Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Wheatgrass Bad For You?


Grade

A-


Short answer

Wheatgrass is healthy for you providing tons of minerals, vitamins, and even some protein.

Grade

A-

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Wheatgrass doesn’t look like the most appetizing drink when you see it at the juice bar, but you should definitely give it a try if you are looking to improve your health. It doesn’t pack any bigger nutritional punch than most fruits and veggies, but variety is the key to any great diet.

Like other green plants, wheatgrass contains chlorophyll. Juiced wheatgrass should be consumed immediately after processing to utilize the benefits of chlorophyll. These include the enzymes and superoxide dismutase within chlorophyll that helps to clear radicals in the body - slowing the aging process and creating healthy red blood cells. Chlorophyll also purifies the liver and increases the function of the heart, intestines, and other organs.

Chlorophyll is antibacterial making wheatgrass beneficial to gut bacteria and on the skin. When taking this herb to rebalance the gut bacteria, it is important to note the Herxheimer reactions can occur as high levels of bad gut bacteria die off and are removed from the body as toxins. Don’t worry, though, they are temporary and will fade over time.

Externally, wheatgrass can be used on itchy skin, poison ivy, eczema and insect bites with good results. Who knew? As always, though, be sure your wheatgrass is grown organically so that it absorbs the most nutrients possible and does not pass you toxins from pesticides or fertilizers.

Wheatgrass can also help improve healing with its various vitamins and minerals. In fact, wheatgrass contains all of the known minerals and vitamins A, B, C, E and K.  It has magnesium which can help to balance the sex hormones, improve fertility, promote weight maintenance, and alleviate skin irritations. The B vitamins it contains heals, destresses, and produces energy within the body. One ounce of wheatgrass juice also has 880 milligrams of vitamin E which keeps the skin healthy, prevents heart and other cardiovascular diseases, and minimizes the risks of developing various cancers.

Contrary to what its name would have you believe, wheatgrass is gluten free since it is harvested before a grain can develop.


Possible short-term side effects

  • herxheimer reactions


Benefits

  • provides protein, vitamins, and minerals
  • improves digestion
  • minimizes itchiness of skin infections
  • speeds wound healing
  • slows the aging process
  • builds healthy red blood cells
  • purifies the liver, detoxes the body
  • strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system
  • balances hormones
  • promotes weight loss
  • decreases the risk of developing cancer

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Amazing Grass Wheat Grass

  • Boosts energy levels
  • Supports detoxification
  • Strengthens immunity
  • Rich in chlorophyll
  • Whole-leaf powder
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 10-15-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 10-15-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023




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