What's Up With Wheatgrass? Learn the Essentials Here

It's time to take some shots.

No, we're not talkin' top-shelf tequila or Jager bombs. We're talkin' wheatgrass, baby.

Amazing Grass

One part of my daily routine is a shot or two of wheatgrass. The benefits of this magic elixir compensate for the odd taste of the juice. (Beauty is pain, gals.) If you've always turned up your nose at those little cups with the pukey-green goop, you might want to give it a whirl. Wheatgrass is one of the most nutritious substances known to man. It does all kinds of amazing crap for your bod, your brain, and, more importantly, it can often cure a mean hangover. Hallelujah to that!

If you need more convincing, here are some of the wonderful reasons to get your wheatgrass on:

Antibiotic. Wheatgrass helps rid your bod of unfriendly bacteria and balances you out with good germs.

Amino Acids. With 12 amino acids, wheatgrass contains all eight essential amino acids (those ones your body can't make naturally).

Appetite Suppressant. As a natural appetite suppressant, wheatgrass is great for those trying to cut a few calories. Bonus? It also helps rev your metabolism.

Body Cleanser. Since it's rich in chlorophyll, it clears away toxins stored in cells or fatty tissues. It also sweeps out your liver and gives you a good heavy-metal detox.

Deodorizer. Stink much? Wheatgrass can reduce or eliminate offensive body and breath odors. (But don't drink it on a first date. That's weird.)

Diuretic. Forget coffee. You can reduce bloat and get things going "down there" by drinking your magic green juice. It helps break down impacted fecal matter in the colon.

Energizer. It takes minutes to digest wheatgrass, which means your body assimilates the healing properties of the juice quickly and gives you instant energy.

Illness. Sick? Try a shot or two for sinus problems, as it helps clear up congestion. Also works for colds.

Drink Up

Many places will provide an orange slice to counteract the after taste of a wheatgrass shot. Don’t eat the orange! It ruins many of the advantages of the wheatgrass. Also, drink it on an empty stomach. If you feel nauseous after you drink it, fear not. That's a good sign. Why? It means your body is literally releasing nasty toxins so they can be carried away or destroyed, hence the queasy feeling.

See? Now go have a few shots of something other than booze, princesss.

Do you drink wheatgrass juice? Have you noticed any health benefits? Give us a shout in the comments section below!

Lauryn Evarts, Guest Blogger
When she's not making a skinny cocktail, Lauryn is a blogger, fitness instructor and model. Her blog, The Skinny Confidential, is all about having your cake and eating it too. She does not believe in diets- only recipe modifications, accessible fitness tips and healthy weight-loss tricks. Her site also offers a store with girly trinkets to enhance any dish along with tons of delicious, guilt-free recipes with half the calories. Lauryn is also a FitFluential ambassador, actively involved with the Yellow Ribbon Program, and currently a "practicing vegan" 80 percent of the time! You can find her reading, spooning her chihuahua or chopping veggies. Visit TheSkinnyConfidential.com for some of Lauryn's fab health tips.

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