FOOD OF THE GODS: WHEATGRASS

Food of the Gods: Wheatgrass

by Jeffrey Spruill 2013 All rights reserved

DISCLAIMER Information provided by this e-book is meant to assist you in understanding the healthbenefits of wheatgrass and to guide you in growing your own wheatgrass at home. Theauthor strived to be as accurate as possible in the creation of this publication, butalthough pieces of advice and information in this book are based on trustful sources,the author is not responsible for health issues resulting from using the recipes orproducts listed in this book. Purpose of this book is not to promote natural treatments based on wheatgrass but toeducate the reader and to provide general health information and practical advice forgrowing the grass on your own. None of the recipes or products mentioned in thisbook should be used without clearance from your health care provider or physician, asits your responsibility to know the health state of your body and to avoid products orpractices that could alter your health.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

You do not have the permission to copy, resell, redistribute, auction or give awaycopies of this e-book in electronic or physical format. No part of this publication maybe transcribed, transmitted, reproduced or translated into any language without thepermission of the author. You are allowed to print a copy of this publication for your personal use and to copythe .pdf file of the book to a CD or back-up drive for your own use. Do not getyourself in trouble by distributing this e-book illegally, after receiving it.

CONTENTS

Introduction 5

Chapter One Getting familiar with wheatgrass 6 1.1 What is wheatgrass? 6 1.2 What are the health benefits of wheatgrass? 8 1.3 Potential side effects of wheatgrass consumption 18 1.4 External uses of wheatgrass 19

Chapter Two Wheatgrass as food 21

2.1 How to incorporate wheatgrass in foods 22 2.1.1 Tips on preparing wheatgrass 23 2.1.2 Wheatgrass recipes 24

2.1.2.1 Green wheatgrass and spinach juice 242.1.2.2 Wheatgrass and carrots juice 242.1.2.3 Exotic wheatgrass juice 242.1.2.4 Sweet wheatgrass juice 252.1.2.5 Wheatgrass and strawberries juice 252.1.2.6 Classical wheatgrass and apples juice 252.1.2.7 Detoxifying wheatgrass and cranberries juice 252.1.2.8 Wheatgrass and green veggies juice 26

2.1.2.9 Vitamin-rich wheatgrass smoothie 262.1.2.10 Wheatgrass and fruits smoothie 272.1.2.11 Wheatgrass and yogurt smoothie 272.1.2.12 Wheatgrass and citrus smoothie 272.1.2.13 Wheatgrass guacamole 282.1.2.14 Wheatgrass super energy drink 282.1.2.15 Wheatgrass bread 292.1.2.16 Wheatgrass soup 292.1.2.17 Wheatgrass and muesli energy bars 29

2.2 How to grow your own wheatgrass 30 2.3 Wheatgrass products you can buy online 32 2.3.1 Wheatgrass juicer 32 2.3.2 Wheatgrass powder 32 2.3.3 Wheatgrass tablets 33 2.3.4 Gluten-free wheatgrass powder 34 2.3.5 Kit for growing wheatgrass at home 34 2.3.6 Wheatgrass grower 35 2.3.7 Wheatgrass antioxidant skin recovery cream 35

Introduction

Much appreciated by dieters for its high content of nutrients and ability toregulate hunger and to curb cravings and praised by health conscious persons for itspositive effects on ones energy levels, cardiovascular and digestive systems, skin,nervous system and reproductive organs, wheatgrass is by far one of the most popularand most nourishing super foods available on the market.

Its numerous health benefits recommend this plant as a great addition to anydiet, a single glass of freshly made wheatgrass juice being enough for boosting onesenergy levels, enhancing the mood and speeding up the metabolism for a more efficientuse of stored fats. Thanks to its extraordinary content of highly active principles,powerful antioxidants and antibacterial ingredients, this plant is able to cleanse theblood and detoxify the body, boosting ones immunity and keeping away a wide rangeof ailments.

One glass of chlorophyll-rich wheatgrass juice per day can prevent nutritionaldeficiencies, improve sleeps quality, restore ones vitality, improve the appearanceof skin and hair, enhance the functioning of liver and kidneys and rejuvenate even themost worn out and tired body!

Want to speed up the removal of toxins from your body, to strengthen yourmuscles and bones, revitalize your organism, boost your immunity or simply achieve ahealthier digestion and keep fatigue away? Wheatgrass juice, powder and tablets canbe the perfect solution for all these issues, as well as for unhealthy cravings, excessweight and ulcers, high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes, hypertension, eyeproblems, constipation, nervousness, acne, wounds and hair discoloration.

While wheatgrass is surely not the universal natural treatment able to cure all

ailments, its surely a great addition to any diet and a trustful ally for a series of healthproblems. So if you want to take advantage of its numerous health benefits, give

yourself the time to get familiar with the benefits of this plant and learn how tocorrectly grow wheatgrass at home and how to prepare juices, smoothies and otherhealthy and nourishing recipes using this superfood!

CHAPTER ONE

GETTING FAMILIAR WITH WHEATGRASS

Wheatgrass may not be as popular as other miracle foods, but its surelyamong the healthiest ones given its high content of nutrients, vitamins and minerals aswell as its poor caloric value. Despite its particular taste, considered unpleasant bysome and acceptable by others, wheatgrass does stand out among other green foodsthanks to the multiple health benefits this plant provides. Loaded with whole, live nutrients, wheatgrass boosts the immunity andenergy levels, helping the body to rid itself from waste products, excess hormones,chemicals and other toxins by itself and thus to improve its self-renewal andregeneration abilities.

Through its intense detoxifying effect, wheatgrass does support weight loss,although this shouldnt be the main reason for people to switch to this food. There areplenty of other benefits provided by wheatgrass, as well see in the next sections ofthis book, but right now lets take a closer look to what wheatgrass is and how it firstappeared on the healthy food market.

1.1 What is wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is the younger version of the regular wheat plant, scientificallycalled Triticum aestivum. Sprouted and grown for only 7-10 days, this plant givesbirth to wheatgrass.

Growing in temperate regions throughout the United States and Europe, theplant is suitable for indoor cultivation as well, this being a great advantage for healthconscious people who want to grow their own, organic foods. As well see a littlelater in this book, growing your own wheatgrass is extremely simple and requiresnothing but some qualitative seeds, an appropriate pot and water.

The green and juicy grass can be used for preparing fresh and nutrient-rich

juices as well as for producing powders and other dietary supplements meant toenhance ones overall health state through their high content of minerals and vitamins.Wheatgrass might not be the most appealing food but its definitely a very nourishingone, its effects on ones health being the main reason thousands of people choose todrink wheatgrass juice regularly.

Still, this plant hasnt always been as popular as it is nowadays. Widely used

in folk medicine for its detoxifying and immunity boosting properties, this herb wasintroduced to the modern health system by Ann Wigmore, holistic practitioner whomanaged to defeat colon cancer by relying on natural remedies only and on wheatgrassespecially.

Although her innovative approach and her credentials have been questioned atthe beginning, the miracle product she promoted soon caught the attention of numeroushealth practitioners and health conscious persons and became a sort of naturalpanacea, or health food phenomenon.

However, instructions on how to use this herb for health enhancement werent

very clear at the beginning, so people who wanted to give this plant a try relied, mostoften, on freshly squeezed juices obtained from the crushed leaves of this plant. Onlylater the plant started to be processed and turned into edible powders and dietarysupplements.

