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Wheat grass is high in
chlorophyll, which is very similar to the molecular structure of human blood
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Doctors
around the world cannot say enough about the importance of eating greens and
vegetables. Many support the idea of eating “five a day” to promote optimal
health. Not only are green vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, but they
can also offer the body protein.
One
of the leading green foods available that offers maximum nutritional value is
wheat grass. Wheat grass offers an array of nutritional benefits in addition to
its proven beneficial attribute of aiding in disease prevention.
What
is Wheat Grass?
Wheat
grass is a variety of grass grown from grains like barley, oat, and rye. It can
be grown indoors and can be added to salads, or freshly squeezed. It is also
found in dehydrated and pill forms. Wheat grass has been called “the miracle
cure”, as people who have taken it during severe illness have been known to
recover. Wheat grass can, in many ways, be considered a homeopathic medicine, as
it has therapeutic properties.
The
History of Wheat Grass
Wheat
grass has been around since the beginning of time. Animals have fed on it and
people have grown it. It is essentially where our cereal grasses come from.[1]
One of the first pioneers of wheat grass was Charles Schnabel, a scientist who
in the 1930s discovered that wheat grass added to his chickens’ diet increased
egg production and vitality. He began testing it on himself and his family.
Initially, Schnabel was one of the first people to commercially package wheat
grass.
Later
in the 1960s, Ann Wigmore revived the interest in wheat grass by treating
herself when her doctors told her she would not live. After an automobile
accident that shattered both her legs, Ann was advised to amputate her legs in
order to cut out the disease. She refused and gangrene set in. She did not give
up and set out on a “peasant’s diet”, which consisted of wheat grass,
vegetables, and grains that ultimately restored her health. Ann dedicated her
life to administering wheat grass to the sick and created the Hippocrates Health
Institute which to this day carries out her work.[2]
Nutritional
Benefits of Wheat Grass
Wheat
grass is considered to be a complete food, meaning it has life sustaining
properties. It is a source of beta-carotene and the B vitamins, plus vitamins C,
E, H and K. It also contains close to ninety different minerals and nineteen
amino acids. [3] Wheat grass caters to blood purification, liver
detoxification, and colon cleansing. It is also an excellent source of
superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging
enzyme. [4]
A
1978 study by Yoshihide Hagiwara, M.D., suggests that wheat grass has the
ability to inactivate mutagenic substances found in agricultural chemicals,
fertilizers, and food additives.[5] In other words, wheat grass may combat the
damaging effects of chemicals, fertilizers, and food additives that are ever
increasing their visibility in our food and drinking water. As it is now, most
foods contain one type or another form of food additives. Fertilizers have been
showing up around the world in drinking water. One recent study in California,
USA even showed evidence of rocket fuel in cows’ milk. [6]
It
must also be said that wheat grass is high in chlorophyll, which is the closest
to the molecular structure of human blood on the planet as you can get. The body
converts chlorophyll into fresh blood, thus leaving the body more rejuvenated.
Due to its concentrated form of chlorophyll, wheat grass has also been known to
have favorable effects on treating chronic pancreatitis. [7]
Other
Benefits of Wheat Grass
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By taking wheat grass in
liquid form, you ensure a maximum intake of vitamins and nutrients
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In
addition, chlorophyll combats bacteria inside the body and supports healing,
rebuilds the bloodstream, removes drug deposits from the body, neutralizes
toxins in the body, purifies the liver, improves blood sugar problems, and can
cure chronic sinusitis with long term use.[8]
Wheat
grass has been known to help prevent tooth decay, skin problems such as eczema
and psoriasis. It is also claimed to reduce hair from graying, improves
digestion, reduces high blood pressure as it enhances the capillaries, and can
remove heavy metals from the body.[9]
Which
Form Should I Take?
Wheat
grass can be taken in a variety of ways. Juicing fresh wheat grass at home is
one preferred method. By taking wheat grass in liquid form, you are ensuring the
maximum amount of vitamins and nutrients you intake. It is also the most
economic means of intake, because it is easy to grow, and easy to have a fresh
supply on hand. One need only have a small windowsill to cultivate a regular
fresh supply of wheat grass at a minimal cost to the grower.
Wheat
grass can be eaten raw and added to a variety of food dishes like salads,
sandwiches, or breads. Another easy method of taking wheat grass is in pill or
powdered form. Some speculate that the pill and powdered forms do not offer the
same nutritional equivalents to fresh wheat grass; however, pill or powder is
still best for people on the go or with busy lifestyles.
Where
Can I Find It?
The
Internet makes it easy to connect with wheat grass producers all over the world.
When choosing a wheat grass manufacturer, one should ensure that the company is
cultivating organic wheat grass to ensure quality. Below are a few sources to
get you started.
How
to Grow Your Own
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One need only have a small
windowsill to cultivate a regular fresh supply of wheat grass at a minimal
cost
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Growing
your own wheat grass will not only give you a steady fresh supply, but it is
very easy and cost effective. First, you will need to purchase organic wheat
seeds or a mixture or oats, barley, or any other type of available grain. Next,
soak the seeds for 9-12 hours in a jar or other container. Rinse and allow to
germinate for up to two days or until a small shoot forms. On a plastic seed
tray lay down a layer of rich soil, and add your germinated seeds. Water
the seeds lightly and cover with newspaper to keep the light out. The sprouts
should reach two inches in height after three days. It is advised to only water
once a day. [10] Cut and enjoy!
In
conclusion, wheat grass can be a vital part of your regular diet. When taken for
long periods of time, wheat grass cannot only serve in disease prevention, but
can cure diseases. Whether taken fresh, or in pill or powder form, wheat grass
is one way to get all your nutritional requirements for the day. Good luck and
enjoy!
For
more information on wheat grass, please check out the following web sites:
*
Barbara Hunter is a seasoned writer, specializing in nutrition and
religion. Having traveled for a great portion of her life she has witnessed
first hand the unique voice people have and has incorporated these messages in
her writing. Her writing includes a completed novel, as well as several optioned
screenplays, and various media articles. She may be contacted at WalkingOnWind@cs.com.
[1]
Meyerowitz, Steve, “Wheat Grass: Nature’s Finest Medicine.” Sproutman
Publications, MA, 1999. Sixth Edition.
[2]
Meyerowitz, Pg. 31-33.
[3]
http://www.bogvaerker.dk/Bookwright/
Velvaere/Wheat_Grass_FAQ.html
[4]
Meyerowitz, Pg. 63.
[5]
Meyerowitz, Pg. 65. See also “The Effects on the several Food Additives,
Agricultural Chemicals and Carcinogen.” By Y. Hagiwara, M.D. Presented to the
98th Annual Assembly of Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, April 5, 1978.
[6]
“Rocket Fuel Chemical Found In Milk,” CBSnews.com. San Francisco, June 22,
2004.
[7]
Meyerowitz, Pg. 15 & 71.
[8]
www.wigmore.org
[9]
www.wigmore.org
[10] Meyerowitz,
Pg. 132-133.
