Usually when something tastes like grass, it isn’t a complement, but the health benefits of wheatgrass shots, available at the Grab-N-Go in LRH, may overpower the flavor.
In an attempt to add more health benefits to their day, students will mix in a shot of wheatgrass to their freshly squeezed juices. The juice helps dull down the grass taste, but allows students to intake all the vitamins, amino acids and minerals provided by the wheatgrass.
Dr. Ann Wigmore, author of The Wheatgrass Book, claims wheatgrass will help cleanse the body by removing toxins from body cells.
Wheatgrass juice contains 90 out of 102 vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Such vitamins include A, B, C, and E.
It has been discovered that a one ounce shot of the wheatgrass contains the same nutritional values that three pounds of vegetables provide. It can also help stimulate digestion and provide energy throughout the day by removing waste that can clog cells and organs and fulfill nutritional deficiencies.
According to the staff at the Grab-N-Go, they serve about four to five of these shots a day.
Wheatgrass shots aren’t the only nutritious drinks available on campus. In addition to the Grab-N-Go, a variety smoothies, sugary drinks and healthy shots are also available in TRAC and Capitol Perks.
TRAC and Capitol Perks have a variety of different flavors that can be made into a slushy treat in a matter of minutes for less than $4. These treats go by the name of Island Oasis smoothies.
According to Shannon Manfre, a TRAC employee, “a lot of people will get these smoothies on game nights. Otherwise, we sell about three to four on a daily basis.”
Flavors vary from mango, strawberry, peach and many others. Students can even mix multiple flavors to create a unique taste all their own.
Every three ounces of smoothie has about 160 calories and 37g of carbohydrates. However, three ounces can provide students with up to 120 percent of their daily vitamin C intake.
The Grab-N-Go also offers students refreshing freshly squeezed juices in a variety of flavors. Some flavors being orange, strawberry and apple.
The lemon shake-up is one of their most popular drinks. Freshly squeezed lemons are mixed with ice, water and sugar, and shaken into a cool, sugary addition to student’s day.
“I like them because they are delicious and have a nice citrus taste to them,” said Ahsan Owais, a freshman at UIS.
To try one of these unique drinks, visit the Grab-N-Go between Sun and Thu from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., TRAC Mon – Fri 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sat and Sun noon to 11 p.m., or Capitol Perks, located on the main level of Pac, Mon – Thu from 8:30 a.m. – 7:15 p.m. and Fri from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
