In the 1940’s, Anne Wigmore came to North America and introduced the wheatgrass diet, a program that advocated the consumption of wheat grass juice, as well as avoiding all meats, dairy products, and cooked foods. This movement eventually resulted in wheatgrass shots being promoted in juice bars and in health food stores across North America. So what are the healing benefits of wheatgrass, and why should you consider it?
Wheatgrass nutritional profile
Wheatgrass is an amazing host to a wide variety of potent and necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Like any food, the way it is grown, when it is harvested, and how it is prepared is of the utmost importance in order to get the most nutritional value.
In the case of wheatgrass, it is best to expose it only to indirect sunlight and harvest it right at the jointing stage when it is at its sweetest. Wheatgrass can also easily become contaminated with mold due to it’s tightly bound roots in moist soil, so to inhibit this process, keep a gentle breeze blowing, keep humidity low, and reducing the quantity of seed so the growth is less dense.
If you or the producer of your wheatgrass gets this right, then the following nutrients you will find in any wheatgrass will be at their peak:
An exceptional source of B-vitamins, particularly B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6
A rich source of vitamin E and a quality source of vitamin A and C
An unbelievable source of manganese
A solid source of zinc
Rich in copper and iron
Contains dozens of trace minerals and 17 amino acids
An excellent source of chlorophyll and enzymes
With these kinds of nutrients readily available in a shot of fresh wheatgrass, you can expect some significant healing benefits by consuming it on a regular basis.
Healing action of wheatgrass
If you decide to use wheatgrass you need to be very careful as excessive amounts can create a healing crisis that could make you very sick. It is very detoxifying and should not be consumed every day for long periods of time. When first starting wheatgrass you should only use one ounce 1-2 times a day, gradually working up to two ounces.
So what kind of healing benefits can you expect from consuming wheatgrass regularly?
Builds healthy blood
Treats various skin conditions from internal and external use, like eczema, acne, and insect bites
Stops growth and development of unfriendly bacteria
Helps remove drug deposits from the body
Fights tumours and neutralizes toxins
Helps purify the liver
Improves blood sugar problems
Increases function of the heart
Helps eliminate toothaches and improves oral health
Helps keep hair from going gray
Improves digestive issues
Improves arthritis
Relieve constipation
Can remove heavy metals
Lessens effects of radiation
Due to the potency of this highly medicinal plant, you do need to exercise caution when taking it in any form, especially in the beginning. Keep in mind that wheatgrass is gluten free as it is cut before the grain forms.
How to use wheatgrass in your diet
Wheatgrass comes in many forms but is mainly consumed through fresh juice or a green superfood powder, which often contains other alkalizing and medicinal ingredients.
If you do choose to make your own, be sure to take note of the tips above and to get a slow masticating juicer in order to extract the juice effectively. Otherwise, it may be best to get it a few days a week from a local juice bar that you trust.
An easier but also highly beneficial format is through a dried superfood powder like the Health Ranger’s Organic Wheat Grass Powder.