The wheatgrass itself is hard to digest and doesnt have the best taste in the

world, so the aforementioned forms - juices and powders or capsuled made fromdried leaves are probably the best choices for cleansing the body and boosting theimmune function. Still, as previously said, these arent the only benefits wheatgrassprovides to ones health.

While some people think cooking wheatgrass in any manner destroys its

nutritional content and the natural enzymes this food provides, others preferincorporating the dietary supplements in their menu and avoiding the raw plant.

Often, people who go on the so-called wheatgrass diet remove all processed

foods from their diet and only eat unprocessed products, such as fresh fruits andveggies, nuts and seeds. This can be beneficial or harmful, depending on how carefulone is with the nutrients they get from the foods they choose. Nutritional deficienciesare more likely to appear in people following restrictive and limitative diets,regardless of the type of diet we talk about.

Well get back immediately to wheatgrass and its health effects and well take

a closer look to the numerous benefits this plant provides when consumed on a regularbasis. Still, its worth saying a few words on the history of this plant, before jumpingto its effects on the human body.

Wheatgrass consumption began before Wigmores miraculous recovery and

testimonial. The history of this plant as food can be traced back over 5,000 years, to

ancient civilizations like those in Egypt and Mesopotamia, who used the leafy bladesof wheat for their health-enhancing effects. Legend says the goddess Isis broughtbarley and wheat grains in Egypt from Lebanon.

In the modern world though, the history of this plant as food begins in the early

1900s, with Charles F. Schnabel, who conducted some experiments on chickens,showing that freshly cut wheatgrass can improve the health of these birds and evenrestore the health of a dying hen and bring it back to life. Eggs produced by hens fedwith wheatgrass were bigger and more qualitative, so Schnabel considered theseeffects are the results of the amazing plant.

Although his attempt of popularizing wheatgrass as food failed, the agricultural

chemist continued to research the health-enhancing grass, his efforts being supportedby two large corporations that are still on the market today. However, Schnabel didntstop there and found the best method to market his product: he powdered the grass andstarted selling it as nutritional supplement.

In the 1940s, Dr. Charles Ketteringstarted researching the health effects of chlorophyll and discovered the amazinghealing properties of this ingredient found in high amounts in wheatgrass. In the sameperiod, Ann Wigmore did a study on the health benefits of natural grasses on thehuman body and this is when she decided that wheatgrass is the greatest of all thesenatural foods. Later on, she set up a health institute for studying the benefits of naturalfoods, institute that still exists today and studies wheat grass.

But what exactly did these scientists and researchers discover? Which were

the health benefits they associated with wheatgrass?

1.2 What are the health benefits of wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is not a miraculous, universal panacea, meaning that it cant cureall ailments and prevent all diseases, but it does have beneficial effects in numeroushealth conditions, as studies and personal testimonials showed.

Whats well known and supported by scientific arguments is that this plant is

very rich in vitamins and minerals, being a natural source of antioxidants, vitamin A,B-12, C and E, calcium, magnesium, iron and selenium, potassium and zinc. Why arethese important for ones organism?

Vitamin A Vitamin A is contained by wheatgrass in the same amounts as it appears in

dark green lettuce or carrots. This fat-soluble vitamin is involved mostly inmaintaining the health and normal functioning of skin and vision, but its also veryimportant for strong bones and immunity. Vitamin A works by helping the body to fightagainst bacteria and viruses that cause inflammations and infections, it enhances theactivity of white blood cells and has strong antioxidant properties, fighting againstcertain forms of cancer.

Also, this micronutrient enhances the elasticity of skin, rejuvenates its

appearance, reduces the risk of cataract and macular degeneration, speeds up theremoval of toxins and waste products from the body and regulates levels of bloodcholesterol. Also involved in regulating the sebum production, vitamin A decreasesthe risk of kidney stones and supports a healthy reproductive system.

This micronutrient is largely available in natural foods such as fish, meat, egg

yolks, cheddar cheese, sweet potatoes, collard greens, veggies and fruits that areorange in color, as well as in oatmeal, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, mangos, peaches,apricots and papaya fruits.

Vitamin E Vitamin E is also involved in maintaining skin healthy and in protecting it

against disorders, burns and other problems caused by prolonged exposure to sunrays.Vitamin E supports a healthier nervous system and strengthens immunity by fightingagainst free radicals. Also, it reduces the risk of Alzheimers disease, enhances theeffectiveness of vitamin K within the human organism and supports a healthydigestion.

Available in olives, hazelnuts, seeds, wheat germs, peanuts, spinach, almonds,

mustard greens, papaya, turnip greens, bell peppers, soy and prawns, thismicronutrient prevents blood clotting problems and supports the normal functioning ofliver.

Vitamin B-12 Another vitamin found in wheatgrass, vitamin B-12, preserves the structure

and function of the nervous cells, protects the lungs against the harmful effects ofsmoking, stimulates the synthesis of red blood cells and contributes to healthierkidneys. Also, this vitamin protects the liver, prevents skin and mouth ulcers andcontributes to higher energy levels.

Vitamin B12 can be incorporated in ones diet through supplements or foods,

the best natural sources of this micronutrient being meat, salmon, cod, eggs andcheese, milk, yeasts and fortified cereals or grains.

Vitamin C Vitamin C, found in wheatgrass in the same amounts as in citrus fruits, works

by promoting the synthesis of collagen inside the body and thus by sustaining the healthof skin, ligaments, tendons, cartilages and blood vessels, all of them made of collagenfibers. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and sustains the health of the cardiovascularsystem, prevents arthritis and fights against the negative effects of free radicals.

Vitamin C can be taken from Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, sweet potatoes,

broccoli, asparagus, peppers, cabbage, citrus fruits and plantain. This micronutrientreduces the risk of cerebrovascular disease, prevents scurvy and its widely used allover the world as natural remedy for common cold.

Calcium Calcium is the most important mineral provided by wheatgrass, an essential

micronutrient for healthy bones and for the entire locomotor system. It ensures a goodposture, reduces the risk of fractures and strengthens teeth. Also, calcium keepscholesterol levels under control, regulates the cardiac rhythm and keeps the bloodpressure in normal limits.

Other benefits of this mineral are the reduced risk of blood clotting problems,

a restful sleep, a more efficient transport of nutrients to cells as well as the preventionof menstrual cramps and pain. Calcium is needed for healthy kidneys and muscles, forpreventing colon cancer and keeping acidity levels under control. Great sources ofcalcium are oranges, leafy green veggies, fortified cereals and crackers, yogurt, milkand cheese, dairy products made of whole milk, sardines and canned salmon or,obviously, wheatgrass.

Iron

Iron strengthens the immunity, combats free radicals and prevents tiredness,

weakness, concentration problems and moodiness caused by anemia or irondeficiency.

Found in meat, fish and eggs, oats, wheat and other whole grains, leafy

veggies, beans and dried fruits, iron is essential for the production of hemoglobininside the organism and thus for keeping the normal functioning of blood and thecardiovascular system. Given that hemoglobin transports oxygen to cells, iron is alsoresponsible for the good oxygenation of tissues.

The mineral regulates the body temperature, keeps the skin healthy and

youthful, stimulates the production of myoglobin compound involved in musclecontractions and stimulates the metabolism, sustaining weight loss.

Magnesium Magnesium is important for maintaining the normal heart rate, for keeping

muscles working properly and for a healthy appetite and digestion. Also, it is involvedin preventing osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, in lowering the risk ofdiabetes and relieving pain. Magnesium is beneficial for asthma sufferers and peopledealing with sleep disorders and prevents symptoms of depression. Good natural sources of magnesium are pumpkin seeds, whole grains, leafyveggies and sea vegetables, lima beans, sweet potatoes, artichoke, peanuts, oats,cornmeal, tomatoes and beet greens.

