Wheatgrass juice has the most nutritionally dense form of chlorophyll.  At 70% living greens, wheatgrass qualifies as a super food. Click here for more on the nutritional benefits of Wheatgrass juice.

When you’re finished with this page, click here to read about the power of one shot of wheatgrass juice.

Wheatgrass has a distinctive taste. Some acquire it and some still cringe at the thought. The beauty of this versatile juice is how it can be added to juices and smoothies to make it more palatable. Wheatgrass juice will not destroy the taste of the blend or juice, but add to it.

Great Green Grass

• 3-5 stalks of celery
• 2 cucumbers
• A handful of spinach leaves
• A handful of parsley
• 1 shot of wheatgrass juice
• water for blend

Juice all of the vegetables and herbs. Add the wheatgrass juice and water to taste.  Drink it as an alternative to your usual green drink.

Apple-Lemon-Grass

• 3 organic apples (medium)
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1 shot of wheatgrass juice
• water to taste

Juice the apples and lemon.  Add in the shot of wheatgrass juice.  Add water to adjust the taste as desired. A fantastic afternoon pick-me-up.

Carrot Grass

• 3-5 carrots
• 1 shot of wheatgrass juice
• Water to taste

Juice carrots.  Add a shot of wheatgrass juice.  Use water to adjust the taste as desired. Get your beta-carotene shot here.

Smoothie Citrus Grass

• 2 oranges, peeled
• 1 frozen banana, peeled
• 1 lime, peeled
• 1 shot of wheatgrass juice
• 6-10 ice cubes

Juice oranges and lime. Place all ingredients into blender and give it a whir. Add water to dilute as necessary or to adjust taste.  A great way to start your morning!

Cleansing Grass

• 3-5 carrots
• ½  beet
• 2 -4 celery sticks
• 1 lemon
• 1-2 shots of wheatgrass juice
• Handful of parsley and/or mint

First thing in the morning! Juice all ingredients and drink immediately.  The cleansing grass recipe is strong and serves two.  Adjust portions as necessary. A great way to begin your cleanse.

Add a shot of wheatgrass juice to any juice or smoothie to enhance the natural benefits of juicing and blending.  Filled with vitamins and minerals, wheatgrass juice is a power pack to your day.

I have waxed poetic about the benefits of wheatgrass, because let’s face it, wheatgrass is amazing. But I have had many people ask me why I love wheatgrass so much and they’ve even gone as far as to dispute it merits. But I’d like to pare the message down to the facts.

Just one shot of wheatgrass is all you need!

Most juices require that you have one to two cups on a consistent basis, but just one shot of wheatgrass a day will change the way you feel from the inside out, and here’s how:

• One ounce contains 103 vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
• One ounce of wheatgrass juice represents as much nutritional value as approximately 2.5 pounds of fresh green vegetables.
• Wheatgrass juice is high in chlorophyll.
• It is very high in vitamins A, B-Complex, C, E and K.
• Wheatgrass juice is a natural source of laetrile (B-17).
• It contains beta-carotene, which is found in red, green and yellow pigmented fruits and vegetables.  Beta-carotene acts as a scavenger against harmful molecules flowing naturally through the body or through toxins inhaled from cigarette smoke, air pollution and other damaging sources.
• Wheatgrass cleanses, purifies and feeds the body by activating the white blood cells, which boost the body’s immune system.
• Wheatgrass juice is also beneficial for people who need to lose weight or cleanse their bodies.

Worse than a shot of warm Goldschläger

But the taste, right? Well wheatgrass doesn’t have to taste awful! When wheatgrass juice is mixed with fresh fruit juice, it goes from blah to bam! Wheatgrass juice pairs particularly well with:

• Watermelon juice
• Grape juice
• Orange juice
• Apple juice
• And very surprisingly, carrot juice

Wheatgrass juice, despite its reputation, plays very nicely with an assortment of fruit juices, proving once again that a wheatgrass juice shot is the health drink to end all health drinks.

