Wheatgrass refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant. It is the most commonly found herb in India. The wheatgrass plant is believed to have many nutritional values. Studies report that wheatgrass has been blessed with amazing health benefiting properties and is widely known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, immunomodulatory, astringent, antibacterial, diuretic, and anti-aging properties.
Benefits of Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is an excellent source of many different vitamins and minerals. It is especially high in vitamins A, C and E, as well as iron, magnesium, calcium and amino acids. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of consuming Wheatgrass juice or powder.
Since ancient times, Wheatgrass is known to help minimize fatigue, improve sleep, increase body strength, naturally regulate blood pressure and blood sugar, support weight loss, improve digestion and detoxification. The nutrients in wheatgrass helps the body in getting rid of toxins, boosts your metabolism and aids in weight loss. Wheatgrass supports healthy skin, teeth, eyes, muscles and joints, improves the function of our heart, lungs and reproductive organs. It is proven that Wheatgrass heals ulcers and skin sores. It is also found that Wheatgrass is beneficial under various conditions, such as anaemia, diabetes, cancer, eczema, constipation, kidney swelling, and common cold. Thus, it should be made part of daily dietary intake in order to explore its maximum benefits.
Growing Wheatgrass at Home: You would need the following supplies
- One cup Wheatgrass seeds
- A 10 x 10-inch tray or pot or a container. Size of the pot can vary a little.
- Soil enriched with fertilizer, compost, or manure
Soak the Wheatgrass seeds in water overnight or for 8-12 hours. Sprout just until tails from the seeds begin to show. Avoid over-sprouting or sprouts may not root in the soil for growing wheat grass. Add a ½- to 1-inch layer of soil to the tray. Water gently to moisten soil. Now sprinkle sprouted the seeds evenly across soil. Very lightly press the seeds onto the surface of the soil. Now place tray in an area with indirect light, at 20-25ºC. Cover the pot with either a plastic lid that has air holes or a single sheet of newspaper. Using a spray bottle for watering everyday but avoid overwatering. In a few days, after the grass has grown 1-2 inches, remove the cover/newspaper. In about a week you will have lush green pot/container full of wheatgrass.
Preparing Wheatgrass Juice and Powder at Home
Use scissors to cut grass just above roots. Lightly wash off the any impurities dirt or soil from the grass. Use a juicer for juicing the wheatgrass harvest. Your glass of herbal wheatgrass juice is ready. Consume immediately.
In order to make wheatgrass powder, place the grass on a clean, dry tray, and cover it with a thin cotton cloth. Place the tray in the sun. Let it remain in direct or indirect sunlight for a few days, until it is dry and brittle. If it not completely dry, it will not turn into a fine powder. Next, add your wheatgrass either in a mixer grinder or high-speed blender. Your wheatgrass powder is ready to be used. You can store this in an air tight container for at least a month. Add a spoon of this powder to a glass of warm water and consume every morning for good health.
TIP – It is a good idea to start a new batch of seed every couple of days for consistent supply of wheatgrass. By rotating three or four containers and planting a new one every few days, you will always have a fresh supply of wheat grass on hand.