comparing the gastrointestinal tract of humans to that of carnivores, herbivores and omnivores, we must conclude that humankind’s GI tract is designed for a purely plant-food diet. Humankind does not show the mixed structural features one expects and finds in anatomical omnivores such as bears and raccoons. [Hence], human beings have the gastrointestinal tract structure of a ‘committed’ herbivore.”

What Is Wheatgrass?

Well beyond the fact that wheatgrass is one of the most healing foods on earth—it’s been in use for over 5000 years—in a nutshell, it’s the growth from the young shoots of the wheat plant, scientifically known as triticum aestivum.

It’s harvested for use between 7-11 days old, then ingested (or applied) in several forms: powder, pill form, juice, and more, such as hair food and topical creams.            

I personally like juicing it, which requires a specific juicer, but it’s also sold in smoothie bars and health stores.

Lately I’ve seen it popping up in big-box chains, many of which carry it raw. It’s clearly come a long way since I started.

Wheatgrass Is Nutrient-Dense

When it comes to ensuring my own optimal health, I’m a huge fan of all things grass. And of all the many grasses that have nourished the Earth, I use wheatgrass and barley grass the most.

Like siblings, they’re related, yet uniquely set apart, with varieties of overlapping benefits.

One of which is nutrient-density.

Wheatgrass Nutrition

• Vitamin C..
• Vitamin E.
• Carotene.
• Vitamin K.
• Vitamin B1.
• Vitamin B2.
• Vitamin B3.
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6.
• Vitamin B8.
• Vitamin B12.
• Calcium.
• Magnesium.
• Selenium.
• Boron.
• Iron.
• Potassium.
• Phosphorous.
• Zinc.
• Copper.
• Manganese.
• Molybdenum.
• Vitamins C (more than in oranges).
• Provitamin A (more than in carrots).

With more of these than in any other grain:

• Potassium.
• Phosphorus.
• Iron.
• Magnesium.
• Molybdenum.

Not to mention it’s loaded with ‘grass juice factor,’ a powerful regenerative fuel. Which is largely attributable to ramped biogenesis in raw living sprouts from seed:   

“Wheatgrass contains extraordinary nutrients, identified by G.O. Kohler as the “grass juice factor,” which he found only in grasses. Clinical and research evidence has revealed the ‘Grass Juice Factor’ to have, probably by the stimulation of human growth factors, a powerful effect on the regeneration of damaged skin and the body in general. Grass contains hundreds of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, immunomodulators, cellular RNA and DNA all in concentrated form.” 

According to this report, “Wheatgrass juice is a rich source of Vitamins A, C, E and B complex. It contains a plethora of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline earth metals, potassium, zinc, boron, and molybdenum. The various enzymes responsible for its pharmacological actions are protease, amylase, lipase, cytochrome oxidase, transhydrogenase, super oxide dismutase (SOD).” 

Wheatgrass Is Protein-Rich

Raw living wheatgrass contains 17 amino acids and eight essential amino acids.

According to one report, “Proteins found in wheatgrass are known to be involved in preventing many diseases, oxidative stress, primary metabolism, storage, and energy-related mechanisms.”

Amino Acids in Wheatgrass

Essential:

• Lysine. 
• Isoleucine. 
• Leucine. 
• Tryptophane. 
• Phenylalanine.
• Threonine.
• Valine.
• Methionine.

More . . .   

• Alanine.
• Arginine.
• Aspartic acid.
• Glutamic acid.
• Histidine.
• Proline.

Wheatgrass is Antioxidant-Rich

Wheatgrass is loaded with powerful antioxidants that are remarkably good for your health. Think flavonoids, carotenoids, enzymes, selenium, glutathione, zinc, SOD.

Here’s a list:

Wheatgrass Antioxidants

• Zinc.

• Selenium.

• Glutathione.

• Superoxide dismutase (SOD).

• Saponarin.

• Quercetin.

• Carotenoids.

• Apigenin.

• Phenolic Acids.

• Luteolin.

• Lipoic Acid (ALA).

• Abundant enzymes.

• Growth hormone.

• Powerful micronutrients.

• Antioxidant bioflavonoids.

According to this report, “The major clinical utility of wheatgrass juice is due to its antioxidant action which is derived from its high content of bioflavonoids like apigenin, quercetin and luteolin. Other compounds present, which make this grass therapeutically effective, are the indole compounds, choline and laetrile (amygdalin).”