Regardless of the juice, juicing yields amazing benefits for the body. But if you aren’t including wheatgrass juice, you are seriously missing out.

Green Smoothie Goodness

This bright green smoothie is a pleasant pick-me up.  Use after your morning workout or in replacement of afternoon caffeine.

• 1/2 or 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ – ½ cup of pineapple (fresh or frozen). Here are some nutritional benefits of pineapple
• 3-5 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ tsp (or one serving) of dehydrated wheatgrass juice or 1 oz fresh wheatgrass juice.  Here are some nutritional benefits of wheatgrass juice
• 21 drops of Chlor-Oxygen¹
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of Almond Butter
• Optional:  1 tablespoon of Chia Seeds.  Here are some nutritional benefits of chia seeds
• Mix with purified water  (add purified ice if using fresh fruit  rather than frozen)

¹Chlor-Oxygen is a concentrated chlorophyll supplement. Click here for information on Chlor-Oxygen.  Any concentrated chlorophyll supplement can be used.

Banana Health Benefits

Fantastic Fiber:  the great thing about smoothies is that all the fiber is retained in the drink.  One medium-sized banana offers 16% of the daily value of dietary fiber.  Fiber  rich diets are great for overall health and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Marvelous Muscles:  Bananas have a high concentration of potassium (10% of our daily value) which keeps the heart and nervous system operating at peak performance. Potassium is a salt that is essential for muscle health. The contraction action of our muscles is regulated by potassium.  From our heart to our glutes to our deltoids to our digestive tract, the muscle contraction is part of potassium’s purview.  If you’re an athlete, a banana (or two) a day keeps muscle cramps away.

Cool Calcium:  the banana helps kidney and bone health, because the potassium suppresses calcium excretion through urine.  The potassium also helps reduce the risk of kidney stones.  Due to potassium’s ability to reduce calcium excretion, banana consumption is a great way to combat osteoporosis (the loss of bone density).

Trippy Tryptophan:  Bananas are a mild source of Tryptophan, an amino acid that acts as a stress-reliever.  Tryptophan is essential to the production of serotonin, which calms the brain and induces a more positive mood and mindset.  Tryptophan also acts as a mild sedative.  Eat a banana if you need to calm down after a work-out or need a nap.

Bodacious Blood: Bananas have a high concentration of Vitamin B6 at 20% of the daily value.  Vitamin B6 helps the body to produce hemoglobin which is an essential part of our blood.  Vitamin B6 also helps in the production of anti-bodies and our immune response.  This vitamin is well-rounded as it also converts carbohydrates to glucose to maintain healthy blood sugar level.  While bananas are higher on the glycemic index than say, an apple, the Vitamin B6 in the fruit acts as a balance for our blood sugar.

Oh, and last, but not least:

Centered C:  A medium sized banana contains 16% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is an essential element in good health and immune response.  Vitamin C is one of the most recommended supplements for the body and is a proven part of optimum health.

The Gaia Green Smoothie is optimized to re-energize and invigorate your mind and body so you can sail through your day.

Wheatgrass juice is gaining importance among juicers and healthy lifestylers for its abundant health benefits. Nicknamed “Liquid Sunshine,” wheatgrass juice carries the moniker because of its abundant chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that photosynthesizes the sun’s energy.

As indicated in its name, wheatgrass is an immature version of the wheat plant. Wheatgrass is best harvested early when it’s tender to make the best use of its nutrients and minerals.

Wheatgrass Nutrition

The liquid sunshine portion of wheatgrass is that 70% of its nutrient value is chlorophyll. The chlorophyll provides energy and alkalizing benefits.

Wheatgrass is now termed a ‘superfood’ and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Wheatgrass contains Vitamin B complex, C, E, and K and calcium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, prosperous, potassium, sulphur, and zinc. Wheatgrass also shines brightly with 17 complete amino acids and around 80 enzymes.

