Wheat Grass

Wheatgrass, a relative of wheat, is grown mostly for hay or is planted for sheep, cattle, or horses to graze.

Freshly sprouted leaves can be crushed to make wheatgrass juice or dried and made into tablets or capsules, often in combination with other herbs.

Supporters claim that wheatgrass is a good source of nutrients, provides antioxidant protection, supports of the immune system, and even reduces cholesterol. However, none of these claims have been scientifically proven.

Only one small early study showed any benefit from wheat grass (a reduction of symptoms in people with colitis, or inflammation of the colon).

Wheatgrass juice may provide some vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals — but in miniscule amounts. In the lab, a few studies have shown antioxidant activity of some components of wheatgrass, but it’s not certain if the results would hold up in humans.

The popularity of wheat grass has been heightened by the popularity of smoothie joints. These smoothie places often sell wheatgrass shots by the ounce as alternatives to eating your veggies.

While wheatgrass is certainly a healthy addition to a diet, it should not replace a varied array of fresh vegetables.

Wheatgrass can be grown fairly easily at home, which is part of its huge appeal. Small flats of the grass can often be purchased at grocery or health-food stores, and can be taken home and harvested regularly with upkeep.

Flats of wheat grass should be kept in sunlight, and regularly watered.

The grass should be harvested at about 8 inches. Reaching sufficient height takes around a week, and one plot of grass that is well looked after can last for some time.

Because wheat grass is consumed raw, it can be contaminated with mold, bacteria, or other not-so-groovy substances, so it’s important to wash it thoroughly.

This contamination may be the cause of your headaches.

If you wash the wheatgrass well, and it still makes your head pound, it might be a good idea to pass on the wheat grass, or possibly try a wheatgrass in supplement form.

People who show signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., hives or a swollen throat) should seek medical attention and avoid consuming wheatgrass again.

Although, as an alternative, you could also try using a wheat grass product. This allows you to get the benefits of consuming wheat grass, without the upkeep and potential mold side effects.