Detox, digest, and strengthen: Benefits of wheatgrass shots
What's the story
Wheatgrass shots are a powerful health elixir, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Adding wheatgrass to your daily routine can help improve digestion, detoxify your body, and strengthen your immune system. This article will show you how to easily prepare and incorporate wheatgrass shots into your wellness routine at home.
Choosing wheatgrass
Selecting quality wheatgrass
Choosing high-quality wheatgrass is key to making wheatgrass shots. You can either grow it yourself from organic seeds at home or purchase fresh wheatgrass from a health food store. If you're growing it at home, opt for a soil-free method to minimize the risk of mold. And, if you're buying it, ensure the blades are fresh, vibrant green, upright, and not wilted.
Preparation
Preparing wheatgrass shots
Once your wheatgrass has grown, it's time to harvest and juice it for a healthy shot. For each shot, you will need approximately one ounce of freshly cut wheatgrass. Use a masticating juicer specifically intended for leafy greens to ensure optimal juice extraction. If you don't own a juicer, you can blend the wheatgrass with a little water and strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Nutrient retention
Maximizing nutritional benefits
To maximize the benefits of your wheatgrass shots, drink them as soon as you've juiced them. Exposing them to air causes oxidation, degrading the nutrient content over time. If you have to store them, pour the shots into an ice cube tray and immediately freeze them. You can use the frozen wheatgrass cubes for up to two weeks with minimal nutrient loss.
Daily integration
Incorporating into your daily routine
Incorporating wheatgrass shots into your daily routine is pretty straightforward. The ideal time to take a shot is on an empty stomach in the morning. This allows for maximum absorption of all the nutrients. That said, if you find the taste a bit intense at first, you can mix it with other juices such as apple or carrot juice to make it more enjoyable.
Recipe ideas
Creative recipes with wheatgrass
If you can't stomach the idea of downing it like a shot, there are more palatable ways to incorporate wheatgrass into your diet. Adding frozen wheatgrass cubes into smoothies provides an additional nutrient kick without significantly changing the flavor profile. And, if you want to enjoy the benefits without the hassle of drinking it straight, try adding powdered wheatgrass to salad dressings or sauces.