Believe it or not, that tiny little one-ounce shot of wheatgrass juice contains a powerhouse of vitality increasing elements including enzymes, water, oxygen, protein, phyto-chemicals, chlorophyll, carotenoids, fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and trace minerals. You drink one shot and KAMBOOM…it’s like a “chlorophyl’ed” punch to the face! A host of life enhancing nutrients jump starts your system. Many who’ve sampled a shot can attest to the instant jolt of energy they experience. Wheatgrass and its cousin, Barely Grass, are now popular mainstays as juices and powders throughout many health food stores and juice bars. This Superfood, with its myriad of easily assimilated life enhancing properties, could quite possibly be considered a dietary essential.
All of the amino acids and basic proteins are contained within wheatgrass. Through the juicing process, the grass is broken down, making it easier to digest and raising enzyme activity. Wheatgrass juice has high alpha and beta carotene contents, precursors of vitamin A, which have significant immune enhancing properties, including the promotion of T-cells. High levels of anti-oxidants, such as these carotenoids, are associated with a reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. These grasses are an abundance source of antioxidants Vitamins C and Vitamin E, the latter in the water soluble form of a-tocopherol succinate; which has the ability to increase production of prolactin and growth hormone in the pituitary gland. Dr. Shibamoto, of the University of California, discovered a powerful new antioxidant in barley grass juice, called 2”-0-GIV, an iso-flavonoid that is soluble in both water and fats. This means it is capable of permeating both the fat and aqueous cell membranes in order to fully protect the cell from the damaging effects of oxidation. In the words of Shibamoto, “2”-0-GIV is more potent than vitamins E and C, but when taken with them, the effects are profound.” Barley and wheatgrass juices contain all three nutrients in good quantity.
Some other healthful benefits of wheatgrass juice include its ability to purify and rebuild the blood, increasing hemoglobin production. It purges the liver, cleanses the colon, and heals the intestinal walls. It chelates heavy metals out of our cells, detoxifies cellular fluid, has anti-inflammatory actions, and speeds the healing of wounds. The high chlorophyll content has even been shown to provide some protection from low-level radiation from computers, televisions, microwaves, and hospital equipment such as X-rays. Experiments on guinea pigs in the 1950’s demonstrated that radiation-poisoned guinea pigs recovered when chlorophyll rich vegetables were added to their diet.
Juicing wheatgrass at home can become an easy and beneficial daily routine to incorporate. After the initial expense of the juicer, (electric models are typically $300 to $500. Manual juicers are around $100) the expense to maintain a regular wheatgrass juice habit is minimal. Wheat and Barley berries are extremely cost effective when purchased in bulk, apart from that you’ll need some shallow trays for planting and some potting soil. After soaking and sprouting for a few days in a glass jar, the berries can be laid onto a small pallet of potting soil, and watered daily until grass is about 6 inches high. Then you can cut and juice your own grass daily. Start another jar of sprouts every week or so, and keep a couple pallets going in rotation, in order to maintain a steady supply of grass. It is recommended that most people start out with no more than two ounces a day, and then gradually increase the amount on a weekly basis, if desired. If you do not particularly care for the taste of the grass by itself, you may add celery, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, or other sprouts, such as sunflowers or pea shoots. It’s best to keep only green veggies in the mix. For maximum benefit, take the juice on an empty stomach and wait at least thirty minutes before eating any other foods. Some nausea may occur as part of the detox process, in most cases, diluting the juice with water or other vegetable juices, or decreasing the amount will ease this. An alternative to fresh juice is powered forms of wheat and barley grass. There are many excellent supplements that process the grasses in such a way as to protect as much of the structural integrity of this superfood as possible. This powder may be taken in water, or added to juices and smoothies.
As always these recommendations are not a substitution for competent care from a health professional. Please address any serious health concerns to a certified caregiver that you trust. The next time you enjoy a shot of wheat grass juice, toast to your health, this is one shot you won’t live to regret the next day.
References:
1.) Meyerowitz, Steve. Juice Fasting and Detoxification: Use the Healing Power of Fresh Juice to Feel Young and Look Great, sixth edition. Book Publishing Company, Summertown, TN, 2002
2.) Safron, Jeremy. The Fasting Handbook, Dining from an Empty Bowl. Celestial Arts, Berkeley, 2005
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