Wheatgrass Microgreens – the potential of tiny greens

Wheatgrass is one of the most widely used microgreens, but the evidence behind its medicinal reputation is thinner than that reputation suggests. This article sets out what is documented about the nutritional composition and pharmacological properties of wheatgrass microgreens, and where the research is still early.

It’s worth noticing from the outset that despite the widespread use of wheatgrass, much information on its medicinal benefits is lacking, and therefore further scientific research is needed to investigate its pharmacological potential. This article is general information, not medical advice — wheatgrass is a food, not a treatment for any disease, and the studies mentioned here are early-stage.

Wheatgrass at a glance:

• They are consumed as a nutrient-dense functional food or as a nutraceutical in the form of a shake or powder.
• They are a healthy food due to their high vitamin content, including vitamins A, C, and E.
• They are rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium,

as well as antioxidants and several bioactive compounds.

• They have potential health benefits, such as: anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, and supporting good digestive health.

The great potential of wheatgrass, due to its functional components and high nutritional value, is also recognized in its therapeutic properties, which make it a “miraculous microgreen.”

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this so. Chlorophyll, referred to as “green blood” or “living blood,” which fresh wheatgrass is composed of, possesses antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Chlorophyllin, a chlorophyll derivative, has demonstrated the ability to protect mitochondria from oxidative damage. Apigenin, a flavonoid component, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Other well-known bioactive compounds in wheatgrass include rutin and quercetin, which have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory properties, and numerous other pharmacological. It is worth noting that the pH level and chlorophyll concentration (constituents of wheatgrass) have been discussed in relation to blood disorders such as anemia, though this is not an established medical treatment and the evidence remains limited.

The anti-ulcer potential of wheatgrass

Wheatgrass has been studied for possible anti-ulcer effects, though it is not an established treatment for any condition. It was demonstrated, in studies that were carried out on rats, that wheatgrass juice contains various water-soluble biomolecules, proteins, and bioactive compounds that have anti-ulcer potential. Additionally, in another clinical study, wheatgrass extract was investigated as a complementary approach in patients with ulcerative colitis. Studies, whose aim was the evaluation of the anti-ulcer potential of chlorophyll (the main water-soluble bioactive compound in wheatgrass), have explored possible roles in wound care, including odour associated with infected wounds, drying action in the case of skin lesions, sinuses, abscesses and superficial rashes, and promotion of tissue regeneration.

In the second part of this article, we will explore more aspects of the potential of wheatgrass, such as its probiotic, dermatological, anti-arthritic, detoxifying effects, and more.

Sources: 

Neetu Mishra, Renu Tripathi, Dhananjay Pandey, Kamal Shah, Nagendra Singh Chauhan, Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum): a miraculous microgreen: an overview.

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The science on wheatgrass

Studies from our Science Library that concern wheatgrass microgreens, in plain language with links to the original research. This list updates automatically as new studies are added.

Wheatgrass in the kitchen

Recipes and kitchen ideas from our cookbook team that use wheatgrass microgreens.

Growing a different crop next? Every variety has a guide like this one in the Varieties database.