What Are the Benefits of Wheatgrass Shots?

A wheatgrass shot is made from the liquefied shoots of young wheat plants, cut when the plant is around one or two weeks old. The liquid is a deep green color, and is said to have the smell and taste of a freshly-cut lawn. There are many claims testifying to the health benefits of wheatgrass shots; it is important to note, however, that these claims have not yet been verified by official scientific organizations.

Chlorophyll Intake

• Wheatgrass shots are a deep green color. This is because they have a high concentration--about 70 percent--of chlorophyll, a green pigment found in plants. Chlorophyll breaks down carbon dioxide to provide more oxygen to plants; similarly, it allows more oxygen to flow in the human bloodstream. It can increase the body's hemoglobin production, which promotes better blood pressure and helps to heal tissue. Chlorophyll is also said to build "enzymes that restore the sex hormones," according to Sprout Organic.

Nutritional Value

• Two to 4 oz. of wheatgrass daily, the recommended dosage, has a nutritional value comparable to spinach and broccoli. In total, an ounce of wheatgrass has 103 vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and is equivalent to about 2.5 pounds of greens. It is especially high in certain vitamins, such as A, B-Complex, C and E.

Weight Loss

• An application of wheatgrass is to supplement the process of losing weight. Wheatgrass suppresses the appetite, and it can also increase blood circulation and raise metabolic levels.

Sickness Prevention

• Proponents of wheatgrass shots claim that the juice activates the white blood cells, which in turn increases immunity. Because of this, proponents believe that the juice can be used to ward off sicknesses. WebMD claims that assertions have been made that wheatgrass juice can prevent anything from every day health conditions to major conditions such as heart disease, menopause, cancer and even AIDS. It should be noted that these statements have not been verified by any independent studies or scientific organizations as of September, 2010.