It’s also been shown that antioxidants in wheatgrass can mitigate serious disease: “Wheatgrass extract has an antioxidant activity, inhibits proliferation of leukemia cells, and induces apoptosis [cancer cell death].”   

Wheatgrass Is A Detoxifier

Wheatgrass not only detoxifies cells, it’s a powerful antagonist of pollutants. 

Here’s a list just to give you an idea:

Wheatgrass Detox

• Cadmium.

• Nicotine.

• Strontium.

• Mercury.

• Polyvinyl chloride.

• Polluted water.

• Air pollution.

• Organophosphates.

• Glyphosate.

• Chemicals and Pesticides.

• Emissions (smokestack, landfill).

• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs).

• Dirty electricity.

• Paint, construction.

• Household chemicals.

• Chromium pollution.

• Mining pollution.

• Toxic furniture, bedding, cookware.

• Plastics, microplastics (PE, BPA).

• Radiation, electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

• Sunburn, UV UVC Light (Ultraviolet Wave).

• Smoke (secondhand, wildfire, direct).

• Preservatives, additives, GMOs.

• Processed food and drinks.

• Saturated fat, trans-fat, oxidized oil.

• Sugar, high-fructose corn syrup.

• Drugs, medications (pharm, OTC).

• Alcoholic beverages.

• Chemical cosmetics, toiletries.

• Fried (grilled) foods.

Wheatgrass Science Facts

One report notes that “The amino acids [in wheatgrass] are absorbed directly into the blood. As well as neutralizing toxic substances like cadmium, nicotine, strontium, mercury, and polyvinyl chloride, by changing them into insoluble salts which the body can eliminate more easily, they stimulate cellular metabolism. The flavonoids act to detoxify cells and prevent their deterioration.” 

In addition, “the stimulating and regenerative properties of chlorophyll, other constituents of wheatgrass juice like choline and its high mineral content are responsible for the therapeutic benefit. It has been demonstrated experimentally that the dietary indoles like indole-3-carbinole and ascorbigen increase the activity of phase I and phase II xenobiotic metabolic enzymes in the liver and intestinal mucosa. Thus the indole compounds of wheatgrass may have a role in the deactivation of carcinogens.” 

And this: “Wheatgrass helps to detoxify the body by breaking impacted matter in the colon. Wheatgrass juice is a fast and sure way to cleanse the body from environmental pollutants. Its high levels of enzymes and amino acids work like a natural cleanser to detoxify the liver, eliminate toxic heavy metals from the blood stream, rid the body of waste matter, and slow down the aging process.”

The International Journal of Chemical Studies concurs: “Wheatgrass is a competent detoxifier, especially of the liver as well as blood. It kills poisons as well as ecological contaminations within the body. It scrubs the body coming from top to toe of any vast metals, harmful toxins as well as various contaminants which may be stored in the body’s organs and cells. It’s best to have 2 ounces of wheatgrass juice daily.” 

Lastly, “Japanse scientists working along with Yoshihide Hagiwara, M.D., found that the enzymes and amino acids in young grass plants deactivated the carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of 3,4 benzpyrene, a substance found in smoked fish and charcoal-broiled meats. The enzymes in grasses have also been shown to neutralize the toxicity of various nitrogen compounds found in automobile exhaust. According to Tsuneo Kada, director of the Japan Research Center of Genetics, these tests show that grasses have a wider range of metabolic activity than animals and humans, and are capable of more efficient neutralization and detoxification of certain pollutants. It has been my experience that by including wheatgrass juice in the diet, we can protect ourselves from pollution. The enzymes that seem to be particularly effective in strengthening the body’s defenses are superoxide dismutase (SOD), protease, amylase, and catalase. The many active compounds found in grass juice can cleanse the blood and neutralize and digest toxins in our cells.” 

Wheatgrass Rocks Chlorophyll

 

Raw living wheatgrass is chock-full of chlorophyll which helps carry oxygen to cells. It revs circulation, pumps ATP, and immerses your body in nutrients.

It’s also well known that the chlorophyll in wheatgrass—otherwise known as green plant blood—is key to survival for every species on earth and can nourish every cell in your body, from your hair to the tips of your toes, and of course every system in-between.

“Chlorophyll is condensed sunlight,” says Steve Meyerowitz. “Since we are light beings, spirit and soul inside solid bodies, the light force vibrates through the physical body. That’s the energy you feel.”   

