Wheatgrass Nutrition Facts

With more and people turning health conscious, it is quite natural that health products like wheatgrass gain popularity. The use of wheatgrass has been traced back to the period of ancient Egyptians, who believed that the grass is sacred with numerous health benefits. During the 1930s, an agricultural chemist named Charles F. Schnabel, fed some of his dying chickens with this grass. He was surprised to find that the birds not only regained their health, but also started giving more eggs. This fueled his experiments with wheatgrass. He started manufacturing powdered wheatgrass, which soon became popular among the masses. Now, it is sold in many different forms like juice, tablet and powdered concentrate. Wheatgrass is packed with nutrients, which are responsible for its health benefits.

Nutrients in Wheatgrass

The leaves of the young plants of common wheat, is considered as a powerhouse of nutrients. Commonly consumed as juiceform, this grass contains considerable amounts of chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals. The following table will provide you with a general idea about wheatgrass nutritional value (in 100 grams of its juice).

Nutrient	Value
Carbohydrates	3 g
Protein	2 g
Sugars	2 g
Vitamin A	427 IU
Vitamin B1	0.8 mg
Vitamin B2	0.13 mg
Vitamin B3	0.11 mg
Vitamin B5	6 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Vitamin C	14.2 mg
Vitamin E	15.2 IU
Chlorophyll	42 mg
Choline	92 mg
Folic acid	29 mcg
Calcium	24 mg
Magnesium	24 mg
Potassium	147 mg
Phosphorus	75 mg
Zinc	0.33 mg
Sodium	10 mg
Iron	0.6 mg
Manganese	0.05 mg

The above said are some of the nutrients found in 100 grams of wheatgrass juice, which amounts to 22 calories. The amount of vitamin C in wheatgrass is much higher than that in oranges. Even its vitamin A content is more, when compared to carrots. The calorific value as well as the nutritional value of wheatgrass may vary if it is mixed with other fruit juices.

Wheatgrass Health Benefits

Being rich in chlorophyll, wheatgrass is said to enrich the blood, alleviate high blood sugar and blood pressure, neutralize toxins and purify the liver. That is why wheatgrass juice is used in enemas for colon cleansing. It is also used as a detoxifying agent. Chlorophyll is also beneficial in removing drug deposits in the body and is also an effective healing agent. Intake of wheatgrass is said to increase the energy levels and increase the stamina. It is also believed to be good for the health of skin as well as the eyes and in relieving constipation and body odor. It is believed to be a metabolism boosting food and is also an anti-bacterial agent.

Apart from improving the general health, wheatgrass is also used for curing certain medical conditions like strep infections, for healing wounds, etc. It is also used for reducing typhoid fever, curing chronic sinusitis, ear infections, etc. Even rectal sores, cervical inflammation, vaginal infections, etc., are believed to be cured with wheatgrass. It has also been suggested that the condition of kids with thalassemia can be improved with wheatgrass. It is also said to be beneficial in managing certain types of cancer.

So, wheatgrass is claimed to be a super food with numerous health benefits. It is said to be free of side effects, but some people may develop allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, etc., after consuming wheatgrass. So, it is always better to seek the opinion of a qualified herbalist regarding consumption of wheatgrass, the right dosage, etc. This is far more important, if you want to use this product for curing some medical condition.