The Green Superfoods: Wheatgrass

17th October 2016 Lenka Pagan

“Take care of your body, it is the only place you have to live.”

Jim Rohn

Continuing on from last week’s article I would now like to talk about wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) and its numerous health benefits. In case you have not read my last week’s article, you can read it here.
Besides barley grass, my son and I also consume wheatgrass in both forms: fresh juice and powder form.

Health benefits of wheatgrass

Wheatgrass contains a great amount of many vitamins and minerals! To name just a few: vitamins A, B complex (including B5, B12), C and E, minerals such as iron, zinc, cobalt, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, sodium, as well as essential enzymes, chlorophyll, protein and many more.

Wheatgrass has huge alkalising benefits. In our society, acidity is a common problem due to our exposure to toxins and consumption of processed foods. Disease, bacteria and parasites thrive in an acidic environment so drink wheatgrass daily to keep them at bay.

What is the difference between fresh juice and powder?

Wheatgrass juice can also be called the “Liquid Sunshine” because of its very high content of chlorophyll. There are many people who consume wheatgrass juice on its own, but unfortunately, I am one of those people who find it unpalatable on its own and therefore I have to mix it with other fresh juices.

I grow my own wheatgrass on my kitchen windowsill. It grows super quick – just a few days until it can be harvested – and once cut, it can grow again and again. Wheatgrass can only be juiced using a gear juicer (I use Green Star Juicer) or special juicer for wheatgrass.

To be bale to grow a good quality wheatgrass, make sure you buy good quality seeds for sprouting. They should be organic and/or free from agro-chemicals. I usually get mine from www.Tree-harvest.com or www.Zbera.com.

In order to get the most health benefits of this “liquid sunshine”, consume it in its fresh juice form. About 2 oz of juice twice a day will provide you with enough energy for the whole day.

The other form of wheatgrass is in powder form. It is easier to use, convenient and lasts longer – making it a great alternative if you’re travelling. A 250g packet of wheatgrass powder lasts me for about 2-3 months when consuming 2-3 servings a day.

Powdered wheatgrass is usually consumed with water or you could add it to your smoothie – see recipe at the end.

Again, in order to get the most nutrients out of this green powder, make sure you buy a good quality organic and unprocessed powder.

28 Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

1. Cleanses the liver

2. Brilliant detoxifier

3. Neutralising toxins and external pollutants

4. Reduces fatigue

5. Suppresses appetite, relieving your body of cravings – great for weight control

6. Stimulates circulation

7. Improves digestion

8. Prevents tooth decay and relieves toothache

9. Contributes to red blood cell development – a great blood builder

10. Treats skin wounds
11. Lowers high blood pressure
12. Treats arthritis
13. Can be use as body deodorant
14. Supports healthy skin, hair and nail
15. Nourishes the body
16. Supports mental and physical performance
17. Strengthens your immune system
18. Increases vitality
19. Creates an alkaline environment
20. Reduces inflammation
21. Regulates blood sugar
22. Supports fertility
23. Improves sleep
24. Fights and prevents cancer
25. Very high in chlorophyll (70%)
26. Helps in reducing/eliminating bad breath and body odour
27. Helps to prevent yeast and bacterial growth
28. It is suitable for diabetics

Purple Smoothie

3 cups of coconut milk
1 cup of frozen raspberries
1 cup of frozen blueberries
1 cup of spinach
1 teaspoon of wheatgrass powder
Optional: 1tsp of chia seeds

Blend all ingredients in a blender. Enjoy 🙂

For more information, have a look at my eBook ‘Healing Beverages’ at https://lenkapagan.com/downloads/healing-beverages/ where you can learn about the benefits of and step-by-step guide to juicing and other nutritious beverages that are great for your health.