Selenium

Selenium is able to reduce the risk of inflammatory processes by combating

free radicals and regulates the transport of electrical signals between cells. Also, itsupports the immune function, slows down the occurrence of the typical signs of aging,maintains the elasticity of tissues and keeps the thyroid gland working properly,

preventing abnormal weight gain at the same time.

Potassium Potassium, available in large amounts in wheatgrass, is responsible for the

normal functioning of nerves and muscles, for maintaining proper water levels insidemuscles, blood and other organs, for preventing ailments caused by an alteredelectrolyte balance as well as for stimulating the removal of toxins from the body.

Zinc Zinc is very important for a healthy skin, being involved in the prevention of

acne and eczema as well as in delaying the occurrence of aging signs. Zinc preventsthe buildup of toxins, accelerates cells recovery and growth, strengthens the immunesystem, sustains the synthesis of proteins inside the body and keeps the alkalinity of theorganisms internal environment.

Available in beef, lamb, pork and chicken, in legumes, lentils, peas and

peanuts, zinc accelerates the healing of wounds, ensures healthy hair, skin and eyes,regulates the male hormone activity and is involved in the normal development of thereproductive system.

Besides these minerals and vitamins, wheatgrass also provides important

amounts of essential amino acids, which are required by the organism for synthesizingproteins, and live enzymes, which are involved in numerous bodily functions but areonly active when wheatgrass is consumed uncooked. Then, chlorophyll is also presentin wheatgrass in important amounts, this ingredient being a great source of energy, justlike glucose, the other component of wheatgrass thats responsible for the energy boostthis food provides and for the plants sweet taste.

While all the mentioned vitamins and minerals can be taken from other foods

also, wheatgrass has the great advantage of providing large amounts of these nutrientsin one food only. So instead of eating a large amount of foods for taking all thesenutrients, you can simply add one glass of wheatgrass juice to your daily diet and

obtain the same health effects!

1 ounce (28 grams) of wheatgrass contains 120 calories, which might seemhigh when compared with green leafy veggies for example. Still, its not the caloriesthat count this time but the nutritional value of one serving of wheatgrass: each ounceof this plant provides 8 grams of proteins, 16 grams of carbohydrates of which 8grams are fibers and absolutely no fats.

One serving of wheatgrass provides 12,000 UI of vitamin A, 56 mg of vitamin

C, 2.56 g of vitamin E, 0.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 and low amounts of vitamin K andother vitamins in the B-family. In what concerns the mineral content of this plant, 28grams of wheatgrass provide 120 mg of calcium, 31 mg of magnesium, 64 mg of iron,496 mg of zinc, 13.6 mg of cooper, 28 mcg of selenium and 824 mg of potassium aswell as phosphorus and manganese in low amounts.

Being loaded with such important nutrients, wheatgrass is obviously a great

addition to any diet, but what about the proven health benefits of this plant? Are therestudies to support the effectiveness of this herb?

Good news is there are enough published studies and lots of researchers and

health practitioners sustaining the positive effects wheatgrass has when used regularly,so if youre still unsure whether to try this herbal food or not, here are some studiesthat might help you in making a decision:

A study published in 2002 showed 21 patients with ulcerative colitis inflammation of the colon managed to achieve relief from their symptoms bydrinking wheatgrass juices on a daily basis.

One of the first studies done on the health benefits of wheatgrass, in 1978,conducted by Dr. Arthur Robinson from the Oregon Institute of Science andMedicine, showed that the plant decreased the incidence of cancer lesions inmice by 75%.

Another study taken by Dr. Thelma Arthur from the Arthur TestingLaboratory showed that regular consumption of wheatgrass helps in detoxifyingthe blood and boosting the immune function.

In a study published in the Journal of the Australian Traditional MedicineSociety, doctors Wheat, Coulter and Currie showed that wheatgrass poultice canbe used for treating skin damaged caused by radiation, in cancer sufferers.

A study taken in 2006 and published in the Phytotherapy Research journalshowed that wheatgrass has strong antioxidant properties, inhibiting the harmfuleffects of cellular oxidative processes and helping in the prevention of variousconditions.

Dr. Bar-Sela, Dr. Tsalic. Dr. Fried and Dr. Goldberg from the division ofoncology of the Rambam Medical Center in Istrael published a study, in 2007,showing that wheatgrass juice improves bloods composition and reduces thetoxicity associated with chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Dr. Bernard Jensen, a renowned nutritionist, published his book HealthMagic Through Chlorophyll, in which he talks about the positive benefits ofwheatgrass juice on building red blood cells and improving the composition andquality of blood. Dr. Yosuo Hotta from the University of California has proven the ability ofenzymes found in wheatgrass to support the natural repair of the human DNA andreproductive cells.

Lots of other studies have been conducted for testing the effects of wheatgrass

on various conditions. From a very long time, wheatgrass has been used fordetoxifying the body, as already mentioned. Also, it has been used for treating and

combating constipation, digestive ailments, for relieving symptoms of colds, flu andfever, cough and various skin conditions. Given below are the most commonlyreported benefits of wheatgrass, explained for your understanding:

The energy boosting effect Wheatgrass is efficient in making one more alert and in increasing energy levelsthanks to its high content of nutrients that stimulate the production of hemoglobin,enhancing the oxygenation of cells as well as the transport of nutrients to organs. By ensuring a healthier composition of blood, wheatgrass restores the normalalkalinity of the body, helping it in using its internal sources of energy moreefficiently. This boosts the metabolism and the energy levels, so wheatgrass canbe an excellent ally for people dealing with tiredness, increased stress levels,moodiness, low energy levels, depression and other similar problems. The immunity enhancing effect This organic food is excellent in strengthening the immune system through its highcontent of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Being highly anti-bacterial andvery efficient in fighting against free radicals, wheatgrass is a great solution forstopping infections, helping the organism recover from inflammatory conditions,for speeding up healing of wounds and scars, treating ear infections and sinusitis. By contributing to the detoxification of the body, wheatgrass supports theremoval of toxins and waste products from blood and lymph therefore makes theinternal environment cleaner and healthier. A cleansed blood means a moreeffective delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells and thus a stronger organism.Additionally, chlorophyll found in wheatgrass protects against pollutants andcarcinogens. The detoxifying action

Wheatgrass has powerful cleansing effects, thehigh content of carotene, vitamin C, E and B in this plant being responsible fordestroying free radicals. In case youre not familiar with what free radicals are,its good to know that these compounds arise normally during metabolicreactions and a healthy organism is usually able to handle them perfectly. Still,when immunity is weaker due to the lack of antioxidants form the body, freeradicals can be produced in excessive amounts. When this happens, free radicals start destroying healthy cells and molecules asthey try to achieve a more stable conformation. Free radicals are molecules withunpaired electrons, thus theyre very unstable and react quite quickly with othercompounds, trying to steal electrons from their neighbors. Antioxidants prevent these chain reactions, neutralizing free radicals; still,pollution, smoke, radiation, viruses and bacteria as well as herbicides and othersuch chemicals can stimulate the production of these harmful compounds insidethe body.

