Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is one of the most effective natural health supplements available, because it heals, alkalises, detoxifies and energises our bodies. It is packed full of nutrients, including essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytonutrients and all the essential amino acids. It also contains chlorophyll, which is a potent antioxidant and acts as a natural detoxifying agent, helping purify the blood and regenerate the liver.
Wheatgrass is the leafy growth of the young wheat plant (Triticum aestivum). Although wheat has been used as a cereal crop for millennia, this part of the plant has only been consumed by humans since agricultural research into its effectiveness as a dietary supplement in the 1930s. There is a growing body of evidence to support the benefits of consuming Wheatgrass – benefits that range from better digestion to improvements in blood pressure.
Wheatgrass contains just 10-15 calories per teaspoon, with no fat or cholesterol. It is an excellent source of protein, providing around one gram of protein per teaspoon. Wheatgrass protein contains 19 of the 22 amino acids, including all of the eight essential amino acids (those the body can't make for itself). It is thus an excellent source of protein for vegans, who often lack it in their diets.
Wheatgrass is also rich in vitamins, including A, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, B12, C, E and K. It is richer in vitamin C than orange, and twice as abundant in vitamin A as carrot. It also contains chlorophyll, a potent detoxification agent. Research suggests that the bioavailable chlorophyll found in Wheatgrass can protect us from carcinogens by detoxifying the liver and bloodstream and strengthening cells. The liver is our main detoxification organ, and the chlorophyll in wheatgrass helps to stimulate and regenerate it. Wheatgrass thus helps the body to neutralize many of the pollutants that enter it.
Health benefits of Wheatgrass
Regular Wheatgrass consumers report a wide range of benefits, including:
• Improved skin and hair, including conditions such as dandruff and eczema
• Improved digestive system
• Better muscle and endurance building
• Improved infection resistance
• Better menopause control
• Relief of blood sugar disorders
• Protection against diabetes and heart disease
• Lowered blood pressure
• Help fighting tumors
• Easier elimination of body and breath odors
• Protection against tooth decay
• Purification of the liver
• Elimination of heavy metals from the bloodstream
• Active appetite suppression
• Improved energy
• Improved overall health and wellbeing
Scientific research lags behind the experiential evidence for Wheatgrass’ beneficial effects. However, research so far has produced encouraging results regarding disorders of the blood and digestive tract. Rainforest Foods Wheatgrass is sourced from an organic farm in Canterbury, New Zealand. The entire process is organically certified, and allows a high proportion of the plant’s original nutritional value to be retained. Organic production and processing helps retain the product’s vitamin B12 content, which is a byproduct of microorganisms on the plant rather than part of the growth structure.
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