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    Jacqui Donnelly said

    No matter how you cut it, wheatgrass is packed with nutrients and one of the best whole foods on the market today.  Wheatgrass can be found in many convenient locations, and sometimes found at social events.  You can purchase pre-made wheatgrass juice, powder mixes or even the grass itself.  It can also be purchased at many popular local juice bars, and you may see fans of the drink doing shots of wheatgrass juice.  Although it may not be a party favorite, it is a great way to start your day.  The energy boost you can have from wheatgrass can even be a good substitutes for the morning cup of coffee.

    Wheat grass comes from the same plant that the wheat grain comes from.  Unlike the grain itself, the grass does not carry the protein gluten.  For anyone with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity, wheat grass is safe to consume, but be wary of the cross contamination risk and be sure that no grains have sprouted.

    There are many nutritional benefits to wheat grass, such as the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, chlorophyll and enzymes it contains.  Wheatgrass is high in Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Cobalt, Zinc, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, among other nutrients.  Some people even use wheatgrass as a detoxification method.  Others believe it to lower blood pressure, suppress appetite, fight infections and improve skin and hair.  Wheatgrass juice has also been found in many clinical trials to effectively treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis. 

    So how do you make it?  Many people grow wheatgrass in their own homes, providing them with the freshest juice possible.  If you choose this method, harvest when the wheat grass is about seven or eight inches in length.  Others purchase wheatgrass from the produce section of their local health food store.  Generally you need some kind of juicer.  There are several types on the market, but not all of them will make wheatgrass juice.  You want to use one that will crush the juice, or that is specifically made to handle wheatgrass.  Add about a hand full of wheatgrass to the juicer, or until it produces 2-4 ounces of juice (about a shot glass per serving).  Because wheatgrass has so many B vitamins, any more than 4 ounces will just be flushed out of the body and unused.  

    Wheatgrass can be somewhat bitter in taste, which appeals to some but not to others.  If you don’t have a taste for wheatgrass, try mixing it with some other juices.  Or try one of these recipes from wheatgrassforlife.com.

    Wheatgrass Smoothie

    • 2 oranges
    • 1 banana
    • 1 lime
    • 2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
    • 12 crushed ice cubes
    • Juice orange, lime and wheatgrass, then place all ingredients in a blender on high speed for 30 seconds
    • Stimulating !!!

    Apple Grass

    • 1-2 cut up apples
    • 1/4 cup of water (optional)
    • 2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
    • A very popular drink among frequent users
    • The apple slightly sweetens the taste of the wheatgrass

     Pure Veggie Delight

    • 2 large carrots
    • 3 stalks celery
    • 1/2 cup parsley
    • 4 large spinach leaves
    • 1/2 beet root
    • 1/2 cup alfalfa sprout
    • Wash veggies thoroughly and cut to fit juicer
    • A veggie lovers delight

    Tropical Passion Grass

    • 2 kiwi
    • 1 guava or papaya
    • 1 cup pineapples
    • 5 strawberries
    • 1 orange
    • 3-4 inch round of wheatgrass
    • Combine all juices and serve slightly chilled

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