And it matches our blood: “The chlorophyll molecule in wheatgrass is almost identical to the hemoglobin in human blood. The only difference is that the central element in chlorophyll is magnesium and in hemoglobin it is iron. The molecular structure of chlorophyll in wheatgrass and hemoglobin in the human body is similar, and because of this wheatgrass is called ‘Green Blood.'”

In addition: “Whenever anyone talks about the healing powers of grass, they mention chlorophyll first. Grasses, along with alfalfa and algaes, are the richest sources of chlorophyll on the planet. Famous research scientist E. Bircher called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power” and reported that it “increases the functions of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs. It raises the basic nitrogen exchange and is therefore a tonic which, considering its stimulating properties, cannot be compared with any other. 

Dr. Ann Wigmore explains that “chlorophyll can protect us from carcinogens like no other food or medicine can. It acts to strengthen the cells, detoxify the liver and bloodstream, and chemically neutralize the polluting elements themselves.” 

Wheatgrass Is Anti-Aging

We all are aware of (and sometimes dread) the notorious effects of aging. And even if you’re young and haven’t thought about it yet, the best time to prepare is now. What you’re building today, you’re living in tomorrow, and time, as they say, waits for no one. Nonetheless there are ways to fight premature aging, and we can, studies show, slow it down.

And especially with raw living wheatgrass—its powerful juice from the sun!

According to one report, “One of the enzymes found in cereal grasses, SOD, plays a crucial role in wheatgrass’s ability to prevent aging. This enzyme has received plenty of attention in scientific circles as a possible anti-aging enzyme. . . . Remarkably, SOD lessens the effects of radiation, acts as an anti-inflammatory compound, and may prevent cellular damage following heart attacks or exposure to irritants. Wheatgrass is a superior food source of SOD.” 

Vicktoras Kulvinskas notes that “Wheatgrass juice is the nectar of rejuvenation, the plasma of youth, the blood of all life. The elements that are missing in your body’s cells — especially enzymes, vitamins, hormones, and nucleic acids can be obtained through this daily green sunlight transfusion.

Wheatgrass Benefits

• Fights free radicals.

• Curbs oxidative stress.

• Reduces inflammation.

• Oxygenates the blood.

• Ramps ATP.

• Boosts circulation.

• Improves digestion.

• Revs metabolism.

• Powerful enzymes.

• Relieves constipation.

• Balances blood sugar.

• Mitigates stress.

• Promotes restful sleep.

• Alkalizes pH.

• Detoxifies pollutants.

• Supports the microbiome.

• Helps heal the gut.

• Is a high-fiber food.

• Provides superior protein.

• Boosts mitochondria.

• Fights diseases.

• Reduces nutritional deficiency.

• Supports good mental health.

• Helps you lose weight.

• Increases longevity.

Wheatgrass Can Help You Lose Weight

When I personally went vegan many decades ago and started massively consuming raw wheatgrass, I not only lost whole boatloads of weight, I lost eczema, fatigue, and more.

It not only facilitates an optimal weight when included in a plant-based diet, it helps you maintain it so you don’t gain it back, and for me it dramatically ramped workouts. Definitely a go-to fuel.

Not to mention, it’s packed with thylakoids—a fat-burning membrane in plants. Here’s a look at what thylakoids do: “We have found that thylakoids, the photosynthetic membranes of green leaves, suppress hunger and promote satiety. This occurs through the modulation of gastrointestinal appetite peptides and a modulation of the gut microflora. In long-term studies the thylakoids produce weight loss together with a reduction of blood lipids and blood glucose. Subjects receiving thylakoids also have a decreased liking for fat and sweets. Thylakoids when added to food may therefore be helpful in achieving weight loss and improved health.

In addition: “Wheatgrass helps dieters by speeding up blood circulation and metabolic rate, and by enhancing digestive powers, thereby melting the excess fat in the body. If you take a moment to consider the many roles played by enzymes, you will realize that if you lose one pound (or gain another) it will be because of the activity (or lack of it) of the enzymes in your food or body. The effectiveness of live foods and fresh juices, especially wheatgrass juice, has bankrupted many complex theories about why we become fat and how to reduce quickly.” 

Wheatgrass for Weight Loss

• Boosts circulation.

• Improves digestion.

• Promotes regularity.

• Reduces cravings.

• Ramps thyroid.

• Mitigates stress.

• Balances blood sugar.

• Curbs inflammation.

• Promotes restful sleep.

• Alkalizes pH.

• Ramps thylakoids.

• Helps purge toxins.

