Lesson 1: Wheatgrass Copy

What is Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a plant that is grown from the Red Wheatberry, a special strain of wheat that produces high concentrations of chlorophyll, active enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients. Chlorophyll, which makes up over 70% of the solid content of wheatgrass juice is the basis of all plant life. Chlorophyll is often referred to as “the blood of plant life” It closely resembles the molecules of human red blood cells.  Wheatgrass is a variety of grass that is used like a herbal medicine for its therapeutic and nutritional properties. Its most therapeutic roles are blood purification, liver detoxification and colon cleansing.  Wheatgrass is a cornucopia of enzymes and nutrients and There is abundance of chlorophyll and carotenoids.

“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey – work of the stars” – Walt Whitman

How is Chlorophyll so closely related to human blood? Both Chlorophyll and Haemoglobin share a similar atom structure to create their respective molecules. The only actual difference in the two molecules is that of the metallic atom element. In human blood or haemoglobin consists or iron, while in Chlorophyll the metallic atom is magnesium.

What is the importance of Chlorophyll’s resemblance to human blood; Since Chlorophyll and Haemoglobin are so much alike in atom structure allows it to be absorbed quickly and begin to build the blood stream.

What are enzymes; Enzymes in laymen terms are like highly skilled workers on an assembly line. Each enzyme performs a specific function within the body while in harmony with other enzymes. They are important and required for everything we do, vision, thought, dreams, reproduction, breathing, digestion are all controlled by enzymes.

Why are enzymes so important for good health? With the important role of enzymes involvement in every body function, it is necessary that we intake adequate enzymes on a daily basis. Unfortunately, medical doctors have found that we don’t get all the enzymes we need from our cooked, oversalted and over processed foods. This intern results in overall poor health situation. Wheatgrass can provide the additional enzyme intake your body requires for overall good health.

What is the nutritional value of wheatgrass? 30 grams of Wheatgrass is equivalent in vitamins, minerals and amino acids to 1.5 Kilo of fresh green leaf vegetables. Wheatgrass is one of the richest natural sources of vitamins A, complete B complex, B-17, C, E, and K. In addition, Wheatgrass is an excellent source of Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Sulfur, Cobalt, Zinc, 17 forms of amino acids and enzymes.

What are the benefits of Wheatgrass consumption to the human body?

As a body cleanser – Wheatgrass is a powerful cleanser and may start an immediate reaction with toxins or mucus in the stomach, possibly causing nausea. Chlorophyll brings toxins into the blood stream that have been stored in cells or in fatty tissue. Start with 30 to 60 grams and work up to more slowly. Drink it on an empty stomach.

As a body builder – Wheatgrass is very high in enzymes & chlorophyll It contains up to 70% chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder. The chlorophyll molecule closely resembles that of the haemin molecule, the pigment that combines with protein to form haemoglobin. The major difference is that the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium as its central atom, and the haemin molecule contains iron. The molecular structure of these two substances is almost identical in every other respect.

As an energizer & appetite suppressant – The starch of the wheat berry is stored energy that when converted to simpler sugar is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is absorbed in 20 minutes. Wheat picks up 92 of the 102 minerals in the soil and contains all vitamins that science has isolated.

As an antibiotic – Science has proven that chlorophyll will arrest growth and development of unfriendly bacteria. It acts to produce an unfavorable environment for bacteria growth, rather than by any direct action upon bacteria themselves. Rapp and Gurney at Loyola University established that water-soluble chlorophyll inhibits the action of proteolitic bacteria (which break down protein into simpler substances) and enzymes hence, taken internally via mouth or rectum, it inhibits putrefication of protein by some bacteria that are commonly found in the digestive tract of meat eaters.

And carcinogens – Dr. Chiu-nan Lai, Ph.D., (University of Texas System Cancer Center, Department of Biology Houston, Texas) has determined through using the Ames Bacterial Mutagenicity Test that chlorophyll is the active factor in wheat sprout extract that inhibits the metabolic activity of carcinogens. A twenty year study of 2000 telephone company workers has found that a natural ingredient in carrots and leafy green vegetables significantiy reduced the risk of lung cancer in cigarette smokers. They determined that a diet high in beta-carotene negated the bad effects of 30 years of smoking. The National Cancer Institute reports that 19 of 21 studies over the years have indicated diets high in belta-carotene contribute to at least 40% risk reduction in developing some kinds of cancer.

For anemia – Chlorophyll aids in rebuilding the bloodstream. Studies on various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell count has returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals that were known to be extremely anemic or low in red blood cell count.

As a deodorizer – Dr. F. Howard Wescott reported that when chlorophyll is taken internally in adequate quantities, it reduces or eliminates offensive body and breath odors. His studies showed it effective in neutralizing obnoxious odors in the body from food, beverages, tobacco, and metabolic changes (halitosis), and from perspiration due to physical exercise, nervousness and menstrual cycle.

Skin disorders – The soothing effect of chlorophyll ointments are very beneficial in treating various skin diseases including weeping & dry eczema, insect bites and infection.

