Focus on Food - Wheatgrass
Have you been asking yourself what the craze is
with wheat grass? Wheat grass is a fantastic companion to a healthy
diet, as it contains high levels of chlorophyll, the nutrient that gives it its
deep green hue.
Chlorophyll is structurally very similar to
haemoglobin, the molecule responsible for carrying oxygen around our
bodies, and therefore is said help oxygenate our body. Chlorophyll is
traditionally used as a blood cleanser and alkaliser, so is great for
detoxification.
Wheat grass contains 82 of the 92 minerals found in
soil, including calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. It also has B vitamins,
vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A.
Eating the grass
provides little nutrition as our digestive system cannot break down the
cellulose int the plant to release the minerals. Wheat grass should
therefore be consumed juiced.
A special expresser is
required to juice wheatgrass. Top of the line juicers can sometimes have an
attachment, or you can buy a manual one to clamp on the
bench.
To grow your own wheatgrass, use a
seedling tray filled with organic soil. cover soil with whole wheat grains
and put a piece of newspaper on top. Soak thoroughly daily. When the grains
have sprouted (2-4 days) remove the newspaper and leave in a sunny
position. Water daily.
Wheat grass should be consumed within
12 hours of juicing, but ideally straight away to maintain its
nutrient value. Most people don't mind the taste, but you can follow with a
slice of orange to help if you don't like the taste of
wheatgrass.
Don't want to buy a juicer? Wheat grass juice
shots can be purchased at most juice bars for around $2, so try it
today!
