Annie Odrada
2024-08-20T17:16:38+12:00

Wheatgrass is a nutrient-dense green you can juice or take as a powder. Explore its history, key wheatgrass benefits, and easy ways to use it daily in smoothies.

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The history and wheatgrass benefits behind Wheatgrass

What’s special about wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is the young green shoot of the wheat plant, usually juiced or dried into a powder. The headline wheatgrass benefits people look for are nutrient density and everyday support for energy, digestion, and immunity. Here is the history and science-backed benefits behind wheatgrass and how it fits into our super powders.

The glowing green grass juice has been healthifying the West since the 1930s, when Dr Charles Schnabel studied animal nutrition. He found that animals fed only leaves became weak, except when the leaf was wheatgrass, and those animals thrived. A few generations later, the boomers caught the wheatgrass wave, and Natural Hygienist Ann Wigmore helped popularise wheatgrass juicing through the 1960s and beyond. Many of the stories from this era are anecdotal, but they helped cement wheatgrass as a modern wellness staple.

The ancient history of wheatgrass can sound even more exotic. Some online sources say that ancient Egyptians consumed the ‘gift of Isis’ to support vitality, but the evidence is hard to verify. Either way, wheatgrass has earned impressive longevity as a food-based supplement with a loyal following.

Circling back to modern times, wheatgrass is still with us. Explore any major city and trays of wheat sprouts can be spotted on the sills of trendy cafes. For a few dollars, or euros, you can hold your nose and down a shot of very green goodness.

So what are the benefits of Wheatgrass then?

Wheatgrass is very high in nutrients

Where to start? Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, plus most of the B vitamins except B12. Wheatgrass is particularly rich in the skin-loving vitamins B5 and E, and it also contains magnesium, potassium, bioflavonoids, choline, amino acids and an array of enzymes, including the antioxidant Super Oxidase Dismutase (SOD).

The bioflavonoids in wheatgrass include apigenin, quercetin and luteolin, which contribute to its antioxidant profile. Other components, such as choline and minerals, can support normal liver function, helping you feel more energised when your daily basics are covered. The enzymes are helpful for digestive comfort, and research has explored wheatgrass in relation to ulcerative colitis symptoms. Together, the nutrients in wheatgrass support general wellbeing and resilience.

Equally important is what is NOT in wheatgrass. While growing from wheat, wheatgrass is naturally gluten-free because the gluten is concentrated in the kernels, not the green shoots. That means the green part can be suitable for many people who avoid gluten.

The magic of chlorophyll

Wheatgrass is often described as being rich in chlorophyll, sometimes nicknamed ‘green blood’. Chlorophyll is structurally similar to haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the human body, with one key difference: haemoglobin has iron at its centre, while chlorophyll has magnesium. This is one reason wheatgrass has a reputation as a ‘blood builder’ style tonic. If you are managing iron deficiency anaemia, pairing iron-rich foods or supplements with an overall nutrient-dense diet is still the priority, and wheatgrass can be a supportive add-on.

A powerhouse for immunity

Besides boasting a variety of immune-supporting nutrients, wheatgrass also contains carbohydrates called oligosaccharides that have shown immunostimulatory activity in cellular studies. In simple terms, some compounds in wheatgrass may interact with immune cells in ways that support a healthy response when you need it. There is some science behind those spicy wheatgrass and ginger shots after all.

Would you like to feel the benefits of wheatgrass for yourself? Luckily, you don’t need a seedling tray and leaf juicer to benefit from wheatgrass. Modern low-temperature freeze-drying helps preserve key nutrients while adding everyday convenience, and food technology can improve taste without relying on artificial flavourings. Here at Puraz, you’ll find wheatgrass powder in our Supergreens and Superduo. Why not give one of them a try and see how this time-tested superfood fits your routine?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main wheatgrass benefits?

Wheatgrass benefits are mainly linked to its high nutrient and antioxidant content. It provides vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and plant compounds that support general wellbeing. For most people, the most practical approach is consistency: add a small daily serving and track how you feel over 2 to 4 weeks.

Is wheatgrass gluten-free?

Wheatgrass is naturally gluten-free because gluten is found in the wheat grain, not the young green shoots. Cross-contamination can happen if harvesting includes seeds, so quality control matters. If you are highly sensitive to gluten, choose a reputable powder and start with a small amount.

Wheatgrass powder vs wheatgrass juice: what is the difference?

Wheatgrass juice is fresh-pressed from the shoots, while wheatgrass powder is typically made by drying the grass at low temperatures and milling it. Juice is fast and potent but short-lived, while powder is convenient and easy to store. If you want daily consistency, powder is often the easier option.

When is the best time to take wheatgrass?

There is no single best time, but many people take wheatgrass in the morning or between meals. Taking it away from heavy meals can make it feel lighter on digestion for some. The best time is the one you can stick to, whether in a smoothie, water, or juice.

Does wheatgrass help with detox?

Wheatgrass does not ‘detox’ in the dramatic sense, but it can support normal detox pathways by contributing antioxidants and micronutrients. Your liver and kidneys do the real work, and nutrition helps them perform well. Use wheatgrass as a supportive food, alongside hydration and fibre-rich meals.

Can wheatgrass support immunity?

Wheatgrass can support immunity by supplying vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds associated with antioxidant activity. Early research has also looked at immune-active carbohydrates in wheatgrass in lab settings. For day-to-day results, pair it with sleep, protein, and plenty of colourful plants.

How do I use wheatgrass powder without the strong taste?

Start with a smaller amount and blend it with naturally sweet flavours like banana, pineapple, or apple. Citrus and ginger can also balance the grassy notes. If you prefer simple, mix it into chilled water and drink it quickly, then rinse with plain water.

References:
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 2015, 15, 000-000
Chronicles of Young Scientists 1(2) 2010: 23-28
J Biol Chem. 2015 May 8; 290(19): 11935