Wheat grass is both low calorie and filling, and it’s even believed to raise your metabolism. That combination makes it a potential boon for those interested in weight loss.
Scientists have performed small clinical trials that suggest wheat grass may even aid the battle against obesity, which is a continuing health problem throughout the world. However, definitive results about wheat grass for weight loss won’t be known until researchers conduct major human trials.
But did you know that weight loss is just one of the many potential benefits of wheat grass?
Before we talk about the weight loss benefits of wheat grass, it’s important to know more about exactly what it is. Wheat grass comes from the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), a plain wheat grown in Europe and the United States. Wheat grass is the young grass that sprouts on top of the wheat plant. Some people grow their own wheat grass from seeds in water.
Although it sounds like a simple process, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Growing, harvesting, processing, and handling wheat grass is challenging if you want to produce the highest quality possible. Generally, the best wheat grass is grown outside in premium soil and harvested at its peak so it has the highest number of nutrients. That peak is usually within a 10-day window, which is when wheat seeds are below or near ground so they aren’t harvested.
Remember, most wheat grass is grown for animals, so you want to double-check the quality of ingredients of any supplements you consume. Read the label, check the company’s website, and ask questions. It’s also recommended that you check with your doctor before you take any dietary supplement.
When you look at wheat grass itself, you’ll notice that it’s typically a bright green color. That’s because wheat grass is filled with chlorophyll, which is known to help detoxification. Chlorophyll is also credited with promoting wound healing and limiting signs of skin aging.
Plus, wheat grass is packed with nutrients and minerals to support your well being, including copper, zinc, vitamins (A, C, and E), iron, 17 amino acids, and more.
The anecdotal evidence about the benefits you gain when you consume wheat grass everyday are not definitive. Still, the powerhouse superfood is thought to have many potential benefits for your body beyond what we’ve already discussed.
One is the elimination of toxins, which helps with liver function. The high levels of enzymes in wheat grass also are thought to help digestion by cleansing your intestines and eliminating abdominal discomfort, including gas and bloating.
Another potential benefit is a boost in energy. A study suggests that wheat grass not only aided those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) but also has the potential to help boost the energy of almost anyone. Other research suggests that wheat grass may positively impact the effects of cancer treatment, arthritis, heart disease, anemia, infections, joint pain, and much more.
Whether you take a wheat grass juice shot, mix powder into a drink, or consume it raw, the possible health benefits of wheat grass include boosted immunity, reduced inflammation, and lower cholesterol.
It’s important to note that scientific studies regarding the health benefits of wheat grass are preliminary. The findings are not final or conclusive.
As mentioned, the best way to decide when and how much wheat grass juice you should drink, or otherwise consume, for weight loss is after you speak with your doctor and read the supplement’s directions.
Your age, health, and specific health conditions all contribute to the amount of wheat grass you should take. The type of product you consume may also dictate the proper dosage. Remember that all supplements are not made equally. The FDA doesn't regulate dietary supplements in the same way it does “conventional” food and medications.
Scientists have not determined or recommended a specific time of day to consume wheat grass, but popular opinion recommends you take it on an empty stomach. One thing to remember is that wheat grass and similar products are not meant to replace whole foods.
Still, you can find wheat grass in many forms. If you prefer it as a powder, you can mix it in your favorite smoothie recipe. Or, you can eat it raw, or blend it into a juice to take a shot of it. You can also consume it in capsule form.
As healthy as wheat grass is, though, you don’t want to take too much. Side effects include fever, constipation, headache, and nausea.
Wheat grass isn’t “bad” for most people to consume. However, if you have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or wheat allergies, you should check with your doctor(s) before you take it. High quality wheat grass should not contain gluten, but it’s important to verify that by reading the label and asking any relevant questions of the manufacturer.
Those who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use wheat grass, because it could harm the baby. Wheat grass also may lower blood sugar levels so those with diabetes or who plan to have surgery should also not use wheat grass without a doctor’s approval.
The most important point to remember is that all wheat grass supplements are produced differently. There’s no one model to create it, and batches from the same manufacturer may vary.
Choose a wheat grass supplement from a reputable source that has a solid track record. Brightcore Nutrition’s wheat grass supplements are produced in the United States, and all the facilities are FDA inspected and certified by the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Our Sweet Wheat® supplement is nutritionally dense wheat grass juice powder that’s also available in capsule form. Plus, it’s certified organic, rich in antioxidants, and alkalizing to help with acidic issues you may experience.
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