Benefits of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is best consumed as juice. One to two ounces a day added to your favorite smoothie or juice will give you a power boost of energy and nutrition. A short list of benefits include:

• Alkalizing: wheatgrass contains alkalizing minerals that promote the cleansing of tissues and maintaining the blood’s alkaline pH
• Anti-Fungal: wheatgrass can relieve the itching and burning caused by athlete’s foot.  Soak your feet in distilled water and two ounces of wheat juice.
• Anti-Yeast: Wheatgrass is anti-bacterial and therefore creates an unpleasant environment for both bacteria and yeast.  Regular consumption prevents new growth of both.
• Blood Building: the high concentration of iron in wheatgrass helps to regenerate red blood cells while supplying oxygen to the body.
• Blood Sugar: Wheatgrass helps regulate blood sugar making its addition a benefit for those suffering from diabetes.
• Breath and Body: wheat juice moves the lymphatic and gastro-intestinal systems.  It supports the reduction or elimination of bad breath and body odor.
• Control Cravings: high in nutrition, wheatgrass reduces cravings.  The inclusion of wheatgrass in your diet may help you lose weight.
• Digestion: Wheatgrass cleans out the intestines and colon providing a healthier environment for digestion.
• Immunosupport: wheatgrasses high vitamin and mineral content gives an energetic injection to your immune system.

How to Prepare and Consume Wheatgrass

In its grass form, this superfood is indigestible for humans. Juicing is the most convenient ways to access this plant’s power. The juice tastes ‘green,’ but it’s also naturally sweet. Wheatgrass can only be juiced with a gear juicer or a wheatgrass juicer – check out the Lexen wheatgrass juicer, our featured machine. It comes with a 30-day risk-free trial!

Superfoods are just that - super. The super powers of wheatgrass can jumpstart the detoxification process.  It’s recommended to start with a .5 oz to 1 oz a day, and you can then increase the amount the wheatgrass juice in your diet as it feels right.

If you have a wheat allergy, you can still consume wheatgrass juice, but start slow. Take only one teaspoon per day to build up your tolerance. While wheatgrass juice does not contain gluten, it’s still best to be on the safe side.  If you feel an allergic reaction to the juice, discontinue use.

Whenever I suggest that someone start including wheatgrass into their diet, I’m greeted with a turned up nose and an all too quick “no way”, and you know what? I get it.

Wheatgrass isn’t the best tasting juice on the planet. I remember that when I first jumped on the wheatgrass bandwagon, I found it absolutely acrid – it felt like I was punishing myself.

What kept me going were the amazing health benefits associated with this power-packed foliage, which includes the prevention of inflammation, the elimination of bad breath and body odor, and it’s detoxification properties.

The saying “no pain, no gain” took on a whole new meaning. It’s funny, sometimes the flavor doesn’t bother me at all, and sometimes I can barely get it down. I blame my trepid mental gag reflex.

My desperate search for wheatgrass – and a happy surprise

This past weekend after days of over-indulgence, I was in desperate need of wheatgrass. Rather than suffer while trying to down two 2o oz shots, I decided to try something new. And being that I still had a whole watermelon, I figured that watermelon and wheatgrass might make a delicious couple. I was right!

Although you would be inclined to think that the flavor of watermelon would be lost among the bold grassy flavor of the wheatgrass, the subtle sweetness of the fruit takes the edge off, killing the aforementioned acrid flavor and leaving only the sweet grassy notes of the wheatgrass. And because the water content in watermelon is considerable, this drink will leave you feeling refreshed. Turned up noses, be gone!

Watermelon Wheatgrass

• a quarter of a whole watermellon
• 20 oz wheatgrass

Remove the seeds and juice the watermelon according to your juicers instructions. In the end, you’ll want to have about 500 ml of juice. Put the watermelon juice into a tall glass and mix in the 2oz of wheatgrass juice. Serve cold for optimum refreshment.