Fortunately, wheatgrass contains high amounts of antioxidants therefore it cansuccessfully fight against these damaging molecules. And not only doeswheatgrass cleanse the blood, but it also stimulates the removal of toxins andwaste products from the gastrointestinal tract and from the lymph. Wheatgrass is rich in saponin, a compound that stimulates the lymph flow,helping the body flush out toxins that accumulate in the lymphatic system. The beneficial effects on digestion Wheatgrass not only provides important doses of nutrients vitamins,minerals, enzymes and amino acids, but works by restoring the normal bacterialflora inside the digestive tract, which means it can regulate the intestinal transitand prevent bad bacteria overgrowth. Its well known that overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria and the spreading of theseharmful microorganisms inside the body leads to numerous health conditions,from less severe digestive problems to more complex infectious processes thatcan seriously alter ones health state. Then, by stimulating the removal of toxins and debris from the digestive tract,wheatgrass actually improves the absorption of nutrients through the mucousmembrane lining the intestines therefore sustains a healthier digestion. By helpingthe body get more vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs, fibers and fats from theeaten foods, wheatgrass boosts the overall health state as it creates a healthierinternal environment and a stronger organism. Supports weight loss A direct consequence of the previously mentioned benefit is the positive effectwheatgrass has on ones body weight. When people dont get enough nutrientsfrom foods, their energy levels drop and thus cravings for sugar and unhealthyfoods appear, as the body asks for additional energy sources. This leads to overeating and weight gain, so a great strategy for preventing theaccumulation of unnecessary pounds is to get rid of substances in the digestivetract that prevent nutrients from being absorbed. As showed before, wheatgrass isable to do this, so this is the first mechanism through which the plant supportsweight loss.

Also, wheatgrass is rich in enzymes that work inside the body by stimulating thebreakdown of fats. As you probably know, the human organism usescarbohydrates as main source of energy for its bodily functions and dailyactivities. Carbs are broken down to glucose, which is the best source of energyfor the human body. However, when carbs or glucose are present in too low amounts or the energyrequirements are higher than usually during workouts, for example the bodysearches for additional fuels, and it usually picks fats stored in the layers ofadipose tissues. Wheatgrass enhances the breakdown of fats for energy, thus makes it easier forthe organism to use the fats from foods or the already stored ones when itrequires more energy. In the long run, this is very beneficial for weight loss andfor higher energy levels during the day. And last, wheatgrass has been shown to have positive effects on the thyroidgland, stimulating the activity of this gland and preventing accumulation of excesspounds, which is often the result of an underactive or lazy thyroid. The plantprevents obesity and fights against indigestion and constipation, supporting ahealthier intestinal transit. The potential benefits for cancer and AIDS sufferers Wheatgrass juice has been found to be effective in neutralizing toxins that mightfavor the formation of tumors. As previously said, this natural product is veryefficient in cleansing the blood and entire body from waste products, debris,toxins and free radicals, therefore its efficient in inhibiting most of the cell-destroying agents existing inside the body. According to recent studies, thisintense cleansing action keeps tumors away.

The ability to strengthen muscles and enhance stamina As said a little earlier in this book, wheatgrass is a great source of amino-acids,substances that are used inside the organism for building proteins. Amino-acidscan be either essential or non-essential; first ones cant be made inside the bodyso they need to be taken from foods on a daily basis. Non-essential amino-acidscan be built inside the organism after proteins from foods are broken downduring digestion.

Wheatgrass is able to provide an important amount of essential amino-acids, thusit supports a series of bodily functions such as the growth, strengthening andrepairing of muscle fibers, the regeneration of damaged skin, the breakdown offoods, the body growth, synthesis of hormones and strengthening of the immunesystem. By contributing to stronger and healthier muscles, wheatgrass also helpsone build stamina and physical endurance, workout longer and more intenselyand get in shape easier. The ability to regulate the blood flow and increase oxygenation of cellsand tissues

This property is based on the high content of chlorophyll,ingredient that acts similar to hemoglobin, increasing the amount of oxygendelivered to cells. Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells,responsible for carrying oxygen to all the organisms tissues. By enhancing the composition of blood and regulating the delivery of oxygen tocells, chlorophyll supports higher energy levels and also contributes to thecleansing process, as is strengthens the cells in blood and helps them removetoxins, waste products and excess hormones and chemicals from the body. The ability to repair the DNA Thanks to its high content of enzymes, wheatgrass is able to help in DNArepairing by fighting against the harmful superoxides that accumulate inside cellswith aging, as well as a result of drug consumption, exposure to pollutants orradiation. These superoxids, when found in large amounts in the body, candamage the structure of all cells, including the DNA. The anti-aging effect

Wheatgrass contributes to healthier skin, hair and nails through its high content ofvitamins and minerals that are involved in delaying the occurrence of aging signs.The plant has been found to be efficient in turning gray hair to its natural color, inpromoting the regeneration of skin cells and the replacement of dead cells withnew, healthy ones, as well as in keeping the skin tight but elastic. Also, wheatgrass reduces the negative effects radiation has on the skin, acting asa powerful anti-inflammatory agent that prevents cellular damage caused byexposure to sunrays. The herb relieves itching, is effective as natural remedy against eczema andpsoriasis; it soothes sunburned skin and speeds up the recovery from cuts,wounds, burns, rashes, scrapes and insect bites. Incorporated in shampoos,wheatgrass prevents formation of dandruff and keeps the scalp clean, alleviatingitchiness. The alkalinizing effect The high content of chlorophyll in wheatgrass makes it very efficient inalkalinizing the internal environment and preventing acidosis. A very common health problem in todays society, acidosis is the result of anunhealthy diet, based mostly on highly processed foods. Acidic environmentsincrease the risk of digestive issues, chronic diseases and even cancer, sokeeping the internal pH in normal limits is extremely important. Fortunately, wheatgrass does a great job in this direction, restoring the alkalinityof blood and reducing the over-acidity of the entire body. This relieves digestivepain, treats ulcers affecting the digestive tract, relieves symptoms of colitis andhelps the body in recovering and repairing the damaged tissues. Also, it preventsconstipation, diarrhea and overgrowth of bad bacteria, which grow and spreadrapidly in an acidic environment. The positive effect on ones sleep Thanks to its detoxifying effect and improved oxygenation of cells, wheatgrasssupports a more restful sleep.

While evidence is still needed for supporting the following benefits,

wheatgrass might also be efficient in stabilizing the blood sugar levels, improvingones mental health, enhancing fertility and the functioning of the reproductive system. Given all its benefits, its not surprising that wheatgrass becomes more andmore popular as a natural remedy against a wide range of health conditions. However,this amazing plant does have some less pleasant effects or can trigger certain adversereactions, as well see in the next section of this book.

1.3 Potential side effects of wheatgrassconsumption

Wheatgrass is generally considered a safe plant, most people experiencing noside effects after incorporating this natural product in their diet, in raw form or asdietary supplement. However, there have been cases of adverse reactions reported bypeople using the plant in high doses, the most common symptoms experience by theseindividuals being mild headache, diarrhea and nausea or allergic reactions, such as theswelling of the throat. Also, there is a small risk of infections caused by bacteria that could bepresent on the wheatgrass leaves, but as long as the food is grown at home and nochemicals are added in the soil, this shouldnt be a problem. However, pregnantwomen, moms who breastfeed and children as well as people with a very lowimmunity level should avoid or use this plant very cautiously, due to the potential riskfor bacteria contamination. Wheatgrass isnt regulated by the FDA, so using the plantcautiously is your responsibility. Well move on and talk about the proper way of growing this plant at homeimmediately, but before proceeding to the next chapter, its important to mention thatsome of the unpleasant effects experienced after using wheatgrass for the first timemight actually be caused by the intense cleansing and detoxifying effect of this plant.

