What is wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is a close relative of wheat, yet the two plants couldn’t be further apart on the health spectrum. While the gluten intolerance and carb consciousness health waves are making wheat a less popular dietary choice in a society plagued with weight and health epidemics, the vitamin and enzyme rich juice from wheatgrass is quickly becoming the side order of choice in juice bars worldwide. Put simply, wheatgrass is a pure energy source that is readily absorbed into the blood stream, enabling more rapid uptake of its vitamins and minerals.
What’s In wheatgrass Anyway?
Wheatgrass contains high levels of vitamin C, provitamin A, the B vitamins, and vitamin E. Provitamin A (carotene) is converted into vitamin A in the intestines, and is therefore harmless at any dosage, unlike the vitamin A found in animal sources or synthetic forms. The E vitamin found in wheatgrass is also at least ten times more easily assimilated in the body than synthetic E. In synthesis, this group of essential vitamins aid in maintaining healthy skin, high bone density, immune system and organ functioning, as well as overall mental and physical health.
Wheatgrass also contains a number of minerals, including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and trace minerals such as selenium and zinc. Synthetic or inorganic minerals are required in doses up to twenty times greater than organic minerals in order to be effectively absorbed in the body, making wheatgrass a good candidate for healthy doses of these minerals in organic form. The minerals found in wheatgrass assist in regulation of eliminatory processes in the body, as well as maintaining a balanced pH level of the blood and overall health.
Where do I get my hit?
A well as the vitamins and minerals, wheatgrass also contains chlorophyll. The molecular structures of haemoglobin and chlorophyll are very similar, so it’s no surprise that wheatgrass is so readily absorbed into our bloodstream! And due to this rapid absorption, the enzymes in wheatgrass can get straight to work on cleansing and rebuilding our blood cells. This is why many people feel ‘high’ soon after ingesting wheatgrass juice. Pure energy!
Since enzymes are destroyed in cooking and drying, the most effective way to consume wheatgrass is by juicing the week-old wheatgrass shoots. Chewing on the shoots might prove a little difficult since wheatgrass contains high cellulose levels, making it indigestible. Consuming wheatgrass in powdered form will still give you the vitamins and minerals, but if you’re looking for the energy hit as well, head to your local juice bar and get into it! Or invest in a wheatgrass juicer and grow your own. wheatgrass shoots only take a week to reach juicing maturity. An instant power up at your fingertips!!
