Is Wheatgrass Bad For You?
Short answer
Wheatgrass is healthy for you providing tons of minerals, vitamins, and even some protein.
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Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
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
Benefits
- provides protein, vitamins, and minerals
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improves digestion
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minimizes itchiness of skin infections
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speeds wound healing
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slows the aging process
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builds healthy red blood cells
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purifies the liver, detoxes the body
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strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system
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balances hormones
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promotes weight loss
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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
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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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