As said, wheatgrass helps in the removal of toxins and waste products from thebody, but you need to understand that in order to be eliminated, all the debris istransported through the blood stream and as long as these toxins are found in onesblood, its more than normal for side effects to appear as the composition of the vitalfluid is altered.

Still, note that this applies to absolutely all products that promote the

detoxification of the organism, so you shouldnt blame wheatgrass for cleansing thebody through a less pleasant method. In most cases, the side effects subside within afew days, as the body gets used to the nutrients in this plant and starts eliminating the

toxins. In what concerns the other potential side effects mentioned before, its worth

saying that diarrhea usually appears in people who want to maximize the effects ofwheatgrass and drink excessive amounts of fresh juice from the beginning. As forallergic reactions, these appear mostly in people with grass allergy, mold allergy andallergy to wheat.

Hopefully by now youre familiar with what wheatgrass is and how it benefits

ones health. Lets move on to the next chapter and see how you can incorporatewheatgrass in your daily menu by preparing tasty foods and beverages or by addingdietary supplements to your regular diet.

1.4 External uses of wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is, without any doubt, a super food, as its very rich in nutrientsand useful compounds that can enhance the health state of all cells and organs andimprove ones overall shape and energy levels. However, this herb can also be usedexternally, its benefits being, again, numerous and significant. Probably the most common way of using wheatgrass externally consists inpreparing so called wheatgrass poultices, which have been used for centuries asnatural wound healers. The poultice can be easily made by juicing the grass and thendipping the pulp of the plant in the juice. This natural compress can be applied onthe damaged skin, being very efficient in speeding up the tissues recovery from cuts,burns, wounds, rashes, external infections or other skin disorders. Besides cleansing the area thanks to its anti-bacterial and disinfectantproperties, the poultice also nourishes the skin, which means it lowers the risk forscars to form and it helps the dead or damaged cells to be replaced with new, healthyones. However, its not recommended to use this natural product right after surgery asit can stimulate the blood flow in the healing area and this can lead to complications. Wheatgrass juice can be applied as it is on the skin to calm down itching, tosoothe sunburns or to cleanse cuts and wounds, as it has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as we already said. Then, juice obtained from this grass canbe used for diminishing the loose aspect of skin, as it works by stimulating theproduction of fibers inside the skin layers, the regeneration of cells and the tighteningof skin. By rubbing the leaves of wheatgrass into the scalp before applying shampoo,one can get rid of dandruff, alleviate itchy scalp and stimulate the growth of hair. Thejuice can be used in the same way, but avoid leaving it on the scalp or hair and alwaysrinse with clear water after applying this juice. For a more relaxing sleep and a calming effect on painful muscles,

wheatgrass juice can be added in the bath water. Also, juice extracted from this grasscan be used for relieving toothaches, in this case being necessary to hold the juice inthe mouth, on the painful side, for a couple of minutes. If your eyes are swollen and painful, wheatgrass can help you achieve reliefof these unpleasant symptoms by simply applying some cotton pads soaked into thisjuice on the eyelids and leaving them on for a couple of minutes.

Then, if you have a cold or youre suffering from sinusitis or have other healthcondition that makes breathing difficult, try inserting a cotton tab soaked intowheatgrass juice into the nasal passage and inhale, so that the ingredients of thisnourishing and health-enhancing juice get inside your body. This simple solution canhelp in cleansing and opening the sinuses, relieving symptoms of cold and restoringnormal breathing. But despite these benefits of external wheatgrass-based remedies, thisproduct remains a more important remedy when taken internally. Used topically, only60% of the grass juice is absorbed by the skin while used internally, the entire amountgets to exert its beneficial effects on ones tissues and organs.

CHAPTER TWO

WHEATGRASS AS FOOD

Considered a superfood thanks to its high content of minerals, vitamins,proteins and good carbohydrates, wheatgrass is becoming more and more popularamong health conscious people all over the world and its quickly turning into one ofthe most appreciated herbal foods.

A single 1 oz shot of wheatgrass provides 20 amino acids, vitamin C, B, E and

A, zinc, calcium, selenium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and chlorophyll,all these compounds being very important for ones health. Its therefore not surprisingthat wheatgrass is used in traditional medicine for treating various conditions and thatits starting to be incorporated in more and more pharmaceutical products and naturaltreatments for different ailments.

Although the nutrient-dense plant is an excellent natural remedy, its also

widely used by people who just want to enhance their energy level or overall healthstate by consuming a refreshing food. Wheatgrass can be easily grown at home or canbe bought in its raw form or as dietary supplements, all these alternatives being goodas long as you pick highly qualitative products.

Still, if youre concerned about the organic character of the foods you

consume, growing your own wheatgrass at home is probably the simplest and safestmethod of avoiding contamination with bacteria or chemicals. The entire process isvery simple and well detail the steps immediately, but before doing so, lets talkabout the wheatgrass-based dietary supplements available on the market.

As previously said, wheatgrass can also be found in the form of supplementsor more specifically as powder, pills, capsules and tablets. Also, commercial juicesmade of wheatgrass are also available, but preparing your own juice from freshlyharvested wheatgrass is a lot healthier as you can control the ingredients added in thebeverage. In the last section of this book well recommend a few supplements that arehighly ranked and accessible, so make sure to check it!

Still, keep in mind there are different types of supplements, some containing

only wheatgrass, others incorporating other grasses for a different taste, flavor ornutritional content. Its therefore indicated to pick the capsules or powders that workbest for your taste, health state, body needs and budget.

Always check the labels when purchasing products online and make sure the

wheatgrass included in those supplements you plan to buy is organic. Also, make surethe plant wasnt heat-dried before being processed and pick those supplements thatcontain no sugar, sweeteners, fruits, seaweed or unnecessary additives and chemicals.

2.1 How to incorporate wheatgrass in foods As with any other natural food, the best way to consume wheatgrass is in rawform, but chewing wheatgrass doesnt really sound attractive, right? This is why itsrecommended to juice the plant and serve it as shots as they are called.

These are extremely easy to prepare as they only require wheatgrass, whichcan be purchased from establishments that sell wheat grass in its raw form. Also, youcan get wheat grass kits or buy the needed products and grow your own plants athome, to make sure you always have the grass on hand when you feel like having aglass of fresh, revitalizing and detoxifying juice.

The simplest way to incorporate wheatgrass in your diet consists, obviously,in juicing it and serving the beverage as it is or in combination with other fruits andveggies. Well give some recipes for wheatgrass-based juices, smoothies and powerdrinks immediately! Still, if you stick with simple juices, made of this plant only, try tokeep the consumption in the recommended limits as drinking too high amounts mayupset your digestive system. The recommended daily dose is 1-2 ounces of wheatgrass juice per day ifyou use the beverage just for improving your overall health state and enhancing yourenergy levels but you dont have a specific ailment to treat. 4-6 ounces of juice perday should be consumed by people who deal with degenerative diseases and want touse this juice for achieving relief from symptoms and improving their health state. Still, try to start with a lower amount if you never did juicing diets and stick

with 1 ounce a day until your body gets used to the ingredients in wheatgrass and to theintense detoxifying effect of this beverage. You might experience some unpleasantsymptoms at the beginning, as said, but dont worry: theyll go away once theorganism starts eliminating the waste products. To get the most of this beverage, trydrinking it on an empty stomach and avoid mixing it with other juices if you use it fortreating a condition or detoxifying the body.

