Wheatgrass is from the young red wheat berry plant that grows about 6 inches before being harvested. It can easily be grown indoors. When juiced, wheatgrass offers a good source of chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals, so many health benefits are associated with drinking it. If you have a juicer at home, you can make it yourself, or you can find it sold as shots at many health food stores.
Vitamin-Rich
Wheat grass contains vitamins like vitamins A, B-12, C, E, K and folic acid. These vitamins strengthen your immune system. The National Institutes of Health state that folic acid helps you to generate healthy new cells, which is especially important for pregnant women. According to the Hippocrates Health Institute, a 2-oz. wheatgrass juice shot equates to the nutrient amount in about 3.5 lbs of vegetables. However, do not replace all your vegetable intake with wheatgrass juice, because it does not contain the valuable fiber that vegetables have.
Mineral-Rich
Wheatgrass contains practically every mineral the human body needs, including iron, calcium and phosphorus, which are especially important if you are a vegetarian or vegan. A 2-oz shot of wheatgrass juice gives you about 20 percent of your recommended daily intake for iron. Iron is abundant in meat and certain vegetables. A deficiency in iron can lead to anemia. Calcium is also available in either animal products like dairy or in vegetables and is important to build and maintain strong bones. A sufficient amount of calcium is widely known to prevent osteoporosis. Phosphorus aids the absorption of calcium and works to strengthen your bones and ligaments. Plus, wheatgrass juice provides a good source of protein, which contains 17 amino acids and helps to build muscles.
Other Benefits
Ann Wigmore, the author of "How to Grow and Use Wheatgrass to Maximize Your Health and Vitality" and a nutrition expert, suggests wheatgrass to maintain a healthy colon. Wheatgrass is a great source of fat-soluble chlorophyll. The "Dr. Oz Show" states that chlorophyll catalyzes hemoglobin and creates red blood cells. The Merck Manuals explain that red blood cells have hemoglobin, which carry oxygen from the lungs to other organs in the body. When your organs are well oxygenated, your body can protect itself from illness and work at optimal capacity.
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