Wheatgrass is the young sprouts that come from a wheat plant. It’s packed with nutrients, making it a popular ingredient in many health supplements, such as juice shots. Wheatgrass shots may help support blood sugar control, digestion, and skin health, and boost the immune system. However, more research is needed to better understand their health benefits.
Wheatgrass sprouts may be small, but they’re known for having important vitamins and minerals that benefit overall health, such as:
- Vitamins A, C, and E: These are especially important for immune function.
- Iron: This helps move oxygen in your blood.
- Magnesium: This supports muscle and nerve function.
- Calcium: This plays many roles in the body, but it mainly supports bone health.
Wheatgrass also contains chlorophyll, which is the substance that gives it its green color. Research suggests that chlorophyll may support blood health and remove harmful toxins from the body.
It’s important to remember that portion sizes matter. The amount of wheatgrass in a standard wheatgrass shot only contains a small amount of these essential nutrients. Taking a wheatgrass shot may help you get more vitamins and minerals if you have nutrient deficiencies. However, it won’t be enough to meet your needs without also eating a well-balanced diet.
Wheatgrass juice contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are a substance that helps lower inflammation and prevent cell damage, which is linked to chronic (long-term) conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Wheatgrass also contains vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system, fight bacteria, and keep you healthy.
Including wheatgrass in a well-balanced diet can help support a healthy gut and improve digestion. This is because wheatgrass contains fiber and enzymes (a type of protein) that can help move foods and drinks through your digestive system.
Research also suggests that wheatgrass may help your body break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently, which may lead to fewer digestive difficulties, such as gas, bloating, or constipation.
Wheatgrass may help your skin feel and look better because it contains nutrients that are important for skin health, such as vitamins A, C, and E.
Vitamin C, in particular, can help your skin cells make more collagen, a type of protein that improves skin appearance and elasticity, which is the skin’s ability to stretch and bounce back. Having high skin elasticity supports the appearance of plump and healthy skin. Vitamin C also protects against sun damage.
The chlorophyll in wheatgrass also offers benefits to skin health because it can help fight germs, reduce redness, and promote wound healing.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness or injury. However, too much inflammation can cause pain and contribute to long-term health concerns. The nutrients in wheatgrass shots may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass may also help with inflammation in the joints, the tissues that connect bones to other bones.
Wheatgrass shots may support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Cholesterol is a type of fat in the blood that can cause clogged arteries (the tubes that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body), which can lead to conditions like heart disease. Research suggests that wheatgrass juice may reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, improve HDL (good) cholesterol, and dilate (widen) blood vessels for better blood flow.
Wheatgrass is also a good source of minerals, including calcium and potassium, which are important for heart function.
Wheatgrass shots may help control blood sugar levels. Blood sugar (glucose) is the main source of energy you get from the food you eat, once it’s processed in your blood by the hormone insulin. The antioxidants and other nutrients in wheatgrass may improve how your body uses insulin and processes sugar.
Wheatgrass isn’t a replacement for diabetes care prescribed by your doctor. When it comes to blood sugar control, it’s important to talk with your doctor or registered dietitian, a health professional who has special training in diet and nutrition.
Wheatgrass juice is generally safe to consume. However, large amounts may cause mild side effects, such as:
People who are sensitive or allergic to wheatgrass should avoid wheatgrass shots. People who are pregnant should also avoid wheatgrass juice since certain herbs, like wheatgrass, used in traditional medicine, may not be safe to take during pregnancy.
In general, more research on wheatgrass is needed to better understand its long-term health benefits.
More research is needed when it comes to optimal doses for wheatgrass shots. Wheatgrass juice tends to be very strong, so shots are usually consumed in small amounts. Most recommendations focus on one to two ounces per day. Consider starting with a conservative 1-ounce serving to see how your body reacts and then slowly increase your serving size if needed.
You can take wheatgrass shots any time during the day. However, some people prefer to take them on an empty stomach. To incorporate them into your wellness routine, you can mix a wheatgrass shot with juice. Consider talking with your doctor to determine the best dose and time to drink your wheatgrass shot.