However, if you only decide to try wheatgrass in order to see whether it reallyhas the claimed effects or not, you can take it slower and mix the beverage with wateror apple juice at the beginning, to change the taste and dilute it a little. Before drinkingthe beverage, try to swish it a little in your mouth so that you allow your gums tobenefit from its health-enhancing effects as well.

If you want to try the chewing method as well, remember to always remove the

fibrous pulp as your stomach may have a hard time digesting it. Choose rawwheatgrass blades and suck out the juice, allowing it to remain in the mouth for a fewseconds, as its very nourishing for the gums. Wheatgrass is chock-full with nutrients,free of cholesterol or fats, rich in proteins and good carbs and free of lactose orgluten, two substances often blamed for digestive issues and various health conditionsin todays society.

Wheatgrass can also be purchased frozen, for those of you who are busier and

dont have the time to raise their own plants or to juice the herb every day forpreparing fresh beverages. Powder, as already said, is also a good alternative and thebest part about supplements available in powder form is that they can be easilycarried with you in case you travel frequently and want to take your healthy beveragewith you.

2.1.1 Tips on preparing wheatgrass

If you never prepared a wheatgrass beverage before, you should know thenutritional value of these drinks can be seriously altered by using an improperprocessing or juicing method. Using a mixer or blender can oxidize the chlorophyll inwheatgrass through the rapid movements of the blades, and this compromises lots ofthe health benefits provided by this plant. Instead, invest in a wheatgrass grinder or ina juicer that will allow you to extract the liquid without altering its ingredients. Youcan also extract the juice manually, by mincing the grass on a stone grinder.

Make sure to cut the grass above the soil surface at about half an inch and to

wash it thoroughly, even when using your own grass, to remove any potential pathogenfrom the leaves. One handful of grass will result in one ounce of juice and itsrecommended to only prepare the amount of beverage you plan to drink, asrefrigerating the juice is not a good idea. Instead, you can cut the grass and keep it inthe refrigerator for a few days.

Drink the juice within maximum 15 minutes after preparing it, for getting the

most of its nutrients and health benefits. You can drink the juice in the morning on anempty stomach, as said, or in the afternoon, for an extra burst of energy. If you dontreally like the taste of this juice but dont want to mix it with other beverages, you cansimply add it in your cereals, mix the powder with your salad or sprinkle it on the topof your meat-based dishes, for an extra amount of nutrients.

Curious to see what types of beverages and dishes can be prepared using

wheatgrass? Take a look at the recipes below!

2.1.2 Wheatgrass recipes While there are commercial juices made with wheatgrass that can be boughtonline or from health stores and regular supermarkets, homemade beverages arealways better as theyre fresher and richer in nutrients. So if youre curious to seewhat you can prepare with wheatgrass, take a look below: youll find different recipesfor juices, as well as some smoothies, power drinks and even dishes and desserts thisplant can be added to!

2.1.2.1 Green wheatgrass and spinach juice

Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass, 4 leaves of spinach, 1 stalk of celery, 1 cup of parsley, cup of water to dilute the beverage if too concentrated

Method: wash all the greens thoroughly, the cut the celery and spinach into

smaller pieces. Cut the wheatgrass leaves, mix them with the other greens and add inthe juicer. Juice and dilute with water if needed. Serve!

2.1.2.2 Wheatgrass and carrots juice Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass 4 large carrots cup of water for diluting the beverage if too concentrated

Method: wash the wheatgrass and carrots thoroughly, cut the carrots intosmaller pieces and add in the juicer. Mix and serve!

2.1.2.3 Exotic wheatgrass juice

Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass 2 oranges 1 cup of pineapple 1 papaya

Method: wash the wheatgrass and fruits thoroughly, cut the pineapple andpapaya in small pieces. Add all the fruits and the grass in the juicer and mix. Serve asit is or dilute with water if too concentrated!

2.1.2.4 Sweet wheatgrass juice Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass 2 apples 2 tangerines

Method: wash the apples and remove the skin, cut the wheatgrass and mix allthe ingredients in the juicer. Juice and serve!

2.1.2.5 Wheatgrass and strawberries juice Ingredients:

3-4 inch round of wheatgrass 1 cup of strawberries 2 kiwi fruits 1 papaya 1 orange

Method: combine all fruits in the juicer, add ice cubes and mix. Serve chilled.

2.1.2.6 Classical wheatgrass and apples juice Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass, freshly harvested 3 apples cup of water for diluting the beverage, if too concentrated

Method: wash the grass and apples thoroughly, remove the skin and cut the

apples into quarters. Add the ingredients in the juicer and mix. Serve as it is or dilutewith water if too concentrated.

2.1.2.7 Detoxifying wheatgrass and cranberries juice

Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass 2 cups of cranberries or 1 cup of freshly made cranberries juice

Method: if using the whole fruits, mix the ingredients in the juicer and juice,

serving as it is. If using the freshly made cranberries juice, prepare the wheatgrassjuice separately then mix the two beverages and serve.

2.1.2.8 Wheatgrass and green veggies smoothie

Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass 1 cup of water 1 cup of spinach, raw 1 cup of kale, raw and deveined 1 banana 1 orange or kiwi fruit 1 peach or apple 2 tbsp. of protein powder

Method: wash the fruits and veggies thoroughly, cut the spinach, kale, banana,

peach and orange into smaller pieces and add them in the blender. Mix until you obtaina smooth paste. Add the protein powder and mix again, to incorporate it in thebeverage.

Separately, prepare the wheatgrass juice in the juicer then add it to the smooth

paste and mix for 1 minute, until the ingredients combine. If youre using wheatgrasspowder, add it together with the protein powder in the blender. Serve and taste thegreen energy provided by this revitalizing wheatgrass smoothie!

2.1.2.9 Vitamin-rich wheatgrass smoothie

Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass 2 stalks of celery 4 spinach leaves 2 carrots cup parsley cup of water to dilute the beverage, if too concentrated 2 tbsp. of protein powder

Method: wash the veggies, cut them into small pieces and add them in theblender, mixing until you obtain a smooth paste. Add the protein powder and mix foranother minute to incorporate the product in the beverage, then mix this with thepreviously prepared wheatgrass juice. If using grass powder, add it in the mixer whenincorporating the protein powder. Serve!

2.1.2.10 Wheatgrass and fruits smoothie Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass 2 bananas 2 oranges 1 lime cup berries 2 tbsp. protein powder, vanilla flavored

Method: cut the fruits in smaller pieces, mix them together in the blender and

add the protein powder. Mix until they form a smooth paste, add the wheatgrass juiceand serve! You can also add some ice cubes for a more refreshing beverage.

2.1.2.11 Wheatgrass and yogurt smoothie

Ingredients:

2-3 inch round wheatgrass 6 oz. blueberry or cranberry juice, freshly made 6 oz. plain, low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt 1 banana 2 tbsp. protein powder

Method: mix the fruits in the blender to form a smooth paste and add theprotein powder. Blend until they combine well, then add the yogurt and mix foranother minute. Add the wheatgrass juice, freshly made, to this smooth beverage andmix manually to combine the ingredients. If the amount of smoothie prepared is toohigh and you cant consume it at once, transfer it in a glass and refrigerate it for a fewhours. Stir before consuming.

2.1.2.12 Wheatgrass and citrus smoothie Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass 2 kiwi fruits 2 oranges 2 tangerines

1 banana 1 lime 2 tbsp. of protein powder

Method: cut the fruits into smaller pieces, blend in the blender until you obtaina smooth paste and add the protein powder. Transfer the beverage in a glass, add thefreshly made wheatgrass juice and stir until the ingredients mix perfectly. Serve!