There are a plethora of plums in the world – over 2,000 varieties in existence and over 100 available in the United States, in fact! Plums are categorized as:

• American
• Japanese
• Damson
• European/Garden
• Ornamental
• Wild

All of these plums vary in size and shape, though it’s common for plums to be heart or oval-shaped. Plums are the rainbow of the fruit world, with color variations of their skin coming in red, purple, blue-black, green, yellow, and amber. The plum’s flesh varies from green, yellow, pink, and orange. The peak plum season runs from May to October, depending upon the variety available.

Plum Passion Juicing Recipe

• 1 apple
• 4 plums (pits removed)

Cut the apple into wedges that will fit into the juicer shute. Remove the pits from the plums. Juice the fruit and enjoy!

Plum Nutrition

Plums contain unique nutrients called phenols, which are antioxidants. These phenols are the prime neutralizer of a free radical called the ‘superoxide anion radical’ which can damage brain cells. Plums protect brain cells and the neurons that fire information between our cells.

The plum also allows the body to better absorb iron. It is thought that the benefit of iron absorption is related to the plums high Vitamin C content. Vitamin C is an all around immune booster. Consumption of fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C is highly recommended by health professionals far and wide. Plums are also a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, and potassium. All which are vital to good health.

Plum History

European plums were discovered over 2,000 years ago in an area near the Caspian Sea. In ancient Rome, over 300 varieties of the European plum where known. Plums came to the Americas with the pilgrims.

Japanese plums are actually Chinese in origin, but received their name from the country that cultivated them.

Selection and Storage

Plums are ripe and ready to eat when they yield to slight pressure and are a bit soft at the tip. If the plums are firm, leave them at room temperature to ripen. Once the plums are ripe you can store them in the refrigerator for several days. Avoid overly firm plums, as they are immature and will probably not ripen to be sweet and juicy as the best plums are. Avoid any plums with bruises or punctures. If you wish to freeze plums, remove the pits beforehand to preserve that plum-goodness.

OK – so we had a team meeting here at 877MyJuicer.com and noticed a lack of a well researched, cited article describing the History of Wheatgrass, What Wheatgrass Is,  The Benefits and Uses of Wheatgrass, the Scientific Analyiss of Wheatgrass, Side Effects of Wheatgrass and Growing Your Own Wheatgrass.  If you have 10 minutes, really read this article. Not only is it very interesting, but it answers all of the questions we have received since 2004 when we launched the business!

So – what do you do when you see a problem?  You solve it.  877MyJuicer sought out a professional research writer to gather all of the latest and reputable information on wheatgrass, consolidate it and put it in an easy to read article!  Here you go!  The full description.

Wheatgrass: One of Nature’s Finest Creations

Wheatgrass is an edible grass, grown from wheat seeds that has, for many centuries, been a nutritionally dense supplement used by humans and animals alike. Many different civilizations have been known to use wheatgrass – both the blades themselves, as well as the roots – for medicinal purposes. Many health food “junkies” also swear by wheatgrass juice as the ultimate feel-good, cure all for pretty much anything. But what is wheatgrass exactly, where did it come from, and is there any supporting evidence behind all the health claims surrounding this mysterious grass?

Throughout history, this humble common wheat plant has been purported to cure any number of ailments, as well as serving the purpose as a high quality nutritional supplement. The plant is easy to grow oneself, and is alsoreadily available in a number of forms, most often as a juice – either served in “shots”, or in a mixture of fruit and vegetable juice – it can also be found in powder and pill form. Gaining popularity in the United States during one of the first natural health movements, wheatgrass has a storied history and has continued to be propped up as one of the world’s best superfoods.

