Wheatgrass first became widely known in the West in the 1930s when a man named Charles Schnabel began touting its benefits. Schnabel claimed "15 pounds of wheatgrass is equivalent to 350 pounds of the choicest vegetables." Although science hasn't proved that claim, it has proven that wheatgrass has one of the highest concentrations of nutrients and is the fastest and easiest grass to grow. The best way to absorb its goodness is by extracting the juice.

Wheatgrass works by filling nutritional gaps in the diet and cleansing the blood. It is high in vitamins A, C, and E, containing the same amount of Vit C as an orange. It is also an excellent source of essential B vitamins, which are necessary for normal brain and body development, for helping your body deal with stress, and for digestion and metabolism of all macronutrients. Wheatgrass juice also contains many essential minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, sodium) that are necessary for healthy bones, teeth, hair and skin.

Wheatgrass juice contains natural enzymes, which help the body's defense mechanism by strengthening cells and removing poisons from the bloodstream. It helps eliminate toxins accumulated from eating processed food, breathing polluted air and drinking impure water. Wheatgrass is approximately 70% crude chrlorphyll, which can alkalize the body and have a highly energizing effect.

Wheatgrass also has a dilating effect on the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. This improved circulation means valuable nutrients can be distributed more efficiently throughout the body. It also has an effect on red blood cells, increasing the iron content in the blood.

I do want to make note, however, for those who have celiac disease, or a strong reaction to gluten, Wheatgrass may not be well tolerated and it is best to avoid.

Where to get Wheatgrass:

• juice bars (Booster Juice, Big Carrot juice bar) sell shots of wheatgrass
• health food stores like Whole Foods Markets, Big Carrot, and Planet Organic carry frozen and fresh wheatgrass juices in individual containers
• grow your own wheatgrass at home (http://www.growwheatgrass.com/)

How to Take Wheatgrass:

• take on an empty stomach
• start with a quarter of a shot and build up to a full shot, gradually
• chase it with a glass of water
• mix with other vegetable juices such as celery, parsley and spinach

Recipe: Simply Green Juice
from www.wheatgrassforlife.com

Ingredients
stalk of celery
4 large spinach leaves
half cup parsley
2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
1/4 cup water (optional)

Directions
Wash greens thoroughly, cut up celery and juice everything
dilute with water if desired