How To Grow WheatGrass – Growing Instructions 

STEP ONE – How to Grow Wheatgrass

Soak about two cups of ORGANIC wheatgrass beery seeds in water (filtered water preferred) for about 18 to 24 hours. For your convenience use a soaking tray or sprouting cup which is preferably either glass or a BPA free plastic container (plastic soaking tray shown). After about 24 hours remove the soaking wheatgrass berry seeds from your sprout container or soaking tray and lightly rinse and let drip free of water (for convenience a strainer can be used). Most seeds should show tiny white sprouts so be gentle.

STEP TWO – Organic Soil for Wheatgrass Growing

Prepare your organic soil in drip through growing tray by putting about one and one half inches of organic soil in growing tray (tray size shown aprx.= 20″ L x 10″ W x 2.5″ Deep). Water your organic growing soil til it drips out the bottom of the growing tray (shown with water catch underneath growing tray).

STEP THREE – Azomite Mineral Soil Additive / or Liquid Kelp

Add a light sprinkling of azomite mineral additive to your organic soil. Mix the azomite into soil and water lightly to push the mineral additive into the soil. Or use liquid kelp which is an amazing mineral for the soil and will help produce a superior quality wheatgrass.

STEP FOUR – Planting Your Wheatgrass Seeds

Add your pre-soaked wheatgrass seeds on to the top of your prepared organic soil in your growing tray. Wheatgrass grows best with warm days (65 to 75 degrees) , partly to mostly sunny with medium humidity and cool nights (55 to 65 degrees). Wheatgrass will grow good indoors with mild or passive sunlight. Northerners; in the winter keep wheatgrass growing inside near a window for sun light. Southerners; on very hot humid days start the growing of your wheatgrass inside and near a window for sunlight. On days of high humidity and heat you may place your wheatgrass outdoors for short periods of time (three to eight hours per day depending on the humidity level) to receive sunlight. High humidity may cause mold to grow at the base of your wheatgrass. If mold does appear rinse your wheatgrass thoroughly after harvesting or before juicing or consuming. Gently smooth out the wehatgrass seeds evenly over flat growing soil.

STEP FIVE – Covering Your WheatGrass Seeds for Optimal Growth

Sprinkle a light coating of organic soil on top of freshly spread out wheatgrass seeds. Lightly moisten the fresh coating of cover soil. Cover seed growing tray with a vented or upside down draining growing tray or board to keep the seeds dark until seedlings sprout into light green new wheat grass. Please do not use newspaper as some recommend, newspaper contains ink and other chemicals which may leak in to the growing process. At this point you may want to add a no drip (solid bottom) growing tray underneath the wheatgrass draining growing tray to catch over watering. Adding this bottom tray properly also adds a second watering system to the roots that almost always grow through the drain holes in the bottom of wheatgrass growing tray. SPACE BETWEEN TRAYS; the hanging roots from the top tray will need to easily reach the water in the bottom tray. Therefore, I create a space of no more than one half inch height between top and bottom tray. The spacer between trays should always be as chemical free as possible (natural wood or glass). If used out doors only; you may want to drill an overflow in this bottom no drip catch tray at about the one inch high mark to allow an overflow to avoid over-watering/soggy conditions. If indoors you may want to leave the bottom tray with NO holes for added protection for your floors or counters from water damage (but be careful not to over water to avoid constant soggy soil conditions).

STEP SIX – Wheatgrass Watering

On Day three of wheatgrass growth cycle, Water when soil or seeds begin to become dry (remove top to check and then replace the top cover). On the Morning of day four of wheatgrass growth cycle, Remove top cover when all grass begins to appear. On the Evening of day five of wheatgrass growth cycle, Water wheatgrass as it matures or feels dry. Most people can tell if the wheatgrass tray needs water by picking up the tray after watering to get a feel for the weight of a fully watered tray. When a tray drys out it becomes much lighter.

STEP SEVEN – When to Harvest and Juice Wheatgrass?

Harvest wheatgrass by cutting just above the top of the soil. It is always best and optimal for nutritional and live enzymes effect to harvest and juice when wheatgrass has been freshly cut. If mold appears rinse your wheatgrass thoroughly before juicing.

What Is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is the young (gluten-free) grass of the common wheat plant called triticum aestivum. The grass is most commonly grown and harvested at 7-11 days old and juiced into 1-2 oz “shots”. The juice from freshly pressed wheatgrass is best consumed immediately after extraction and can be ordered fresh for purchase in most juice bars and juicing establishments. Additionally, you can grow it or buy it in grass form and juice it at home yourself. Wheatgrass can also be ground into a fine nutritious powder, and can be found in tablet, capsule, powder and pill form so if you aren’t able to source the fresh juice or grass, this is a great alternative. 

Nutrients in Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is considered by many people to be the most healing of all grasses. It contains more than 90 elements from the soil, and it is one of nature’s richest sources of vitamins A and C. When it is grown in fertile organic soil, it contains all of the known mineral elements and is ri ch in calcium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sulfur, sodium, B12, cobalt and zinc. Some health experts claim that wheatgrass contains over 100 nutrients! Wheatgrass is also abundant in vitamin B-17, a substance that is believed to destroy cancer cells selectively.