• Nourishes the biome.

• Ramps ATP.

• Boosts mitochondria.

• Contains superoxide dismutase (SOD), which helps burn fat.

• Fights diseases like diabetes.

• Revs metabolism.

Wheatgrass Is An Energy Food

While there’s honestly no shortage of the benefits of wheatgrass, it rocks when it comes to energy. Through its powerful combination of regenerative properties, wheatgrass invigorates cells.  

It infuses the blood with important phytochemicals and jumpstarts a sluggish metabolism, which in turn gets your bloodstream pumping, which in turn helps your body refuel: “Wheatgrass juice contains liquid oxygen. Oxygen is vital to many body processes: it stimulates digestion (the oxidation of food), clearer thinking (the brain utilizes 25 percent of the bodily oxygen supply), and protective oxygenation of the blood (a defense against anaerobic bacteria). It also promotes better circulation of the blood, ultimately nourishing every cell in the body.”

According to this report: “With the addition of wheatgrass and raw foods to your diet, your cells will store a maximum electrical charge, and you will have plenty of energy. At the same time, wheatgrass will help to release excess fats, mineral deposits, and proteins that are trapped in the organs of digestion and elimination, and in the blood, thus saving you energy that would otherwise be spent in your body’s struggle to cleanse itself.” 

Wheatgrass Boosts Alkalinity

The benefits of wheatgrass are clearly aligned with an optimized alkaline diet. And in case you didn’t know, an alkaline pH is immensely beneficial to health.

Here’s a look at why alkaline rocks: “Unless the body’s pH level is slightly alkaline, the body cannot heal itself. You cannot improve your oral or general health until pH levels are above 7. . . . Acid decreases the body’s ability to repair damaged cells, decreases the ability to get rid of heavy metals and it makes the body more susceptible to fatigue and illness. Everything pivots on a balanced pH. When bodily pH drops, enzymes are deactivated, digestion is interrupted; vital nutrients are not effectively assimilated. Disease cannot survive in an alkaline state; however, in a low oxygen/low pH (acidic) state, viruses, bacteria, yeast, mold, fungus, Candida and cancer cells all thrive.”

According to this report: “The pH factor of the blood is 7.4 and the pH factor of wheatgrass juice is 7.4, which is why it is quickly absorbed into the blood.”   

Wheatgrass Is Packed With Enzymes

Raw living wheatgrass is literally teeming with powerful, restorative enzymes. It’s also a great source of superoxide dismutase (SOD), one of the best antioxidants around: “SOD enzymes are one of the fastest enzymes known, and they are also inducible, meaning that the higher their exposure to superoxides [free radicals] the greater their number and detoxifying activity.”

One source notes that cereal grasses like wheatgrass rock literally hundreds, if not thousands of diverse enzymes.

Enzymes In Wheatgrass

Powerhouse Enzymes in Wheatgrass:

• Peroxidase.

• Phosphatase.

• Cytochrome oxidase.

• DNase.

• RnaseSuperoxide.

• Hexokinase.

• Malic dehydrogenase.

• Nitrate reductase.

• Nitrogen oxyreductase.

• Fatty Acid Oxidase.

• Phosolipase.

• Polyphenoloxidase.

• Dismutase.

• Transhydrogenase.

• Amylase.

• Protease.

• Lipase.

According to Dr. Ann Wigmore: “All of the enzymatic activity in wheatgrass adds up to one vitally important thing—greater strength and resistance to pollutants both outside and inside the body. Enzymes are perhaps more important than any other active ingredients in wheatgrass.”

Wheat Vs. Wheatgrass: What’s the Difference?

So in case you’re wondering why we can’t just eat the mature wheat grain to obtain all those rich, valuable nutrients in wheatgrass, here’s why:

According to Dr. Charles F. Schnabel, “If [wheatgrass] is not grazed or cut and preserved within a few days of the jointing stage, its value is lost forever because the vitamins associated with photosynthesis are not transferred to the grain or returned to the soil. They are used up by the grass plant during the reproductive stage of growth. It is this transient nature of the quality of grass at the jointing stage that has made the secret of grass so elusive. The irony of it is that our ‘dumb’ animals seem to have known the secret all the time.”

Wheatgrass Harvest Time

It’s important to note that if you’re growing raw wheatgrass or purchasing wheatgrass in trays, its optimal harvest time is nine-10” tall when the blades are most nutrient-dense.

Is Wheatgrass Gluten-Free?