Wheatgrass
I know what you’re thinking. I’m about to tell you how this is a wonder superfood and you absolutely must try it. Well you’re sort of right, I think it’s fab, but I will also be telling you just how revolting it is! But hear me out with this…
I’ve read lots and lots about the wonders of wheatgrass and how great it is for nearly all ailments, except death lol! Like anything hailed to be a superfood, it sounded far too good to be true. But also, I wanted to believe all the hype and give it a whirl. So I did.
What I was not expecting was how a shot of fresh wheatgrass juice was going to taste! It was actually quite disgusting and caused me to scrunch up my face for a good minute or two before I recovered and trusted myself to breathe again. However, it is just a shot and once those couple of minutes are over, you’re done, you’ve done it! So you may be wondering why I would put myself through this (and continue to put myself through this on a daily basis!). Well, as I mentioned above, the list of health benefits associated with wheatgrass seem to be endless:-
High in antioxidants and nutrients.
A source of vitamins A, C and E.
High in chlorophyll.
·A source of magnesium, calcium and amino acids.
There are claims that it is good for the skin, for hair, for nails, for detoxification of the liver (read: hangover cure), for improved cholesterol levels, for regulating blood sugar, for weight loss, for digestive health, for normal thyroid function and even for fighting heart disease and cancers.
So, have I noticed any positives from taking wheatgrass (almost) daily for the past two months? YES, I really have! Anyone who knows me knows that my entire life I have longed for beautiful Rapunzel hair, but alas this was not meant to be. Despite my sister and mum having beautiful thick, healthy hair, my hair has always been very thin and although it would grow quite quickly it would break off and split and I have never been able to grow it long and thick. But recently I have had a few comments about how much thicker my hair looks and I can see myself that it has really filled in around my hairline and is looking fuller and healthier and is growing fast.
My nails also seem to be growing faster and stronger and are not breaking and splitting as much as they always used to.
Finally, weightloss! I started a weightloss kick at the beginning of the year after gaining some weight last year after some health issues (borderline underactive thyroid) . I have been doing really well with this, and lost weight every week since I started my health plan. However, since adding in the wheatgrass the rate of weekly weightloss has increased by about ½ a pound a week, which is amazing!
I really don’t think it’s a coincidence that I have noticed these changes since adding in wheatgrass to my daily routine. This could be the impact on my thyroid or just adding in something so nutritious that my body is loving. Either way, I am excited to see whether my hair continues to get better and better over time and if my overall health continues to improve.
It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t inform you of the possible reported side effects from taking wheatgrass. So what are the negatives (beside the taste obvs!)?
Despite the name, it is actually gluten free. However, it is advised that if you have celiac disease then you should check with your doctor before you add this into your diet.
Some people have also reported some not-so nice side effects such as headaches, nausea and diarrhoea. But I personally haven’t experienced any of these symptoms from taking wheatgrass.
Apparently, the best way to take wheatgrass is 1 to 2oz of fresh juice, on an empty stomach. But in true ThreeSixFiveLife form, I think that taking something in a way that fits in with you is better than not taking it all. The good news is that you don’t have to have it in a pure fresh juice shot. You can get it in a powdered version or take it in capsule form if that suits your lifestyle a little better. I have the fresh wheatgrass shot from a juice bar near where I work, but on weekends I will put a spoonful of the powder in my morning smoothie instead (this really masks the taste), or I skip it completely if I’m not having a smoothie. Afterall, we’re trying to be beautifully balanced, not practically perfect.
So if fresh wheatgrass juice makes you run in the opposite direction, then find a way to incorporate all its benefits in a form that suits you. Or avoid it completely, it’s entirely up to you :)
L x
Have you tried wheatgrass? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.