Is it OK to drink wheatgrass everyday?

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant Triticum aestivum. It is commonly consumed as a fresh juice or powdered supplement due to its reputed health benefits. But is it safe and advisable to drink wheatgrass juice every day?

Nutritional Content of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is an excellent source of many different vitamins, minerals and plant compounds:

Nutrient	Per 1 oz (28g) Serving
Calories	8
Protein	1 gram
Vitamin A	12% DV
Vitamin C	50% DV
Iron	2% DV
Calcium	1% DV
Magnesium	6% DV

It also contains a variety of unique plant compounds and enzymes, including chlorophyll, amino acids, flavonoids and chlorophyll.

Potential Benefits of Wheatgrass

Some of the potential benefits associated with drinking wheatgrass juice include:

• High in Antioxidants – Wheatgrass contains antioxidant compounds like chlorophyll, flavonoids and vitamin C which can help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
• May Aid Blood Sugar Control – Some early research shows wheatgrass may help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
• May Support Immunity – Wheatgrass provides vitamin C, antioxidants and beneficial enzymes that could support immune function.
• May Promote Detoxification – The nutrients and plant compounds in wheatgrass may help support liver function and metabolism.
• May Have Anti-Cancer Effects – Test tube and animal studies show wheatgrass extracts may have anti-cancer potential, but more research is needed.

However, most of these benefits have only been researched in test tubes or animals so far. More high-quality human studies are needed.

Possible Side Effects and Safety

When consumed in moderation, wheatgrass is likely safe for most people. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:

• Allergic Reaction – Wheatgrass may trigger allergy symptoms in people with wheat/grass allergies.
• Blood Sugar Changes – Wheatgrass may lower blood sugar, so caution is advised for diabetics on medications.
• Constipation – Some people report constipation from wheatgrass due to its fiber content.
• Headaches – Some individuals get headaches after consuming wheatgrass shots.
• Mold Concerns – Wheatgrass grown indoors could develop mold if not properly cleaned and stored.
• Upset Stomach – Some people experience nausea, diarrhea or abdominal pain from wheatgrass.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also be cautious with wheatgrass, as its safety has not been established.

How Much Wheatgrass is Safe Per Day?

There is no official recommended daily intake for wheatgrass. But based on most nutrition guidelines, up to 2 oz (56 grams) per day is likely safe:

• 1 oz (28 grams) wheatgrass juice = 1 serving of vegetables
• The recommended vegetable intake is 2-3 cups per day
• 1 cup raw vegetables weighs about 56 grams

So drinking 1-2 oz (28-56 grams) of fresh wheatgrass juice per day should supply your daily vegetable needs without exceeding normal intake levels.

Consuming more than 2 oz (56 grams) per day or in concentrated supplement form may increase your risk of adverse effects.

Tips for Safe and Effective Use

Here are some tips to safely and effectively drink wheatgrass juice every day:

1. Start with a small dose – Try 1 oz (30 mL) per day then increase to avoid nausea.
2. Drink on an empty stomach – For better absorption, have it 30+ minutes before meals.
3. Rinse mouth after – The grassy taste lingers so rinse mouth with water or lemon.
4. Don’t exceed 2 oz (56g) daily – More than this may cause side effects.
5. Watch for mold – Store wheatgrass in a sealed container and refrigerate for no more than 2 days.
6. Avoid before surgery – Due to potential blood sugar effects, avoid before medical procedures.
7. Talk to your doctor – Make sure wheatgrass is safe for you, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does wheatgrass taste like?

Wheatgrass has a grassy, earthy and sometimes bitter flavor. It can take some getting used to, especially when taking wheatgrass shots. Mixing it into fruit smoothies can help mask the taste.

Is it better to juice or blend wheatgrass?

Juicing wheatgrass helps preserve the nutrients while blending allows you to consume the beneficial fiber. Both juicing and blending offer different benefits.

How long does wheatgrass juice last?

Fresh wheatgrass juice should be consumed immediately for maximum benefits. Leftover juice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days before oxidation and mold growth decrease its nutritional value.

What are the best times to drink wheatgrass?

The best time to drink wheatgrass is first thing in the morning or before meals on an empty stomach to maximize nutrient absorption. Avoid in the evenings which could disrupt sleep.

Can you drink too much wheatgrass?

Consuming more than 2 ounces (56 grams) of wheatgrass juice per day could potentially cause nausea, constipation or other adverse effects. It’s best to start with 1 ounce portions.

Conclusion

Drinking 1-2 ounces (30-60 mL) of wheatgrass juice per day is generally considered safe and may provide a range of potential health benefits. However, exceeding 2 ounces daily or using wheatgrass supplements long-term may increase your risk of side effects.

As with any new food or supplement, consult your healthcare provider first to make sure wheatgrass is appropriate for your individual health status and needs.

Overall, adding a small amount of fresh wheatgrass juice to your daily routine can be a nutritious way to help increase your vegetable intake and antioxidant consumption.