By Amy Orr
What is wheatgrass? According to the Fall 2000 edition of the Creative Health Institute's newsletter, "Wheatgrass is a plant that is grown from the Red Wheatberry, a special strain of wheat." Wheatgrass is frequently referred to as a "complete" food because it contains significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes--many of the nutritional components needed daily by the human body for good health. Drinking fresh wheatgrass juice is much like taking a multi-vitamin supplement, but with the addition of natural energy boosters. In fact, the nutritional breakdown, according to an August 2003 email newsletter from the Creative Health Institute, is shown below:
Protein, 1.959; Calories, 21.0 Cal; Carbohydrates total, 2.09; Moisture, 959; Ash, .0489; Magnesium, 24 mg; Selenium, <1 ppm; Potassium, 1.479; Zinc, 0.33g; Phosphorus, 75.2g; Calcium, 24.2 mg; Sodium. 10.3 mg; Iron, 061 mg; Vitamin A, 427 ILI 9 Vitamin 81, 0.08 mg, Vitamin B2, 0.13 mg; Vitamin B3, 0.11 mg; Vitamin B5,6.0 mg; Vitamin, 96.0.2 mg, Bitarnin B12, <1 mcg; Vitamin C, 3.65 mg; Vitamin E, 15.2 IU; Folic Acid, 29 mcg; Blotin, 10 mcg; Dietary Fiber, total 0.1g; Lecithin, food 0.03 g; Chlorophyl, 42.2 mg; Choline, 92.4 mg; Aspartic: Acid, 260 mg; L-Arginine, 135 mg.
Wheatgrass juice is composed primarily of chlorophyll--the chemical
in leafy vegetation that gives the plant its green color. In plants, chlorophyll
breaks down carbon dioxide molecules, producing and releasing oxygen to be
consumed by other living creatures. The chlorophyll molecule is almost identical
to that of the protein hemoglobin in humans and is said to increase production
of hemoglobin in the human body when consumed. Higher amounts of hemoglobin
in the bloodstream means more oxygen-rich blood. Cancer Tutor, a website promoting
alternative treatments for cancer, claims that higher levels of oxygen in
the blood, as a result of consuming wheatgrass juice, may "slow down or stop
the spreading of cancer."
Whether or not wheatgrass juice may help to prevent or slow the spread
of cancer, it has been shown to boost the immune system and suppress the appetite.
The Creative Health Institute suggests adding wheatgrass juice to one's diet
gradually. Because the wheatgrass juice enzymes produce a powerful detoxifying
action, consuming too much juice initially may cause unpleasant digestive
reactions, including nausea or diarrhea. It is best to start with just oen
or two ounces, allowing the body time to adjust, before drinking in larger
quantities. Wheatgrass juice, alone or mixed with other fresh fruit or vegetable
juices, should be consumed several times a day--preferably on an empty stomach
to ensure maximum absorption of the valuable nutrients.
As with any significant change in diet, we suggest you consult your physician before adding wheatgrass juice to your regular diet. For more information about wheatgrass juice, including history, benefits and suggested recipes, please visit the link below.
http://poshbungalow.com/new236300.html
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The Unbelievable Nutritional Value of Wheatgrass Juice
