5 Research-Backed Benefits of Wheatgrass
Have you ever seen a small patch of thick grass on display in a smoothie or juice shop? That isn’t decor – or the same grass that covers your lawn – it’s the superfood wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is harvested from young Triticum aestivum plants, otherwise known as “common wheat” or “bread wheat” (though it is 100% gluten-free). Sprouts less than two weeks old contain about 70% chlorophyll, lending to its incredible green color, rich nutrient profile, and range of wheatgrass benefits.
We can trace the medicinal use of wheatgrass back for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians prized wheatgrass for its health benefits, while it gained popularity in the West during the 20th century, largely thanks to agricultural chemist Charles Schnabel. In his pilot study, Schnabel set out to discover if the nutrients in fresh-cut grass would help revive ill hens. The hens in his experiment not only recovered – they went on to produce more eggs than untreated healthy hens. [1]
Today, the combination of innovative technology and ancient wisdom allows us to produce the finest wheatgrass supplements with maximum health benefits.
What Is Wheatgrass Good For?
Research shows that wheatgrass is a good source of bioavailable micronutrients and proteins that may help combat disease, oxidative stress, fatigue, metabolism concerns, and more [2]. Here are five science-backed benefits of a wheatgrass supplement:
1. Provides Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids are crucial for many body functions, including muscle repair, enzyme production, and hormone regulation. Many health concerns –such as fatigue, poor immune response, weight loss, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and accelerated aging – are related to an amino acid deficiency [3].Wheatgrass contains 17 amino acids, eight of which are essential [4], meaning your body can’t make them on its own. A daily wheatgrass supplement is an easy way to meet your body's needs for optimal functioning and overall well-being.
2. Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants are necessary for neutralizing free radicals (highly reactive molecules) that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA. This type of damage is called “oxidative stress.” Research tells us that unmitigated oxidative stress can speed up the aging process and leave your body vulnerable to chronic and degenerative diseases [5].Phytochemicals, like chlorophyll, are rich in free radical-neutralizing antioxidants. Because wheatgrass has such a high chlorophyll content (up to 70%), it’s particularly effective at fighting oxidative stress. One study found that chlorophyll’s “unique chemical structure allows [it] to scavenge harmful free radicals, mitigate DNA damage, and modulate cellular processes involved in disease development [6].
3. May Improve Physical Performance
Physical vitality is another benefit of wheatgrass. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Chlorophyll structurally resembles hemoglobin, giving it the ability to support red blood cell production and improve hemoglobin levels [7].Researchers recently studied how hemoglobin levels affect physical performance in older adults. They found that low levels are associated with poor walking speed, grip strength, balance, and a general disability in daily living activities [8]. This suggests that a wheatgrass supplement high in chlorophyll may improve hemoglobin levels and allow you to go about your day with renewed energy.
4. Nutrients for Immune Support
Wheatgrass is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with the minerals zinc, selenium, and iron. Studies show these vitamins and minerals, in particular, are important for a healthy immune system that effectively fights illness. Furthermore, wheatgrass contains choline, another immune system booster, as well as antioxidants that may shield immune cells from oxidative stress [9].5. Promotes Healthy Digestion
Consuming wheatgrass supplements may help balance the gut microbiome, promote a healthy inflammation response, and detoxify the body – all of which support healthy digestion.Wheatgrass is rich in apigenin, a flavonoid that researchers consider capable of preventing inflammation [10]. One study found that wheatgrass supplementation resulted in “significant reductions in disease activity” for patients with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory disorder of the colon [11].
6. May Reduce Cholesterol
Wheatgrass contains compounds like chlorophyll, fiber, and choline, which have been linked to potential cholesterol-lowering effects. A pilot study found that wheatgrass can bind to cholesterol and glycerol esters and remove them from the body. This process can help prevent fatty liver disease and heart conditions related to high cholesterol [12].Incorporating A Wheatgrass Supplement into Your Wellness Routine
Incorporating wheatgrass into your daily routine is simple and convenient. You can mix powdered wheatgrass into water, juice, or smoothies for a quick and easy boost of nutrients. Consistency is key – incorporate supplementation into your daily regimen to reap the potential benefits of wheatgrass for digestion, immunity, and overall health.
When you shop wheatgrass supplements, look for organic and non-GMO certifications to minimize exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Prioritize products that reputable third-party organizations have tested for purity and potency. Check the label for additional ingredients and avoid supplements with unnecessary fillers or additives – ideally, organic wheatgrass will be the only ingredient. Our Organic Wheatgrass supplement checks all the boxes – and we use advanced technology to help maximize wheatgrass benefits.
References (12)
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- Parit SB, Dawkar VV, Tanpure RS, Pai SR, Chougale AD. Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) Unwrap by Proteome Profiling and DPPH and FRAP assays. J Food Sci. 2018 Aug;83(8):2127-2139. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14224. Epub 2018 Jul 30. PMID: 30059150.
- Van De Poll, M. C., Luiking, Y., Dejong, C., & Soeters, P. B. (2013). Amino acids: specific functions. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 79–87). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-375083-9.00011-8
- Khan MS, Parveen R, Mishra K, Tulsawani R, Ahmad S. Chromatographic analysis of wheatgrass extracts. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2015 Oct-Dec;7(4):267-71. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.168023. PMID: 26681880; PMCID: PMC4678994.
- Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763. doi: 10.1155/2017/8416763. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28819546; PMCID: PMC5551541.
- Martins T, Barros AN, Rosa E, Antunes L. Enhancing Health Benefits through Chlorophylls and Chlorophyll-Rich Agro-Food: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules. 2023 Jul 11;28(14):5344. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145344. PMID: 37513218; PMCID: PMC10384064.
- Deepak; Lakshmeesha, D.R. Study to Assess the Efficacy of Wheatgrass Juice Therapy Intervention on Haemoglobin Level in Adolescent Anaemic Females. Indo Global J. Pharm. Sci., 2022; 12:30-35.
- Corona LP, Andrade FCD, da Silva Alexandre T, de Brito TRP, Nunes DP, de Oliveira Duarte YA. Higher hemoglobin levels are associated with better physical performance among older adults without anemia: a longitudinal analysis. BMC Geriatr. 2022 Mar 21;22(1):233. doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-02937-4. PMID: 35313814; PMCID: PMC8939094.
- Mitra S, Paul S, Roy S, Sutradhar H, Bin Emran T, Nainu F, Khandaker MU, Almalki M, Wilairatana P, Mubarak MS. Exploring the Immune-Boosting Functions of Vitamins and Minerals as Nutritional Food Bioactive Compounds: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules. 2022 Jan 16;27(2):555. doi: 10.3390/molecules27020555. PMID: 35056870; PMCID: PMC8779769.
- Banerjee, S., Katiyar, P., Kumar, V., Waghmode, B., Nathani, S., Krishnan, V., Sircar, D., & Roy, P. (2021). Wheatgrass inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory effect in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Current Research in Toxicology, 2, 116–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crtox.2021.02.005
- Wan P, Chen H, Guo Y, Bai AP. Advances in treatment of ulcerative colitis with herbs: from bench to bedside. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Oct 21;20(39):14099-104. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14099. PMID: 25339799; PMCID: PMC4202341.
- Chauhan, M., & Chauhan, M. (2014). A pilot study on wheat grass juice for its phytochemical, nutritional and therapeutic potential on chronic diseases. ResearchGate.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