A Brief History of Wheatgrass

There are implications from far back in history, with reports as far back as the Egyptian Empire, to the use of wheatgrass for the enhancement of wellbeing and vitality, and this was some 5,000 years ago. Wheatgrass – in terms of its use for basic nutritional supplementation, as well as a cure for many different health anomalies, has been seen in many other contexts as well, with references to this special grass found in the Old Testament of the Bible. However, the first modern “discovery” of wheatgrass occurred in the early 1900s. According to Creighton School of Medicine, Edmund Bordeaux Szekely discovered a religious text that purported wheatgrass to be “the perfect food for man” (Parker, S. Creighton School of Medicine. wheatgrass: History, 2007).

Empirical, scientific study of wheatgrass really began in the 1930s, when food chemist, Charles Schnabel (Olguin, K. The History of wheatgrass. 2009.) started to look at the chemical composition and nutritional benefit of this grass that, throughout history, has been seen as the world’s first superfood. In groundbreaking studies done on common hens, Schnabel’s

research seemed to back what many had been saying for centuries – that wheatgrass has many beneficial properties, far in excess of pretty much any other vegetable.
Schnabel was trying to rejuvenate ailing hens, and the hens regained their health and then some (Seymour, K. Illinois State University. Wheatgrass. 2011.). These hens, due to the reduced level of their health and well being, were also incredibly poor egg producers. What Schnabel found was that when feeding fresh wheatgrass to the hens, along with their traditional feed, was that not only did the health of the hens improve significantly, but their egg production went from a paltry 38%, to an amazing 94% (Olguin, K, et al.). These levels were higher than that of his healthy and unaffected hens (Seymour, K. et al.).

With this discovery, Schnabel started a campaign to increase the popularity of this very special grain.

But What Is Wheatgrass Exactly?

Wheatgrass is grown from either hard red winter wheat or spring wheat seeds. When the plant is grown, in “grass form”, it is considered to be a “green” on the same lines as spinach, kale, and cabbage. As there is growing concern about wheat allergies, gluten allergies in particular, many wonder about the safety of wheatgrass for those with gluten allergies. The good news is, wheatgrass, when consumed in juice, powder, or any other form, is gluten free. When wheatgrass is grown, the gluten breaks down through the soaking and sprouting process, thus leaving it gluten free when it gets to the stage of its growth process that humans would consume it. The broken down components actually make the nutrients in the wheatgrass easier for the body to digest.

Another great thing about wheatgrass is that it is considered to be a live food. Living foods have far more nutrients and health benefits than any sort of processed foods, and even fruits and vegetables found at the store. The process of growing wheatgrass is the process of sprouting the seeds and consuming the live young shoots.

Uses and Purported Benefits

There are many claims that surround the consumption of wheatgrass – particularly in juice form. According to the Hippocrates Health Institute, wheatgrass can boost your metabolism, lower blood pressure, and even has blood purification properties. Many who consume wheatgrass juice claim that doing so gives them feelings of vitality, energy, mental clarity, and happiness. With many claims of such a wide range, the consumption of wheatgrass juice has become a phenomena amongst the natural health and whole foods communities, and is used as a daily maintenance aid, or to cure a particular ailment.

It is most often consumed orally in the form of juice. Bunches of the wheatgrass are processed by a wheatgrass juicer and two to four ounces is the general “dosage” for the average individual (Hippocrates Health Institute, 2009). Remember that you need a specific wheatgrass juicer to actually extract juice.  Not any juicer can work!  The Manual Healthy Juicer ($44.95) or the Electric Healthy Juicer ($179.99) (both available at 877MyJuicer.com) are perfect for this.  While it can also be consumed in powder or pill form, as with most vegetables, consuming wheatgrass juice in its fresh state is the most beneficial way to get the nutrients available in the plant.

It is used for the above stated reasons, as well as for improved vascular and respiratory functioning (Dufault, M. 2006. wheatgrass). Many claim that is has detoxifying properties, and can even improve mental clarity (Dufault, M. et al). It is also said to aid in the healing process of wounds, infections, and more  (Parker, S. et al). All this sounds well and good, and there are many first hand accounts as to the supposed benefits of this humble juice, but is there any science to back up these claims?

