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Wheat grass is high in chlorophyll, which is very similar to the molecular structure of human blood |
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 |
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 |
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:
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