I had my first wheatgrass shot yesterday, which technically was the first shot that I ever had that wasn't alcohol or NyQuil. Jamba Juice, which I love, sells 1 oz and 2 oz shots of wheatgrass, which the company dubs, "liquid sunshine in one little shot!"
I've often seen people order the tiny green shots served on little treys and have heard about it's health benefits, but I had never tried it. So, with the encouragement of a colleague, I ordered a 1 oz shot and watched as they cut a handful of grass at the roots of a growing plant paddy and put the contents into a grinder press. Then the resulting liquid was collected in a tiny plastic container and the freshly squeezed mulch of grass was collected and tossed. (I wonder if they use the particles in a compost for growing new wheatgrass...hmm).
I then received the shot accompanied with and an orange wedge as if I was taking a tequila shot or something. It took me three sips to drink the little ounce and then I happily bit into the sweet orange. When asked how it tasted all I could say was "grassy." It smelt and tasted like fresh grass (and yes, I've tasted grass before). It was sweet and not terrible though. Not something I would normally enjoy but considering the health benefits of wheatgrass I think I can handle a 1 oz shot of it once and awhile.
What benefits? Wheatgrass supposedly is an all-natural detoxifier loaded with 23 essential and non-essential amino acids, enzymes, phytonutrients, vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, selenium, vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, aid in healthy complexion and digestion.
Wheatgrass juice boasts 60% of the body's recommended daily allowance for vitamin K in a one-ounce shot and 120% in a two-ounce shot (other sources include broccoli, soybeans, brussel sprouts and cabbage). Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone formation and may help prevent osteoporosis. It's supposed to provide natural energy as well.
I didn't feel like I received a shot of espresso, but considering I hardly eat veggies I did feel healthier for drinking it, even if it was only in my mind.