Scientific Analysis of Wheatgrass

Based on analysis, wheatgrass is shown to be incredibly high in nutrients. According to Illinois State University professor, Kent Seymour, wheatgrass is one of the best ways to get living chlorophyll in the plant kingdom. As the chemical structure of chlorophyll is incredibly similar to that of the human hemoglobin (blood) cell, it is shown to aid in the purification of the blood and spurn the production of red blood cells (Olguin, K. et al).

Foods that have a high alkaline value are helpful in maintaining the proper pH balance of the body. A proper balance is a good indicator of overall health and wellness. Wheatgrass has been shown to be the best alkaline food from the plant kingdom – better than broccoli and spinach, which were thought to be leaders in that category (Olguin, K. et al). The alkalinity of wheatgrass helps to restore the balance to the blood.

Analysis has found that wheatgrass contains the full spectrum of B-complex vitamins, which are vital to many bodily processes including brain functioning and proper cell development. Wheatgrass is also very high in amino acids, which are known to help aid in the repair and renewal of cells (Parker, S. et al).

The American Cancer Association shows that the consumption of wheatgrass has been found to be very useful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, or the inflammation of the large intestine. The study they cite used a test and control group of individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis, the test group was given 3 ounces of freshly “squeezed” wheatgrass juice a day, the control group was given nothing. Those who consumed wheatgrass were found to have fewer bloody stools, and less pain when compared to the control group.

WebMD states that while the evidence supporting the many health claims about wheatgrass is limited, it has widespread use for a huge array of different conditions. While the evidence is still needed to really be sure, to be able to make heads or tails of these claims, what we do know is that wheatgrass is incredibly high in nutrients, as well as antioxidants, which are vital to a healthy immune system and bodily repair.

Potential Side Effects of Wheatgrass Consumption

For the most part, wheatgrass is considered to be a very safe plant to consume. There has not been a good deal of empirical research done on wheatgrass, but according to WebMD, when consumed in “medicinal levels” (that range of 2 to 4 ounces a day) is said to be “likely safe”. There is relatively little research about any long-term effects of sustained wheatgrass consumption, but there is also no evidence that should warn anyone off from consuming it as a preventative or supplemental aid.

Those who have reported side effects, according to WebMD, tend to complain of minor gastrointestinal difficulties such as constipation. Reports of appetite loss and nausea have also been reported, but these appear to be in a minority of users and is minor in nature.

This information about the potential for stomach discomfort should be caveated with the fact that many of the cases of stomach discomfort are a result of “bad grass”. This would be wheatgrass that wasn’t grown properly, was allowed to mold, or otherwise improperly handled and cared for. This is a great case for growing your own – and it is simple as can be too.

Growing Your Own Wheatgrass

Growing your own wheatgrass is an incredibly easy thing to do. Using a simply wheatgrass sprouter does the trick.  Not only is there therapeutic value in growing living things, but you have complete control over the process. This means that you can arm yourself with the information you need to grow your wheatgrass in the optimal conditions and ensure that it is as sweet and delectable as it can be. Wheatgrass can be easily grown in the home – even those with the smallest of free spaces.

For a bit of advice on proper soaking, planting, watering, and when to harvest the grass for optimal sweetness and nutritional benefit, look no further than the internet. There are many great sites out there that will give you all the information you need, as well as sources for hard red winter or spring wheat seeds.

Properly grown wheatgrass will always be sweet – never bitter. It will have a pleasant “grassy”, but very sweet flavor. To get the most benefit from it, swish it around in your mouth a bit before swallowing, as allowing it to mix with the enzymes in your mouth make it easier to digest, and makes the juice all around more effective. Wheatgrass juice is tasty and shouldn’t need anything to cover up the flavor as most do not find it in any way offensive. If anything, a glass of water afterwards for some added hydration is all you need.

