Wheatgrass is low in calories but high in nutrients, including antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and protecting against health conditions like arthritis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Health benefits of wheatgrass include:

Cancer Prevention

With its antioxidant properties, wheatgrass may help to prevent cancer. Some studies are showing that it can help to kill cancer cells. Most of these studies are test-tube studies. Additional research is needed to prove the anti-cancer effects of wheatgrass.

One study suggests that wheatgrass may help to reduce the negative side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Again, more research is needed. 

Fights Infections

The chlorophyll in wheatgrass has antibacterial properties. Applied to the skin, it may help to treat burns and lesions by preventing infections. Some research also indicates that drinking wheatgrass juice may help treat antibiotic-resistant infections. 

May Lower Cholesterol Levels

Several studies show the potential for wheatgrass to help lower cholesterol levels, which can then help to lower your risk of heart disease. The only studies available now, however, are animal studies. One study showed that wheatgrass could lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides similar to atorvastatin, a common cholesterol-lowering medication. While the results are promising, human studies are needed to determine if wheatgrass does actually have an impact on cholesterol levels. 

Lowers Inflammation

Some studies show that wheatgrass may help to alleviate chronic inflammation, reducing your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and cancer. One small study found that drinking a half of a cup of wheatgrass juice every day for one month helped to reduce bleeding in people with ulcerative colitis. Other, test-tube, studies show that the chlorophyll in wheatgrass may help to reduce inflammation in the body.

Aids in Healthy Digestion

Wheatgrass contains enzymes that help your body to break down food and absorb nutrients, which may aid in good digestion. Drinking wheatgrass juice may also help to detoxify your system, leading to reduced bloating, gas, and stomach upset.  

Blood Sugar Regulation

Some research indicates that wheatgrass juice may help to regulate blood sugar levels, and help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control. As these studies involve rats, more research is needed with people to find if there is an actual link between wheatgrass and blood sugar management. 

May Improve Cognitive Function

Wheatgrass may have neuroprotective properties, which means that it might help to improve cognitive functions and lower the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. 

Nutrition

Wheatgrass often gets called a superfood. It has many essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that provide important health benefits. Nutrients in wheatgrass include:

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin K

• B vitamins

• Calcium

• Iron

• Magnesium

It also contains important enzymes, phytonutrients, and chlorophyll. 

Nutrients Per Serving

A 1-ounce serving of wheatgrass juice contains:

• Calories: 10 

• Protein: 2 grams

• Fat: 0 grams

• Carbohydrates: 2 grams

• Fiber: 0 grams

• Sugar: 2 grams

Things to Watch Out For

In general, wheatgrass is safe to consume. There are a few things to keep in mind, however:

Pregnancy Concerns

Wheatgrass grows in soil or water and people consume it raw. As such, it may be contaminated with bacteria that can be harmful to a developing baby. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid wheatgrass. 

Gluten Concerns

Wheatgrass is the fresh sprouts of the wheat plant. Even so, they do not contain gluten. Gluten lives in the seed kernels of the wheat plant, not in wheatgrass. If the grasses are cut at the right time, they shouldn’t have any gluten. There is, however, a risk of cross-contamination, so, if you are gluten-sensitive, you should make sure that your wheatgrass comes from a certified gluten-free producer. 

Sourced From: WebMD