When it comes to eating grass, I’m sure you’re thinking “only cattle graze on grass, that stuff isn’t for humans”. Well, I’m here to tell you, there are actually health benefits to eating grass. Of course, not all grass is healthy for you, but one certain type of grass has a multitude of benefits. Have you guessed what grass I’m referring to? Thats right, wheatgrass.
It may be hard to believe that wheatgrass has any nutritional value. Before I go into detail about the benefits of wheatgrass, here are some facts about this type of grass:
- Wheatgrass contains 19 amino acids, which form the basis for protein.
- Wheatgrass contains 92 minerals needed by the body to function at an optimal level.
- Wheatgrass has more vitamin C than an orange and more vitamin A than carrots.
- Wheatgrass contains more than 30 enzymes that help with digestion.
- 1 fl oz. of wheatgrass is equivalent to more than 2 pounds of vegetables.
- Wheatgrass juice is 70 percent chlorophyll.
These are only a few reasons why wheatgrass naturally heals and restores the body.
Health Benefits Of Wheatgrass
- Red Blood Cells. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass is similar to hemoglobin, a key component of red blood cells. This increased red blood-cell count helps lower blood pressure. Wheatgrass also helps cleans the blood, organs, and gastrointestinal tract of debris and other toxins. It also speeds up your metabolism and stimulates the body’s enzyme system by enriching the blood.
- Alkalizing Properties. Our bodies tend to build up toxicity due to our culture’s fixation with fast food. Because of this bad habit, we also increase the levels of acidity in our bodies. Wheatgrass is abundant in alkaline minerals that help reduce over-acidity. It can be used to relieve a number of internal pains and has been used to treat peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, constipation, and other issues that deal with the gastrointestinal tract.
- Boosts your immune system. Wheatgrass is full of minerals that make it an immune booster. It is a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin B, and amino acids. Wheatgrass is also a powerful detoxifier that protects our liver and blood.
- Great for skin. Not only does wheatgrass have a number of benefits for our internal health, but it is also beneficial for our outer health. When applied externally, wheatgrass is beneficial to skin because it’s been show to tighten loose and sagging skin by cleansing blood and rejuvenating skin cells. It also helps soothe cuts, scrapes, rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy.
- Slows the aging process. Recent studies have shown that wheatgrass slows hair from graying. It has also been shown to restore fertility.
- Works as a sleep aide. Studies have shown that if you place living wheatgrass at the head of your bed near your pillow, it will enhance oxygen in the air and generate healthful negative ions that will help you get a better night’s sleep.
While wheatgrass isn’t exactly “mainstream”, it does have an unending list of benefits. It is perfect for someone on the go who is trying to stay healthy. Even though it isn’t the best tasting, it’s a compact supplement that can be taken anywhere at anytime.
Trisha Banks is a blogger for The Grass Outlet, a turf farm in Austin, Texas. Trisha has just recently tried wheatgrass and wants to know its nutritional value.
