What is a Wheatgrass Shot?
- Written By: Kate Monteith
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 22 February 2013
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Copyright Protected:
2003-2013 Conjecture Corporation
A wheatgrass shot is a small amount of concentrated juice made of the young, tender shoots of wheat plants. The potent liquid packs a vitamin wallop equal to the most nutritious of leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli. Two to four ounces (57 to 113 grams) twice daily is the recommended dose. Wheatgrass juice is said to have curative properties for several ailments, particularly digestive problems.
Wheatgrass shots are deep green in color, revealing a high concentration of chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants. Wheatgrass juice contains a wealth of enzymes, amino acids and healthy minerals that quickly enter the bloodstream once ingested. The nutrient content in a wheatgrass shot includes protein, beta carotene, vitamins E, C, and B12, as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Because the grass is cut before the wheat berry forms, people with wheat allergies usually have no trouble digesting small amounts of wheat grass juice.
The wheatgrass shot is a healthy order in juice bars, where shots can be taken alone or mixed with other juices or in a smoothie. A clump of wheat grass is inserted in a juicer and liquified, resulting in a concentrated, green potion. Some people think two shots of wheatgrass each day is a healthy regimen. Too much can cause bloating, gas and cramps. The benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice have not been clinically proven, but proponents’ claims include improved digestion, lessening of menopause symptoms, relief of constipation, and detoxifying the bloodstream of metals. Wheatgrass shots may also help prevent heart disease and diabetes.
The taste of a wheatgrass shot can take some getting used to, and most people try to drink it in one gulp. Some people find the taste of wheatgrass juice completely repugnant. There are two other forms of wheatgrass supplements for those who have difficulty swallowing a wheatgrass shot. Wheatgrass powder and wheatgrass tablets are available in health food stores and nutrition aisles, as well as online.
While some users tout super wheatgrasses that take up to 200 days to cultivate, there is little nutritional advantage over young grasses ten days old. It is not difficult for consumers to grow wheatgrass for private consumption. Wheat berries can be planted in small pots, and the grass shoots are ready to harvest in as little as a week. A home juicer can quickly extract the concentrated liquid, making a fresh wheatgrass shot available anytime.
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Discuss this Article
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anon321521
Post 12 |
I had an herby friend recommend wheatgrass pills when I was sick once (a cold I think). The dosage was disgusting -- I think it was like twenty tablets a day or something like that. The tablets still packed the flavor of grass, and I could barely get half the tablets down and finally gave up on them. Weird thing though: I still saw improvement quickly. I have since taken shots when I can't beat a bug-- not to be macho, but because a shot is over quickly. I say it's more affordable in supplement forms, but if you have the budget for it, go for the shots and have an orange juice near by to wash it down. |
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anon313306
Post 11 |
Where can I purchase a wheatgrass juicer? |
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vigilant
Post 10 |
Is there an easy way for me to make wheatgrass juice at home? |
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ZsaZsa56
Post 9 |
@Ivan83 - Actually, I don't think wheatgrass shots went away, I think they just stated to get combined with other things to make them a little more palatable. I know there are several juice bars and coffee shops close to me that serve them in smoothies now. |
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Ivan83
Post 8 |
I remember back in the early and mid 90s when wheatgrass shots were all the rage. I was living in San Fransisco and they started showing up everywhere, even places that had no business selling them. For instance, who wants to get a burger and fires and a wheatgrass shot? I think eventually people realized that they tasted gross and didn't turn you into superman and that was the end of them. |
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Fa5t3r
Post 7 |
I actually like having wheatgrass around just because I think it's a beautiful thing to have in the kitchen. It's useful, of course and it's great to get all the health benefits of wheatgrass juice, but it's also just nice to have something green and fresh looking in the kitchen. And it grows quite quickly, so if you're clever with the timing, you should be able to get away with only two or three trays working in rotation. Just remember that you need to change the water regularly, particularly if they are in direct sun. |
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Ana1234
Post 6 |
@anon139047 - I've never heard it described as sweet before. I've always found it to be quite bitter and pungent. I much prefer to mix it into a smoothie than try to drink a shot. The idea of drinking a shot seems like kind of a macho, exercise junkie kind of thing to do. You still get the wheatgrass juice benefits if it's mixed up with something sweet and tasty. |
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anon139047
Post 5 |
I was in line behind a person who ordered a wheat grass shot. I had no idea what it would taste like, so asked for a sample. I was amazed at the sweetness. Everyone seems to have a different reaction. I am hooked. |
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ether
Post 4 |
In addition to shot form, wheat grass can be found in juices, powders, and tablets. It is often suggested that wheat grass be mixed with carrot juice and various types of fruit juice to disguise its "earthy" flavor.
Because wheat grass shots can be particularly expensive at juice bars, you can cut costs and still enjoy all the benefits of the substance simply by growing your own at home. |
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pistachios
Post 3 |
The excessive intake of wheat grass can result in nausea, headache, and diarrhea. As with all supplements, only take the recommended dose and always consult a health care professional before implementing any new substance into your diet. |
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skinnylove
Post 2 |
The chlorophyll found in wheat grass is believed to improve digestion, relieve constipation, and help detoxify the body. In addition to these health benefits, chlorophyll is similar to hemoglobin and can improve blood circulation. Wheat grass can assist in regulating blood pressure and blood sugar. Some people also use wheat grass in juice form to suppress appetite in an effort to shed pounds. |
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cmsmith10
Post 1 |
A wheat grass shot is made from wheat that has just started to grow. The bigger it gets, the tougher it is. It is cut off when it is about 5 inches tall. It is then put in the blender and mixed up. It’s kind of thick and not too easy on the eye but very good for you. It is full of vitamins and antioxidants. The taste is not great. I would compare it to eating grass! You can mix it with a smoothie to “hide” the taste. |
