Wheatgrass

What is wheatgrass juice? A juice that is extracted from sprouted winter wheatberries. The berry is sprouted and grown 6 inches before cutting because this is where the nutritional value is at its fullest potential. Due to its fibrous nature, which is indigestible by humans, wheatgrass must be liquefied before it can be consumed.

A live food, wheatgrass feeds oxygen to your body. The wheatberry is packed with nutrients including minerals, amino acids, and most importantly, chlorophyll. Wheatgrass contains 92 of the 102 minerals found in soil along with elements of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. It is naturally rich in Vitamin C and B-both of which build the immune system and enhance healthy skin and teeth. Wheatgrass is also a complete protein with about 30 enzymes and approximately 70% crude chlorophyll.

This nutrient rich grass contains 17 amino acids, which are "building blocks" of proteins. Our bodies use these amino acids to build muscle tissue, repair cells, and clot the blood. However, it is wheatgrass' chlorophyll that is perhaps its most valuable asset. Chlorophyll has been shown in studies to have a cleansing, detoxifying, and healing effect on the body.

Energizer: The vitality obtained from wheatgrass juice is remarkable. Two ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice has the same amount of vitamins and minerals as 5 pounds of fresh, organic produce. On an empty stomach, wheatgrass juice is assimilated into the bloodstream in less than 10 minutes and the vitality lasts throughout the day.

Builder: Chlorophyll (the main component in wheatgrass juice) has a similar chemical make-up to hemoglobin (red blood cells) with the only difference being the central atom. In chlorophyll that atom is magnesium and in hemoglobin it is iron. Chlorophyll can break down poisonous carbon dioxide and releases free oxygen, which inhibits the action of anaerobic bacteria (disease-producing microorganisms: cancer). Wheatgrass juice builds red blood cells (which carry oxygen to all cells), normalizes high blood pressure, stimulates healthy tissue growth, and improves circulation. By increasing the oxygenation of the body, wheatgrass can offset the effects of smog and carbon monoxide.

Cleanser: Chlorophyll has proven very effective in healing chronic disorders. It helps wash drug deposits from the body, purifies the blood and organs, and counteracts acids and toxins in the body. Wheatgrass helps remove toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and aluminum that are stored in the body's tissues. These deposits can upset the electrical impulses of the brain causing many mental and physical disorders. Wheatgrass juice's strong detergent factors help drain the lymph system, which gathers toxins from throughout the body's cells. When an imbalance or injury exists (ex: sore muscles; a degenerative disease) there is a natural build up of mucous in the lymph of that area. This mucous is encapsulated so as not to endanger the flow of lymph. Wheatgrass juice will break down that mucous and allow it to drain, relieving pressure and healing the area.

Wheatgrass is an effective aid to relieve constipation, clean out bacteria, and act as a disinfecting agent.

Healer: Wheatgrass juice helps to increase the enzyme level in our cells, aiding in the rejuvenation of the body and the dissolution of tumors. Wheatgrass can be used as a wash, douche, bath or poultice stimulating healthy new cells and fighting infection.

How to start taking wheatgrass juice: The juice will have different effects on different people depending on their level of toxicity. For those who experience a refreshing taste and immediate vitality, 2 ounces of juice is recommended maintenance per day. For increased health and energy, slowly increase up to 4 oz. per day. Because of the high enzyme content of the juice, toxins are broken down immediately and passed into the bloodstream. Lightheadedness and nausea experienced from this cleansing indicates toxicity and the need for regular detoxification. These upsets last only a short time and will decrease with increased juicing. Wheatgrass juice is very concentrated and will cause nausea when overconsumed.

Fresh wheatgrass juice is ideally consumed 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after. Hold the juice in your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute. Doing this maximizes the juice's enzymatic properties by working with the digestion, which starts in the mouth. Also, warming the juice to body temperature facilitates absorption and assimilation.

Remember-carrot or vegetable juices are always good chasers. Enjoy.