Wheatgrass
I have to give wheatgrass a huge mention as I swear by this product. Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant that is juiced or dried into powder form. The beneficial properties of wheatgrass are immeasurable, hence it has been given the name 'superfood'.
First of all, it has an abundance of alkaline minerals and there is no wheat or gluten in wheatgrass. It is a vegetable that has sprouted from the seed, however not yet produced a seed itself.
Wheatgrass is mainly known for the high amount of chlorophyll it contains, which is classified as the blood of the plants pigment. Chlorophyll strengthens the cells and detoxifies the liver. It also helps break down chemicals and pollutants in the body. Chlorophyll is the first product of light and therefore, contains more light energy than any other food element. It's also antibacterial and can be used as a natural healer.
All in all, wheatgrass will supply you with the most important vitamins, minerals and enzymes and 17 out of the 20 amino acids. It is a fantastic immune booster and great for vegetarians or vegans who need a high protein substitute or anyone who is allergic to gluten.
One ounce of wheatgrass is equivalent to two gallons of milk. If you think about it, if you're calcium deficient, why would you drink milk which is being consumed through a second- hand recycled process? We can go directly to the source and get all our requirements instantly without the chemical processes to produce milk.
Other benefits of wheatgrass are that it cleanses and eliminates toxins in the body including heavy metals. It is a great resource for calcium, magnesium and potassium. It will improve digestion and aid in balancing blood sugars to curb sweet cravings. Personally, I'm prone to being a sugar addict and I know from experience, when I make smoothies using wheat grass, I'm less likely to want to eat something sugary. This is great for anyone who wants to loose weight and uses sugar as a substitute to try and make themselves feel better. Overall wheatgrass heals the body in so many ways.
Wheatgrass & Weight Loss
Wheat grass provides more energy to the body and increases strength which allows prolonged exercise duration, thus accelerating weight loss. Moreover, this powder helps to reduce weight gain by stimulating the thyroid gland. This boosts metabolism and prevents obesity and indigestion. it is also a powerful detoxification agent and will immediately react with mucous in the stomach before being absorbed into the blood, where it will wash away excess toxins stored throughout cells and fatty tissues. A shot of wheatgrass juice boosts energy and helps get the body moving, which is great for weight loss. Increased energy allows for increased movement. As with most super foods, always use the most organic form to achieve optimal results.
Wheatgrass has become more widely recognised as people have become more health-conscious and interested in the nutritional content of the foods they are consuming.
It may be an acquired taste, however, personally I think it is a very small price to pay for the amazing health benefits it provides.
My delicious alkalising smoothie recipe
- 3⁄4 tsp of wheatgrass
- Half a cup (small bunch) watercress
- 4 medium sized carrots
- Half a cup (4 fl oz) almond milk
- Half a cup of crushed ice
Make sure you juice the carrots first and then add all the ingredients into a blender. Personally, I can't live without this. If I need a quick surge of energy I make a quick shot mixed with water. This smoothie will also help bring the body to an alkaline state. Alkalinity gets rid of acids, therefore eliminating fats which the body holds on to. 60
Enjoy your smoothie :))
Ladan Soltani- 'A dedicated yogi and author of fabulous fitness at 40'