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The Wonders of Wheatgrass for Better Health

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Wheatgrass, the young grass of the common wheat plant, is a phytonutrient (or plant nutrient) that has been slated to be a “super supplement” in terms of its health benefits.  Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll and a host of healthful amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes.  It can be juiced fresh for the most health benefit or dried and made into a powder or tablet.  Unlike wheat flour which is a grain, wheatgrass is a vegetable and does not contain gluten which can sometimes cause allergies.  In fact, wheatgrass contains properties which are anti-allergenic in most people.  It generates a sweet tasting juice, which is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll to be found.

As the foundation of all plant life, chlorophyll is thought to have many curative properties. Research suggests that chlorophyll:

• Stops the development of unfriendly bacteria
• Rebuilds and purifies the bloodstream which helps to combat anemia
• Rich in magnesium which boosts sex hormones
• Neutralizes toxins in the body
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels
• Aids in the break down of kidney stones
• Reduces varicose veins
• Helps prevent tooth decay
• Controls chronic sinusitis and inflammation of the inner ear
• Treats acne and impetigo

Wheatgrass is a complete protein which offers at least 17 healthy amino acids including lysine, aspartic acid, and serine to name a few.  These amino acids are thought to benefit many parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, liver, sex organs, muscles and thyroid.

A rich, natural source of antioxidants, wheatgrass is chock full of vitamin A (carotene), the full spectrum of B vitamins, and vitamins C and E. These vitamins  help wipe out dangerous free radicals that affect the body’s immune system.

Powerful enzymes found in wheatgrass like protease, amylase and lipase work to enhance digestion, tone the heart muscle, slow aging and detoxify the liver.

You can find wheatgrass in fresh, powdered and pill form, at most smoothie bars and in some juices available at your local grocery.  Among the many wheatgrass products on the market today are wheatgrass grow kits, juicers and a variety of recipe books.  Try making a wheatgrass smoothie at home for a healthful, invigorating treat!

A Healthy Taste of the Tropics – Serves Two

• 8 ice cubes
• 2 bananas
• 1 cup fresh, cubed pineapple
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup vanilla soy milk
• 2-3 inch round of fresh wheatgrass or 2 servings of wheatgrass powder

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse for 30 seconds.  Switch to the highest speed for 30 more seconds, and enjoy this healthy and thirst-quenching drink!