2.1.2.13 Wheatgrass guacamole Ingredients:

2 tbsp. wheat grass powder 6 ripe avocados 1 tbsp. lime juice cup cilantro, fresh, chopped 1 package guacamole seasoning 1 tbsp. water

Method: start by preparing the avocados, cut them into halves and remove thepits, then scoop out the fruits with a spoon. Mix the content in a bowl, mash theavocado with a fork and add lime juice, seasoning and water.

Blend until you obtain a paste, sprinkle the wheatgrass powder, add the

chopped cilantro and blend again for few seconds. Transfer the guacamole into a bowland serve with crackers or chips. Use gluten-free products for a healthier snack!

2.1.2.14 Wheatgrass super energy drink Ingredients:

2-3 inch round of wheatgrass cup pineapple juice

cup apple juice 1 cup lime juice 1 banana

Method: cut the banana in small pieces, add it together with the freshly madeapple and pineapple juices in the blender and mix until you obtain a smooth beverage.Add the lime juice and the fresh wheatgrass juice, mix manually and serve as it is orwith ice cubes.

2.1.2.15 Wheatgrass bread Ingredients:

2 tbsp. wheatgrass powder 1 cups flour, gluten-free preferably 1 tsp. baking powder 1 egg 4 bananas 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup chopped almonds 1/3 cup olive oil cup caster sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Method: preheat the oven to 180 degrees C, place cooking paper in the bakingtray and start preparing the dough. In a bowl, mix the wheatgrass powder with theflour, baking powder, cinnamon and sugar and add some salt for taste. In anotherbowl, mix the wet ingredients: egg, vanilla extract and olive oil and mix these untilthey form a creamy paste.

Blend the bananas in the blender or mash them by hand and add the previously

made wet paste in the blender. Mix for 10 seconds, then add the remaining ingredients

and continue mixing until all the components combine perfectly. Put the paste into thetin, place it in the oven and cook for 50 minutes or so, checking from time to time.Serve cool.

2.1.2.16 Wheatgrass soup Ingredients:

1 tbsp. wheatgrass powder 3 cups boiling water 2 tbsp. oat bran Seasoning to taste

Method: mix the wheatgrass powder with the oat bran until they combine well,add the boiling water and blend manually or in the blender. Add seasonings to tasteand serve warm!

2.1.2.17 Wheatgrass and muesli energy bars Ingredients:

1 cups flour, gluten free 2 tbsp. wheatgrass powder 1 tsp. baking powder 1 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 handful chopped almonds 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 handfuls coconut flakes 1 handful goji berries cup coconut oil 2 handfuls dried raisins, optionally

Method: preheat the oven at 180 degrees C, sieve the flour and mix it with the

coconut flakes, sugar and pinch of salt into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk theegg with the vanilla extract and olive oil. Transfer all the ingredients, including theremaining ones, into the blender and mix until you obtain a thick paste.

Prepare the baking tray: cover it with greaseproof paper or with margarine /

butter and spread the mixture evenly, sprinkling chopped almonds on top. You canalso add some extra coconut flakes on top. Put the tray in the oven and cook for 25minutes or so, then get it out, leave to cool and cut into the desired portion sizes.

If you prefer using your own wheatgrass for the recipes above, you have topay attention at the growing process to make sure all the steps are done correctly andyou get the most qualitative wheatgrass.

2.2 How to grow your own wheatgrass

There are several options when it comes to growing your own wheatgrass,from buying already made kits, containing basically all the needed items for growingthe grass, to buying all the items separately or using products you already have in thehouse.

Regardless of the method you choose, keep in mind the pots always has to havesome small openings in order to allow excess water to flow out. Also, make sure thegrowing pots are covered as darkness speeds up the growth of the plant. You canplace the pots indoor or outdoor as long as the temperature is around 15-20 degrees C.Keep in mind a too hot temperature and too high air humidity can lead to mouldformation, which is not desirable. The items youll need for growing your own wheatgrass are some containersor pots, wheatgrass seeds, tap water and a sieve or small cloth. Well first list thesteps of the process, then well detail each of them:

Preparing the wheatgrass seeds Planting the seeds Watering the wheatgrass Harvesting the plants

Preparing the seeds starts with soaking them in water for 12-24 hours, in acovered container. After this time interval, drain the water and rinse the seeds underrunning water once, draining again. Avoid soaking the seeds for longer as this intervalis enough for them to increase in size. If you use 1 cup of seeds, 2 cups of watershould be enough for soaking the grass.

Next step is to sprout the wheatgrass seeds: do thisby either wrapping them in a wet cloth placed in a covered container or by spreadingthe seeds on a sieve and covering them with a damp cloth. After another 12 hours, youcan start the planting process, but you need to prepare the pots first. You can useplastic containers, classical pots, basins or trays, but make sure theyre at least 6-8inches in diameter and 3 inches high.

Fill the containers with 2 inches of soil, dampen it and start adding the

wheatgrass seeds by spreading them around, the sprinkle another thin layer of soilabove, so that you no longer see the seeds. Sprinkle some water on top and cover thepots with a cloth or with newspaper. Leave them in the balcony or wherever thetemperature is appropriate.

Spray the wheatgrass twice a day with water until yousee some thin, green leaves sprouting up. During this interval usually it takes 2-3days the pots should remain covered but after the leaves appear, theres no need tokeep the containers covered anymore. Continue watering the plant twice a day, usingonly small amounts of water, just to moisten the soil.

In most cases, a week is enough for 5-inches grass leaves to grow and in 10

days the wheatgrass usually reaches around 6-7 inches. When the leaves reach this

height theyre ready to harvest; this is done by cutting the wheatgrass above the whiteportion. Wash the leaves again to remove any potential pathogen and wheatgrass isready for cooking.

If you want to use the same seeds for regrowing the grass, you can do so but

keep in mind the second growth wont be as rich in nutrients as the first one. Still, itcan be juiced and added to recipes like the ones described in the previous section. Toregrow the grass, you should leave 1/3 the height of the leaves in the pot whenharvesting for the first time, then continue to water the plant for another week or untilthe new leaves are tall enough.

2.3 Wheatgrass products you can buy online

2.3.1 Wheatgrass juicer

This juicer from Lexen is much appreciated for itscompact and lightweight design as well as for the affordable price. Being a manualjuicer, this device can be easily taken with you while traveling and used wherever itneeds to be used as it requires no cables or special items to function.

The juicer can be securely attached to any smooth surface so you can move itfrom your kitchen to the balcony for a more hygienic juicing process. Its extremelyeasy to use and unlike electric juicers or blenders, which are often too powerful anddestroy lots of the nutrients in wheatgrass, this one works in a gentler manner, so itdoesnt alter the composition of the juice.

The device is a centrifugal and masticating juicer, which means it crushes and

squeezes the leaves of wheatgrass, extracting a higher amount of juice compared toother similar devices. All the components of this device are made of strong, resistantand durable polycarbonate, which is non-toxic and approved by FDA. The juicercomes with a limited 1 year warranty and it can be used not only for wheatgrass butfor any green leafy vegetable.

Being so versatile, the device can be used not only for preparing juices and

smoothies but also for making pasta, banana whips, frozen desserts, for mincing garlicand lots of other kitchen tasks. Thanks to its reduced size, this juice takes less spaceon the countertop or table than a regular plate so this is very advantageous for small

kitchens. While it effortlessly crushes and juices green leafy vegetables, the juicer takes

some extra effort for crushing tougher veggies and legumes. However, this doesntmean you cant use it for preparing carrot or cabbage juices: just cut the veggies intosmaller pieces, add some olive oil to make the process easier and start juicing!

