Wheat Grass or Wheat Gross?

What is Wheat Grass?

I always see the stuff in planters on the shelves of Smoothie Shops.  I don't know anyone that has actually had it, though I've heard stories.  But apparently, it's a big deal.

According to Wikipedia, "Wheatgrass is a food prepared from the cotyledons of the common wheat plant..."  So what is the benefit of downing a shot of liquefied grass?

Wheatgrass is a great source of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, and Vitamin B12.  It contains numerous nutrients, antioxidants and minerals.  Even as a nutrient rich green, it is easy to buy some (like the smoothie shop) or even grow your own.  It aids in digestion and detoxifying the body of hard metals.  Some even claim that wheatgrass fights cancer.

However, wheatgrass doesn't contain any type of dietary benefits.  There is also not very much evidence that wheatgrass actually provides the benefits and there is no proof that wheatgrass can actually overturn serious diseases like cancer.  Wheatgrass can also be expensive (especially compared to a bag of spinach).

There doesn't seem to be any side-effects besides a possible disgusting taste and a loss of a five dollar bill from your pocket.  However, many swear by the effects of Wheat Grass.  Would I try it?  Sure.  But only as an addition to a solid nutritional diet.