Conclusion

Throughout history, wheatgrass has been consumed as both a nutritional supplement and an aid to healing and treating all number of conditions. Many different peoples have relied upon, and swear by wheatgrass. While empirical scientific evidence to back up the claims made by wheatgrass users is lacking, the number of reports of increased vitality, as well as a whole host of other beneficial effects should give us pause, and the evidence tells us that it doesn’t hurt to consume it. Science has shown wheatgrass to be a safe substance to consume, high in essential vitamins and nutrients. And the first hand accounts tell us that it has the potential to do a good deal for our health and wellbeing.

References

American Cancer Society. 2008. wheatgrass. Accessed from

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/wheatgrass>.

Dufault, Melanie. 20 September 2006. wheatgrass: 1 Shot of wheatgrass Juice = 1 Kilogram of    Vegetables? Accessed from <http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/WheatGrass.htm>.

Hippocrates Health Institute. 2010. Benefits of wheatgrass. Accessed from             <http://www.hippocratesinst.org/benefits-of-wheatgrass>.

Olguin, Andrea. 28 August 2008. The New Way to Grow Wheatgrass: Using Bio Technology to Grow       Wheatgrass with the Highest Nutrients. Version 41. Knol. Accessed from             <http://knol.google.com/k/andrea-olguin/the-new-way-to-grow-wheatgrass/1sitjsg5s3ol5/2>.

Parker, Sarah. 2009. History of Wheatgrass. Accessed from <http://altmed.creighton.edu/wheatgrass/history.htm>.

Seymour, Kent. 2011. The Nutraceutical Garden : The Grains & Legumes Component

. Accessed from          <horticulturecenter.illinoisstate.edu/gardens/documents/grain.pdf>.

WebMD. 2011. wheatgrass. Accessed from <http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-        supplements/ingredientmono-1073-WHEATGRASS.aspx?   activeIngredientId=1073&activeIngredientName=WHEATGRASS>.

 

THIS ARTICLE IS COPYRIGHT 2011 BY 877MYJUICER.COM – ANY REPRODUCTION MUST BE CREDITED!

 

The benefits of ingesting wheatgrass are long and storied, all of which range from cleansing the blood and fighting infection, to helping to surpress the appetite. But ingesting wheatgrass is just one of the many ways to benefit from this amazing sprout. When used topically – either the juice or the pulp – wheatgrass has many lesser known benefits for the body. Here are some we discovered:

• Using wheatgrass in equal parts with water in a Neti pot helps to cleanse and detoxify the nasal passages. When hit with congestion, use the concoction to ward off further infection.
• To calm a sore throat, gargle water with 1 oz of wheatgrass. The blend will help to soothe, disinfect and reduce swelling in the inflamed areas.
• Using the pulp of wheatgrass on sunburned skin, athlete’s foot, rashes, cuts, burns, poison ivy and insect bites, will help to reduce redness, swelling and irritation of the infected areas.
• To alleviate symptoms of a dry, itchy and irritated scalp, gently massage wheatgrass pulp into the scalp. Cover you hair with a shower cap and let the mixture soak for 10 minutes, and afterwards rinse thoroughly. Repeat the process up to 3 times weekly, and you’re likely to see improvements.
• Wheatgrass consumption isn’t only for humans! Pets can also benefit from the addition of wheatgrass into their diet. For a sick pet, use an eye dropper and administer a ½ oz of wheatgrass juice orally two times daily just 30 minutes prior to feeding. For a healthy pet, as a means of prevention, finely chop the wheatgrass pulp and add it to their food 3 times weekly. The addition of wheatgrass in your pet’s diet can help eliminate issues with the gums, teeth, urination and digestion. As a caveat, be careful where you administer the drops, because wheatgrass will stain your carpet.

For those still on the fence as to whether wheatgrass is for them, these well-kept secrets of the power behind the plant is proof that wheatgrass is not only amazing for the body when ingested, but also a wonderful complement to your overall health, inside and out.