To take advantage of this useful, versatile and affordable juicer and start

preparing your own wheatgrass juices at home, click on this link: Lexen Juicer.

2.3.2 Wheatgrass powder If you dont really have the time to squeeze the leaves of wheatgrass andprepare fresh juices on a daily basis, you might want to try the healthiest wheatgrasspowders on the market! One serving of this powder provides only 35 calories and avery important amount of nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin C,riboflavin, niacin, cobalamin, folic acid, vitamin K, iron, selenium, iodine,manganese, calcium, potassium and chlorophyll.

The powder is very easy to use, all you need to do being to mix a tablespoonof this product with water or another veggie or fruit juice. Mix and serve 1-3 times aday for maximum benefits! If youre not really into smoothies and green veggie juices,you can simply add this powder into your favorite bread recipe, or into dips andsauces for salads or main dishes.

Also, you can sprinkle the powder as it is on your salad, mix it with mashed

potatoes, add it to your fruits salad for a more exotic desert or why not, sprinkle it ongrilled chicken breast for a more nourishing food. The product is very versatile andcan be used for almost any dish as its easy to incorporate in dry and wet mixtures.The powder can be purchased here: Wheatgrass powder.

2.3.3 Wheatgrass tablets

These tablets are made of whole-leaf wheat grass powder, processed inoptimal conditions so that all the active principles and nutrients in grass aremaintained in their natural form. While fresh juices are surely an excellent source ofvitamins, minerals, proteins, fibers and good carbs, the tablets provide the same healthbenefits and have the advantage of being more concentrated than the powder or thefresh juice extracted from raw leaves.

You can use the tablets as they are and chew them during the day or dissolvethem in water or other juices. Also, you can prepare a fresh juice and add it to otherdishes, such as sauces, soups and creams, for an extra dose of nutrients.

The tablets provide important amounts of vitamin A, K, C, B-6, B-12, folicacid, iron, calcium, chlorophyll, fiber, amino-acids and proteins. Each bottle contains200 tablets, which are enough for 40 servings, the recommended serving size being 5capsules. Depending on the reason you decide taking these tablets for overall healthimprovement or treatment for a certain ailment - you should take the tablets 1-3 times aday.

However, note that the tablets have not been designed as treatments or natural

cures for any disease. The tablets break down fast and are quickly absorbed into thebloodstream, exerting their beneficial effects. To take advantage of all the nutrients inthese tablets, follow this link: Wheatgrass tablets.

2.3.4 Gluten-free wheatgrass powder In case you have gluten intolerance or just want to follow a gluten-free diet inorder to enhance your health state and avoid digestive problems, you can still benefitfrom wheatgrass products. Its important to know that wheatgrass is naturally free ofgluten, but some powders might contain this compound so a gluten-free product issurely a safer choice. This powder contains high amounts of organic wheatgrass, spinach, spirulina,barley grass, alfalfa, chlorella, broccoli and acai, organic carrots, beets, raspberries,pineapple, cerries, flax seed powder, organic maca and green tea. Chock-full ofnutrients, active enzymes, proteins and healthy carbohydrates, the powder tastesexcellent and can be consumed whenever youre hungry as it curbs cravings for sugar,ensures a healthy digestion and boosts energy levels, keeping you active and in a greatmood.

Each serving consists in 1 scoop of powder, which hasto be mixed with 6 oz of water or juice. You can also incorporate it in smoothies, 1-3servings per day being the recommended dose. Rich in antioxidants, this productensures a great amount of the nutrients your body needs on a daily basis, forfunctioning properly.

Just like any regular wheatgrass powder, this gluten-free product can be added

to salads, sprinkled on top of meat-based or veggie-based dishes; it can be used forpreparing dressings, creams, sauces as well as in bread, energy bars and so on. Youcan get this amazing powder by following this link: Gluten-free wheatgrass powder.

2.3.5 Kit for growing wheatgrass at home

This very affordable kit for growingwheatgrass at home can be a great start for anyone looking to incorporate wheatgrassjuice in their diet. The kit contains 4 pounds of organic wheatgrass seeds, 13 poundsof highly qualitative potting soil, 3 reusable growing trays and very simpleinstructions that allow anyone to grow wheatgrass to perfection. The kit is very well organized and all products are certified, so you can besure you get the best quality for your money. Also, all seeds are organic, which meanstheres no need to worry about unnecessary chemicals and pesticides. By investing in this kit youll no longer have to worry about purchasingoptimal-sized pots or about getting good soil or qualitative seeds, as all the neededitems will be delivered to you, making the growing experience very pleasant. You canget the kit at the following link: Organic wheatgrass growing kit.

2.3.6 Wheatgrass grower If you already have the seeds and soil needed for growing your ownwheatgrass at home but dont have any suitable pot and want to get a qualitative

container for growing the plant, you can try the Tribest Sproutman wheatgrass growerat the link given below.

This product is much appreciated for its stylish and compact design, whichallows a comfortable plantation of the seeds and enables you to grow the therapeuticwheatgrass without turning all the kitchen or balcony into a mess. Thanks to itsstructure and design, the grower makes it possible to grow 3 large trays of fresh grassat once, each of the trays yielding up to 15 servings of this plant.

The grower can be delivered with or without soil and comes with a spray

bottle for making watering easier. Also, being a three-level unit, this device takes lessspace than regular pots or trays, for the same amount of wheatgrass. Besides thealready mentioned features, the product comes with three clear greenhouse covers andcan be delivered with 1 bag of 1.5 lb. of wheatgrass seeds.

The grower is designed to drain excess water and moisture so this wont be anissue. Also, having its own covers, it ensures the optimum lighting and temperature, soyou can place the device in the balcony without having to worry about such factors. Ifyou plan growing even more grass, you can still take advantage of this item as it isexpandable to 10 trays!

Highly rated and much appreciated in online reviews, this grower can be

exactly what you need for making wheatgrass cultivation simple, fast and dirt-free!Check the product at this link: Sproutman Wheatgrass Grower.

2.3.7 Wheatgrass antioxidant skin recovery cream

A great solution for those looking for a powerful and effective wheatgrass-based cream for external use is this cream designed by Dr. Wheatgrass. Enriched withantioxidant ingredients and highly active compounds that easily penetrate the skin,stimulating its regeneration, this cream provides all the active principles of freshlyjuiced wheatgrass.

Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, amino acids, minerals andphytosterols are all found in this highly qualitative cream in important amounts, whichcan be safely used even by people who are allergic or intolerant to gluten, as theproduct is gluten and lanolin-free. Other ingredients found in this cream are glycerol,tea tree oil, citric acid and sunflower seeds oil, all of them with proven benefits forthe dermis.

Derived from fresh and organically grown wheatgrass, the extract incorporatedin this cream is able to stimulate the production of growth factor in skin, slowingdown the ageing process and improving skins appearance, smoothness and overallhealth.

The cream moisturizes the skin and prevents dryness, helps in clearingblackheads, stimulates the recovery from wounds, bruising, abrasions, scratches andburns and can be safely applied on any type of skin, in adults and children as well. Totake advantage of this highly ranked product, follow this link: Dr. WheatgrassAntioxidant Cream.

Table of ContentsCOPYRIGHTIntroductionChapter One Getting Familiar with WheatgrassChapter Two Wheatgrass as Food

COPYRIGHTIntroductionChapter One Getting Familiar with WheatgrassChapter Two Wheatgrass as Food