Wheatgrass powder has become a popular supplement due to its many potential health benefits. But when is the best time to take it to maximize those benefits? Here is a detailed look at the optimal times to take wheatgrass powder and why.
What is Wheatgrass Powder?
Wheatgrass refers to the young grass shoots of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It contains high levels of chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Wheatgrass powder is made by drying and grinding the fresh wheatgrass leaves into a fine powder.
Wheatgrass powder is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants including:
- Vitamins A, C, E
- B complex vitamins
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Selenium
- 17 amino acids
- Chlorophyll
- Flavonoids
Some of the potential benefits of taking wheatgrass powder include:
- Providing an energy boost
- Supporting immunity
- Detoxifying the body
- Improving digestion
- Enhancing weight loss
- Lowering cholesterol
- Controlling blood sugar levels
- Reducing inflammation
- Slowing aging
- Fighting cancer
Ideal Times to Take Wheatgrass Powder
The nutrients in wheatgrass powder can provide different benefits at different times of day. Here are some of the best times to take wheatgrass powder and why:
Early Morning
Taking wheatgrass powder first thing in the morning can help kickstart your day. The nutrients it contains can give you an energizing boost to help you feel more awake and alert.
Chlorophyll, amino acids, and B vitamins in wheatgrass are particularly beneficial for energy. Chlorophyll from the wheatgrass also aids detoxification to reduce built up toxins overnight.
Drink a wheatgrass powder shot on an empty stomach when you wake up. You can also blend it into a morning smoothie along with fruit, greens, nut milk, etc.
Before Meals
Taking wheatgrass powder 15-30 minutes before meals can help stimulate digestion. Enzymes like protease, amylase, and lipase in wheatgrass support healthy digestion.
The nutrients in wheatgrass may also help you better absorb nutrients from the food you eat. Taking wheatgrass powder before meals can leave you feeling fuller as well.
Mid-Morning
If you need an energy boost a few hours after breakfast, wheatgrass powder can give you a lift. The nutrients provide sustained energy and mental clarity to help you stay focused.
Wheatgrass is also useful if you feel hungry between meals. It contains fiber that can help curb cravings and keep you satisfied until lunchtime.
Afternoon
Many people experience an energy slump in the afternoon. Wheatgrass powder can help reignite your momentum.
The iron, magnesium, B vitamins and amino acids in wheatgrass promote steady energy levels to power you through the rest of your workday.
Wheatgrass powder can also enhance brain function and concentration when afternoon fatigue sets in.
Before Exercise
Drinking wheatgrass powder about 30 minutes before working out provides fuel for your body and muscles. The nutrients boost energy production and physical endurance.
Wheatgrass may also help muscles recover better after exercise due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it ideal for athletes and frequent exercisers.
Evening
Wheatgrass powder can support the body’s natural detoxification processes in the evening. Chlorophyll binds to toxins and helps flush them from your system before bed.
It also contains melatonin which promotes relaxation and sleep. However, avoid taking it too close to bedtime as it may still provide some energizing effects.
Take wheatgrass an hour or two before bed to wind down from the day.
What Factors Influence Ideal Timing?
Certain factors can impact when it makes sense to take wheatgrass powder for each individual:
Age
| Age Group | Ideal Wheatgrass Timing |
|---|---|
| Children | Morning or midday with food |
| Teens | Morning and afternoon |
| Adults | Morning, before meals, afternoon |
| Seniors | Morning and evening |
Younger children may do best sticking to mornings to avoid disrupting sleep. Teens and adults can benefit from wheatgrass throughout the day for energy and nutrition. Seniors may focus on mornings for antioxidant support and evenings for detoxification.
Health Goals
| Goal | Best Timing |
|---|---|
| Lose weight | Morning and afternoon |
| Boost immunity | Morning |
| Increase energy | Morning, afternoon, pre-workout |
| Improve digestion | Before meals |
| Detoxify | Morning and evening |
| Control blood sugar | Before meals |
Take wheatgrass at times that align with your specific health goals. For example, target mornings and afternoons if aiming to shed pounds or detoxification if cleansing is your objective.
Lifestyle Factors
Your lifestyle and daily routine also impact ideal wheatgrass timing:
- Take wheatgrass earlier if you have an active job or long work hours.
- Avoid taking it late night if you have trouble sleeping.
- Add a wheatgrass shot before exercise if you workout regularly.
- Time it around meals if you have frequent digestive issues.
- Take on an empty stomach first thing if you have nausea issues.
Make adjustments based on your individual schedule, habits, and needs.
How Much Wheatgrass Powder Should You Take?
For dried wheatgrass powder, the generally recommended dosage is 3-5 grams per day. This equates to approximately:
- 1 teaspoon = 3 grams
- 1 tablespoon = 8 grams
Most people take 1-2 teaspoons of wheatgrass powder 1-3 times per day. You can either mix it into drinks like smoothies or take it as a shot.
Start with a lower amount like 1 teaspoon per day to assess tolerance. Then gradually work up to higher dosages within the recommended range.
When taking wheatgrass shots, begin with 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons. You can eventually build up to taking 2-3 ounces at a time if desired.
It’s best to avoid exceeding 5 grams per day of wheatgrass powder unless directed by a health practitioner. More is not necessarily better with wheatgrass.
Should You Take Wheatgrass Powder on an Empty Stomach?
Taking wheatgrass powder on an empty stomach maximizes nutrient absorption. With no other foods or drinks in your system, the active compounds in wheatgrass enter the bloodstream quickly.
However, wheatgrass powder can cause mild nausea or headaches when taken on an empty stomach for some individuals. It has a strong, bitter taste that may be off-putting in the morning.
If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to start slowly with wheatgrass. Try mixing a half teaspoon into a smoothie to dilute the taste. Then work up to taking it as a straight shot.
You can also follow a wheatgrass shot with a small snack like fruit to ease any stomach upset before having a full meal later.
Potential Side Effects of Wheatgrass Powder
Wheatgrass powder is generally safe for most people. But some potential side effects can include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reactions
- Mold contamination (from poor quality products)
To reduce side effect risk:
- Start with a small dose
- Drink plenty of water
- Blend into smoothies if you have nausea
- Don’t take late at night
- Choose reputable supplement brands
Avoid wheatgrass powder if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy. Discontinue use if any severe reactions occur.
The Bottom Line
The best time of day to take wheatgrass powder depends on your health goals, needs, and personal schedule. But some of the prime times to take it include:
- Early morning: Kickstarts your day with energy
- Before meals: Boosts digestion and nutrient absorption
- Mid-morning or afternoon: Elevates waning energy
- Pre-workout: Provides fuel for exercise
- Evening: Aids detoxification
Aim for 1-2 teaspoons of wheatgrass powder 1-3 times per day. Adjust the timing as needed around your daily routine.
Pairing wheatgrass shots with smoothies, juices or snacks can help minimize side effects. With so many potential benefits, it’s worth finding the ideal time to incorporate this superfood supplement into your regimen.