Scientists at the University of Texas concluded that wheatgrass juice is exceptional in its chlorophyll content. Known as “nature’s greatest healer,” chlorophyll is ‘bio-chemically similar’ to human blood in nutritional composition and is thought to help build and support a healthy cardiovascular system. Wheatgrass also helps purify the blood, boost energy and reduce free-radical damage to the heart and body.

This powerful grass creates an internal environment that suppresses bacterial growth and counteracts ingested toxins. It also helps to purify the liver, build the blood’s oxygen-carrying potential and regulate digestion.

As a cocktail, wheatgrass, and the chlorophyll it contains, is a powerful purifier of the stomach, liver, pancreas and circulatory system. 

Beyond Chlorophyll, wheatgrass is also rich in amino acids (protein), enzymes which aid in digestion, and a host of vitamins, minerals and natural plant compounds that support optimal health, weight and vitality. 

Wheatgrass Contains:

• Chlorophyll 
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• B vitamins including B12
• Antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acid 
• Iron Amino Acids (protein)
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E 

Wheatgrass Benefits:

• Supplies a high dose of chlorophyll and nutrients
• Promotes oxygen levels in the body
• Creates an alkaline inner environment in the body
• Boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss
• Natural antibacterial by halting growth of unfriendly bacteria
• Rebuilds and strengthens the blood and cardiovascular system
• Supports healthy hormone balance, removing xeno-estrogens (bad hormones)
• Rebuilds damaged tissue
• Nourishes the adrenal glands and thyroid, helping with sleep, stress and weight management
• Helps detoxify heavy metals and environmental chemicals
• Liver and gall bladder cleanser and purifier  
• Helps balance blood sugar by reducing insulin resistance  
• Helps disinfect and neutralize odors, infections, wounds, skin grafts, varicose veins and scars  
• Helps treat acne, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema and other skin conditions when used internally and externally
• Helps prevent tooth decay and promotes dental health 
• Helps break down mucus, alleviating sinus and throat infections Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
• Reduces deficiency  
• Calms inflammation and promotes healing 
• Helps support healthy eyes and reduces eyesight loss  
• Boosts the immune system and healthy bacteria growth in the body
• Improves mental clarity, clearing brain fog and balancing neurotransmitters (happy hormones) 

Most Powerful Wellness Benefits of Wheatgrass

1. Supplying High Levels of Oxygen and Nutrients to the Body

The chlorophyll in wheatgrass carries high levels of oxygen (among other things), which is especially powerful in assisting the body to restore abnormalities at a cellular level. The high content of oxygen in chlorophyll helps deliver more oxygen to the blood, nourishing your cells with every heart beat.

 Wheatgrass juice can boost red blood cell count, allowing the body to more effectively transport key nutrients to the organs and promoting proper waste removal froam the cells.

Most modern diseases require a low-oxygen environment to exist, and so wheatgrass can be a powerful aid in both chronic-illness prevention and promoting disease reversal. Oxygen is vital to many body processes, especially for the brain which uses 25% of our total oxygen supply. 

2. Promoting an Alkaline Body

The human body needs to be alkaline to be healthy! The most common bad habits, environmental pollutants/chemicals, junk and processed foods and poor lifestyle choices are acid- forming while our essential minerals, vitamins and beneficial nutrients provide alkalinity. Wheatgrass promotes a strong alkaline response in the body, helping to counter toxins and support optimal health.  

Diseases such as cancer, infection and inflammation flourish in acidic environments, but cease to exist in alkaline ones.

 The chlorophyll in wheatgrass, and it’s alkalinity, can help balance our body pH and protect our cells from damage while possessing anti-aging, metabolism-boosting and skin/beauty benefits. 

3.  Antioxidants and Free radical-protection

Wheatgrass contains strong antioxidant properties that help protect us from disease and oxidative damage. Studies have found that wheatgrass can lower inflammation by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the liver. Antioxidants support our detoxification organs and can help protect our DNA from mutations that may contribute to cancer development and auto-immune conditions. 

Unique antioxidants found in wheatgrass:

• phenolic compounds 
• flavonoids 
• sulfonic acid 
• DPPH (1,1′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) 
• triterpenoids 
• anthraquinol 
• alkaloids 
• tannins 
• saponins 

4. Loaded with energy and life-force

Wheatgrass juice is the ‘blood’ of the plant and is a source of direct energy. When it is consumed fresh it is a living food and has bio-electricity. This high vibration energy is literally the life force within the living juice. This resource of life-force energy can potentially unleash powerful renewing vibrations and greater connectivity to one’s inner being. These powerful nutrients can also prevent DNA destruction and help protect us from the ongoing effects of pre-mature aging and cellular breakdown. Recent research shows that only living foods and juices can restore the electrical charge between the capillaries and the cell walls which boosts the immune system. When it is fresh, wheatgrass juice is the king of living juices.