Wheat Grass

Wheat Grass History

While wheat grass is supposed to provide a variety of benefits, it is important to note that there have been very few studies done on wheat grass. Much of what is said about wheat grass is assumed because of the high volumes of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that can be found in wheat grass.

Wheat grass was developed in the 1930s in a powder form. A chemist used wheat grass to nurse some hens back to health and the end result was hens who were better egg producers and that lived longer. This chemist then started drying young wheat and turning it into a powder, which he and his friends, family and neighbors started ingesting on a regular basis.

In the 1940s wheat grass became commercially available. There was a lot of research and development on wheat grass regarding the marketability of such a product and general interest from consumers. However, there was only limited clinical research done beyond the use of wheat grass for hens and egg production.

Wheat Grass Benefits

There are many different purported benefits of wheat grass. As mentioned above, there are no clinical studies to support these claims of benefits, however, there are certain assumptions that can be made about wheat grass simply because it is comprised of many elements that have been studies extensively.

Some of the claims made about wheat grass include:

• Prevents cancer
• Builds muscle
• Increases endurance
• Makes hair healthy
• Makes skin healthy
• Detoxifies the body
• Lowers blood pressure
• Appetite suppressant
• Increases energy levels
• Increases metabolism
• Encourages fat loss
• Boosts immune system
• Improves digestion
• Encourages regularity

Some people believe that wheat grass is good for whatever ails you; however, doctors do caution that you don’t stop taking your medications or stop following your doctor's advice just because you feel better using wheat grass.

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world take wheat grass supplements or make fresh wheat grass shakes and drinks as part of their regular routine. Most of these people claim that they feel better, have more energy and get sick less often. Some people feel no benefit at all.

That is why you will have to use a wheat grass product for yourself to determine if it is right for you.

Wheat Grass Supplements versus Fresh Wheat Grass

The truth is that as with most vitamins, minerals, amino acids and more, you will get the most benefits from having a fresh product over a powder or a pill supplement- period. Fresh products are easier for the body to digest and act faster within the body.

Powdered supplements are the best second choice; however, typically you won’t find pure wheat grass in a powder just because something has to be used to stabilize the powder and to keep it fresh.

Pills or capsules are the choice that brings you the least amount of benefits. However, for people who find the taste of wheat grass intolerable, which many people do, then this is better than nothing at all.

Fresh wheat grass has its downsides as well. It can be difficult to grow and mold is the most common problem for home growers of wheat grass. Buying wheat grass shakes from a wheat grass or health bar is another alternative but, at $5 a cup, this can get expensive very fast.

You can also get fresh wheat grass shipped to you once a week, but this can cost $20 or more, which can equate to a whopping $80 a month. You may be able to find local growers to sell wheat grass but, typically, they cost as much as having the wheat grass shipped to you.

There are kits that you can purchase to grow your own wheat grass affordably, but it does require work. What’s more, it appears that in order to get the most benefits from your wheat grass, you have to grow it for 200 days. Most kits are designed for a 10-12 day growing period before juicing. While this can provide you with benefits, the nutrients in wheat grass are at their highest after 200 days.

This is where powders and pills differ. Powder and pill wheat grass growth is at its maximum rather than at its minimum. This means that you will get more nutrients from a powdered wheat grass if you don’t have the time to grow your wheat grass for over half a year. 

The bottom line here is that most people don’t have access to fresh wheat grass that has been grown for the 200 days that it needs to have its maximum potency. If you do have that access, then fresh is certainly better than your other alternatives!

Wheat Grass Dosage, Side Effects and Warnings

If you are using fresh wheat grass, then how much you use will depend on how much you weigh. For a healthy man or woman who is at their optimal weight, then you shouldn’t consume more than 4 oz of wheat grass a day.

Fresh wheat grass can be very hard on the stomach. Because of this, you should only consume 1 oz of wheat grass at each meal and one at a snack time. In other words, don’t drink all 4 oz at once!

If you weigh more, you will need more wheat grass to experience the benefits. If you weight less, then you will need less wheat grass.

For people who have never used wheat grass before, you should try 1 oz of wheat grass a day until your body handles it well, then increase to 2 oz, then 3 oz and so on. Don’t assume that your body is going to be able to handle the full dose right away, most people can’t and find that they have terrible stomachaches if they take too much too soon.

If you are taking wheat grass powder then you will need to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It is unusual for you to take more than one tablespoon per serving. Typically powdered wheat grass is recommended at one to three servings per day.

Much like with fresh wheat grass, you don’t want to start with multiple servings a day. Start slow and build up your tolerance to the wheat grass.

When it comes to wheat grass tablets or pills, you aren’t going to like the dosing recommendations. While pills are an excellent way to avoid tasting wheat grass, you need to take about seven 500 mg tablets to equate one serving of veggies. Compare that to 4 oz of fresh juice, which equals all of your daily recommendations for vegetables as well as your Vitamin B needs as well.

Wheat Grass Side Effects

There are only a few side affects associated with wheat grass. We have already mentioned stomach upset as a common problem, but there are couple more that you need to be aware of.

These side effects are:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Hives

In addition, if you are allergic to wheat, you should not use wheat grass products. Pregnant women should avoid wheat grass as well as mold is a common problem with fresh grown wheat grass. You probably don’t need to be concerned about taking pills, however, as they are processed to eliminate mold problems.

While wheat grass isn’t known to interact with any medications or medical problems, it is always best to talk to your doctor before starting any new regimen to ensure that you aren’t interfering with your current treatment. By using the free supplement finder you can locate and compare the best type of wheat grass for your needs now!