The Basics of Wheatgrass

Thanks to better access to information, health and wellness has now become a part of daily conversation. More than ever before, consumers are increasingly interested in what they’re putting into their bodies. Our previous article on ‘The Importance of Magnesium’ is one example of how it’s become easier than ever to learn about proper nutrition. If there’s one thing that exemplifies nutrition, however, it’s superfoods.

To say that superfoods have been pretty popular as of late is a bit of an understatement. The superfood industry is booming, with the Globe Newswire reporting a growth forecast of $209.1 billion by 2026. Those are huge numbers, and reason enough for people to start paying attention to what goes on in the health and wellness markets.

But numbers aside, superfoods are popular because of what they can do. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, these foods boost your health and keep your body functioning at its best. There are countless superfoods that have had their time in the spotlight— kale, acai berries, and quinoa are a few that come to mind. Today, however, we'll talk about one superfood that's flown under the radar so far, but is steadily growing in popularity. That superfood is wheatgrass.

Wheatgrass Benefits

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant, scientifically known as Triticum aestivum. According to WebMD, wheatgrass is a good source of several vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins A, E, C, K, and B6, as well as calcium, selenium, magnesium, and iron.

There are tons of documented benefits to wheatgrass, and many more that are still under study. Wheatgrass has actually been found to have several advantages, despite its deceptively simple form.

It's high in nutrients and antioxidants that can help protect against diseases like cancer, arthritis, and dementia. It can also reduce cholesterol levels in the body,  and can help regulate blood sugar levels and alleviate inflammation in the body. Wheatgrass also contains thylakoids, which could even aid in weight loss by increasing the feeling of being full.

Where You Can Find Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass can be grown at home in most climates, as long as temperatures don't go below 60F (15C) and don't exceed 90F (32C). It's easy enough to grow at home, and can sprout in as little as two days and require only six to ten more days until it can be harvested.

More commonly, however, it's also found in supplement form. Brightcore's Sweet Wheat is high in phytonutrients, and comes in handy capsule or powder forms. Another popular option is Amazing Grass Green Superfood, which contains organic wheatgrass and other super greens.

Best Wheatgrass Recipes

So you know what wheatgrass can do and where it can be found, but how do you integrate it into your lifestyle? As mentioned above, wheatgrass is readily available in supplement powder form, which can be easily included in a range of different recipes.

Food52 has a simple yet refreshing recipe for wheatgrass lemonade, which combines the revitalizing taste of lemonade with all the health benefits of fresh wheatgrass. The Vegan News Portal has five simple recipes that make use of wheatgrass powder, including a wheatgrass latte, smoothie, dressing, and much more.

Like most green foods, wheatgrass has a particular taste that might take a little bit of getting used to. But with a little bit of creativity, you can find a ton of different ways to integrate this incredible food into your daily diet, maximizing its benefits and improving your health in the long run.