AbstractWheat grass (Triticum aestivum) is one of the so-called green foods that are valued by health-conscious individuals as a great natural source of nutrients. This can be consumed in juice form and in powdered form. Considering its nutritional completeness and possible health implications of being blood builder, antioxidant, antiager, cell rejuvenator, cancer inhibitor, immune system supporter the study was undertaken to estimate nutritional composition and qualitative phytochemical analysis of wheat grass powder. About 100gm wheat grass powder was obtained from 1 kg of fresh wheat grass. Nutrient composition of wheat grass powder (WGP) was found to be impressive with protein content 25g per cent, fiber 30g per cent. Values of mineral ash, carbohydrate, moisture and fat were recorded as 4.8g, 33.7g, 6.3g and 0.2g respectively. Preliminary phytochemicals screening indicated the presence of Terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and sterols. The chlorophyll estimation indicated wheat grass powder contains 525 mg of chlorophyll in 100 g of T. aestivum powder .Thus it can be concluded that plant based wheat grass is an ideal supplement for general health and well being with therapeutic uses. It has an immense potential in the main stream of food processing industries as a health benefactor which proves to be beneficial for the society in prevention from life threatening diseases.
Keywords: Triticum aestivum; Green food; Nutritional composition; Phytochemicals; Wheat grass powder ( WGP).