Photo credit: Secret Gardening

 

According to the National Institute for Health, ‘Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.’ Located at the front of the neck just below the voice box, the thyroid gland releases the hormones that regulate metabolism. Hypothyroidism is essentially an inflammation of the thyroid gland and is most commonly caused by the immune system attacking the gland.

Though other causes such as birth defects, radiation treatments, surgical removal of the gland, some pharmaceutical drugs, or a virus may cause the disease. And while there is no prevention for hypothyroidism, there are therapies to help the thyroid gland function better. One of those therapies is juicing foods that support healthy thyroid function.

Some of the recommended foods for the thyroid are: alfalfa, all leafy greens such as lettuces, spinach, kale, chard, watercress, apples, apricots, carrots, grapes, kelp, radishes, parsley, rosemary, and wheatgrass. Avoid processed and refined foods and unfiltered water.

The following juices can be therapeutic for the thyroid:

• Carrot juice
• Carrot, beet, and cucumber juice
• Carrot and spinach juice
• Carrot, parsley, celery, and spinach with ¼ tsp of powdered kelp or dulce.
• Any combination of fruits and vegetables from the aforementioned recommended foods.

The serving per day for hypothyroid juice therapy is 1 pint in order to see a noticeable change in a person’s health. You can take more juice of course, but remember to get a good dose of daily fiber by adding the pulp to other foods you eat or adding chia seeds to your juice.

You can also add spices to stimulate your metabolism. These include ‘hot’ spices such as cayenne, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and allspice. Fat burning spices include onion and garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin.

If you’re concerned that you might have hypothyroidism, here is a list of some of the early symptoms:

• Heightened sensitivity to cold
• Fatigue or feeling ‘slow’
• Depression
• Constipation
• Heavier menstrual periods
• Muscle or joint pain
• Dry skin
• Brittle hair or fingernails
• Hair loss
• Unintentional weight gain

If you’re experiencing 2 or more of these symptoms, visit your health professional to see if you need to be tested for thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is fairly common in the United States due to the typical western diet. Luckily, hypothyroidism can be treated with a combination of Western medicine and more natural therapies including diet and by extension: juicing.

Wheat grass has been said to cleanse your blood, improve the look of skin and hair, fight infection, suppress appetite and in some cases, decrease the size of tumors. With a reputation like that, it’s no wonder that the popularity of this little sprout is growing like gangbusters.

The first time I had a shot of wheatgrass, I wanted to spit it right back up; the overwhelming grass flavor was far too much for my undeveloped palate. Fast forward 10 years and I swear by it. Since I began integrating wheatgrass into my diet, twice weekly, I have noticed a change in the composition of my nails (less splitting) and my hair.

Vanity aside, I’ve noticed that hangovers are easier to overcome and my sweet tooth has been seriously sidelined. Rumor has it that if your body needs the nutrients found in wheatgrass, it will taste sweeter, as opposed to bitter. Perhaps that’s the body’s way of cushioning the blow to ensure the healthy habit continues!

Although the appeal of wheatgrass is undeniable with a laundry list of glowing benefits of ingestion, the price of a shot at your local juice or smoothie shop can be a turn-off. At my local smoothie bar, a single shot comes in at $3 a pop and a double shot at a whopping $5, which can be a very hard shot to swallow.

Many people grow their own sprouts, and I can see why. With user friendly  growing kits ranging in prices that accommodate all budgets, it only makes sense. 877myjuicer.com has a vast array of wheatgrass kits for the novice to the expert grower. The Wheatgrass Growing Kit is the best bang for the novice buck. This kit comes complete with seeds, growing trays, fertilizer, a complete instruction sheet and more, all for an amazing price. Spending $10 per week ($40 per month) visiting my local juice shop for my wheatgrass shots seems foolish, when for a one time fee of $39.99 I could be growing my own grass.

When broken down like that, it makes much more financial sense – allowing me to forget about money and focus on enjoying my wheatgrass. So simple; and I love simple solutions.