Wheatgrass isn’t new on the nutritional superfood list, but what is wheatgrass exactly? Wheatgrass is a young wheat plant harvested before the wheat kernel grows. It is a nutrient dense food, which has become very popular in recent years and is available in online stores, health food shops and even juice bars and cafés.
Green Power From Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass contains twelve amino acids, eight of which are essential to the human body. Other essential nutrients include: vitamins A, E, and B-12, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium and zinc. It also contains anti-oxidants and chlorophyll which produces the green color.
But is wheatgrass gluten free? Wheatgrass is gluten free, since the juice is created from the grass and not the seed or “kernel” of the wheat plant, which is where gluten is present.
Health benefits of wheatgrass
Due to the anti-oxidant properties of wheatgrass, it provides protection from free radicals which are known to cause damage to the cells of the body. Free radical activity contributes to the aging process.
The chlorophyll found in wheatgrass is very similar to our body’s own hemoglobin, which helps the blood carry oxygen. Chlorophyll cleanses the liver, tissues and cells, purifies the blood in our bodies, and can help in removing harmful toxins that the body stores. Another superfood, spirulina, is also rich in chlorophyll. Wheatgrass and spirulina are both effective liver cleansers.
Many people who take wheatgrass report improvements in their digestion. A study in Israel even found that wheatgrass significantly reduces the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Other ways wheatgrass is used:
- As a skin cleanser
- For sore throats
- To prevent tooth decay
- To heal wounds
- To heal psoriasis and other skin conditions
- To clear up sinusitis
- To reduce varicose veins
- To ease the symptoms of menopause
- To clear up gum disease
- As an antiseptic
How Wheatgrass Chlorophyl Works
Studies have suggested that vegetables that are rich in chlorophyll (a chemical compound that provides a plants’ green hue) helps in the body’s natural detoxification process.
The natural supplement is a splendidly beneficial food in terms of detoxifying and cleansing the body. It is a rich source of carotene and vitamins B, C, E, which are very effective in destroying free radicals and cleansing the body. It is known for its ability to cleanse the organs, gastrointestinal tract and blood.
Since it is high in saponin, green-blood grass provides great support to the lymphatic system, helping to eliminate a huge number of toxins from the body’s cells.
It detoxifies the body by speeding up the elimination of decaying fecal matter, hardened mucous and crystallized acids. It is the surest and swiftest method to eliminate internal waste and render an optimum nutritional environment.
It cleanses the colon, detoxifies the liver and wipes out toxins from the body.
Healing Miracles With Wheatgrass
Relief from Inflammation and Pain
By reducing and eliminating general inflammation, this incredible supplement causes substantial relief from common body aches and pains – preserving the body’s natural ability to thrive and stay healthy.
pH Balance
As an alkaline food supplement, it helps to balance the body’s pH and restore favorable alkalinity.
Stimulation of Thyroid Gland & Metabolism
It stimulates thyroid glands and hence speeds up the metabolism. This helps overcome indigestion, obesity and other ailments related to slow metabolisms.
Lowers Blood Pressure
It dilates the blood vessels and helps lower blood pressure.
Great for Hair
- Repairs damage and reduces gray hair
- Helps repair damaged hair and can turn gray hair back to its normal color
- You can utilize it on your scalp to get rid of dandruff and provide relief from itchy scalp
Treats Skin Problems
- It offers remedies to numerous skin issues and provides the youthful glow to your skin
- Applying a paste of green-blood grass powder with milk can treat freckles and acnes
- It is marvelous for treating and soothing sunburns, boils, rashes, scrapes, burns, insect bites, athlete’s foot and minor cuts.
Super Green Wheatgrass Recipes
Wheatgrass recipes are growing in popularity as more and more people try to incorporate the superfood into their diet. While most tend to drink the juice of the wheatgrass, others need to find a way to hide its strong flavor. Adding wheatgrass to your smoothie is a terrific way to avoid the taste but still get the benefits.
Apple Carrot Wheatgrass Juice
Ingredients:
1. bunch of fresh wheatgrass
3. carrots
2. apples
Directions:
Run all ingredients through a juicer. Add ice or drink as is.
As you can see, wheatgrass has many uses and important health benefits. It is thought that by using wheatgrass in your diet, you can fill in the nutrient gap content you may not be getting from the more common plants found in our diets
Orange Banana Wheatgrass Smoothie
Ingredients:
1. bunch of fresh wheatgrass
2. 1 ripe banana
3. 1 orange, peeled
4. 1 cup water
5. Ice
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients into a high speed blender
2. Blend until smoothie reaches desired consistency.
A Little About Wheatgrass Side Effects
Due to the large amount of chlorophyll that is found in wheatgrass, one of the most common side effects is nausea due to the detoxification of the body. The nausea may also be caused by the taste of the juice itself. Due to the detoxification, headaches and dizziness may also accompany the nausea, but over time the symptoms will fade as the body detoxes more and more.
Another common side effect of using wheatgrass is diarrhea, which is often brought on by consuming too much wheatgrass in a short amount of time. The nutrients in wheatgrass are potent, and overdosing on the drink can cause the body to have issues digesting it properly.
The best course of action here is to start slow, building up your body’s reaction and tolerance to the drink.
Source & Original Article at:
http://www.wakingtimes.com/2015/10/21/the-ultimate-guide-to-transforming-your-health-with-the-superfood-wheatgrass/
