While not everyone enjoys the pungent taste of wheatgrass, there’s no denying the health benefits. The fertility superfood is low in calories and a great source of vitamins A, C, E, and K. It’s also packed with antioxidants and contains vitamin B6, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium. Wheatgrass is also high in alkaline which helps balance pH levels which are important when trying to conceive.
How Wheatgrass Effects Fertility
With high levels of folic acid, chlorophyll, and essential vitamins, wheatgrass is a nutrient-packed health food that functions as a body cleanser. Along with increasing the amount of red blood cells in the body, wheatgrass aids in the fight against free radicals. Without damaging free radicals, the body is able to create the perfect environment for quality egg production in the ovaries. With a balanced pH level, the body also becomes more receptive to sperm.
Wheatgrass isn’t just good for women who are trying to conceive. Men too can reap the benefits of the earthy-tasting juice. The high amount of folic acid found in wheatgrass has been shown to help increase sperm count, sperm quality, and DNA stability. High levels of chlorophyll in wheatgrass help reduce inflammation, improves cell structure, and reduce the effects of toxins in the body. In women, regular wheatgrass consumption can help promote a more regular menstrual cycle.
Traditionally, wheatgrass was used as a method for detoxing the kidneys and liver, as well as purifying the blood. Today, consuming healthy levels of the bitter-tasting grass can be beneficial for women pre-conception. By detoxifying the body before pregnancy, you can enhance your fertility and create a healthy environment for your baby. This detox regimen can be followed by both men and women as it helps strengthen the body and balance the internal organs.
If you are trying to get pregnant, it is crucial to get enough folic acid and wheatgrass is an effective way to achieve this. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) which include serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Wheatgrass contains approximately 1130 mcg of folic acid per 100 g, which is several times the recommended dosage of 400 mcg found in most folic acid supplements for women who are trying to conceive.
Best Ways to Get Enough Folic Acid
The best way to consume wheatgrass is in its natural grass state. You can gain the effects of the plant by simply chewing the grass. The young sprouts of the plant can also be eaten raw and whole. However, wheatgrass is more commonly juiced which makes it easier to consume. Ideally, you want to drink one to two servings of wheatgrass juice per day.
You can juice your own wheatgrass at home by cutting the wheatgrass at the base of the blade and inserting the tips into a juicer. Approximately one-half cup of fresh, raw wheatgrass makes about a one ounce serving of juice. Pre-made wheatgrass juices can be purchased at some health food stores but be sure to read the label to avoid added sugars and other chemicals.
Wheatgrass can also be dehydrated or freeze-dried to create powders. The powder can then be put into capsules if you want to avoid the taste of wheatgrass. If purchasing pre-made tablets, check the label to ensure that the wheatgrass has not been heated during processing. You can also choose to add wheatgrass powder to smoothies and fresh juices to help disguise the taste. If you have a gluten intolerance or wheat allergy, do not take wheatgrass before speaking to your doctor.