Wheatgrass
Discover the Health Benefits of Juicing Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is the sprout of the hard wheat berry. Made popular by Ann Wigmore and the Hippocrates Institute in the 1970s, one ounce of wheatgrass juice packs an unbelievable nutritional punch.
The sprout stage of any food is full of life and vitality. The dormant seed has been thrust into life and growth.
Consider the size and strength of many mammals whose primary food source is grass; bison, cows and elephants. These animals have developed a digestive system that can handle the fiber in grasses; humans on the other hand must juice it or chew it and discard the fibers.
The Nutritional Content of Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass contains over 100 nutrients and because they are from a whole food, they are easily assimilated by the body. It contains the same amount of vitamin C as citrus fruit, about the same amount of vitamin A as dark leafy green vegetables, B vitamins and vitamin E which is ten times more absorbable than synthetic versions. As for minerals, it contains calcium, iron, a healthy amount of sodium, potassium, magnesium and other trace minerals.
Wheatgrass contains more protein per ounce than beef as well as all 8 essential amino acids. These amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be consumed in our diet.
Wheatgrass contains 97 enzymes which help with many functions and systems of the body.
Finally, the key component of wheatgrass that makes it a superfood is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll uses the sun's energy to create food energy in plants; without this amazing protein compound we would not be able to sustain human life on earth. Chlorophyll is also structurally similar to hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen in the blood. Wheatgrass can therefore help oxygenate the blood and is very healing to the body.
How to Get the Health Benefits of Wheatgrass
The easiest way to consume wheatgrass is to juice it. This requires a masticating style juicer that presses the juice out of the grass. There are manual and electric versions of these juicers.
Without a juicer you can purchase shots of wheatgrass at your local juice bar or health food store. It is recommended to consume the juice within minutes of juicing before the juice oxidizes and loses its nutritional value.
You can purchase fully grown wheatgrass, however it can be expensive. The most economical way to purchase wheatgrass is to buy the hard wheat berries and grow it yourself.
Here is what equipment you need and how to get started.
- Sprouting jar
- A growing tray 2-3 inches high with drainage holes
- Organic soil
Start by sprouting the hard wheat berries in the sprouting jar. You will need 1/2 cup of wheat berries. Begin by soaking them for 12 hours and then rinse them twice a day until they begin to sprout.
Line the growing tray with 1 inch of organic soil. Spread the sprouts over the soil evenly. Cover the sprouts with a little more soil. Place in a partially sunny area but not direct sunlight. In about 7-10 days the grass will be ready to harvest and juice. You will get another smaller growth after the first cut. After the second cut you can compost the soil and start again.
Reference - The Wheatgrass Book Ann Wigmore
Wheatgrass Juice
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