Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted shoot of the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum). It's native to Asia and the Mediterranean, but it's grown worldwide.

Wheatgrass contains large amounts of chlorophyll. High-chlorophyll diets are sometimes promoted to treat certain diseases, such as cancer. Wheatgrass also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids.

People use wheatgrass for a blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia), cancer, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Wheat is considered a major food allergen in the US. Wheat contents, including wheatgrass, must be labeled on packaged foods and supplement products. Don't confuse wheatgrass with similarly named wheat bran or couch grass. These are not the same.