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According to most businesses that sell wheatgrass products, this green liquid extracted from sprouted grain is high in vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as many amino acids, such as lysine, tryptophane, and phenylalanine. And wheatgrass is 70% chlorophyll (the stuff that makes plants green). Wheatgrass distributors and health-food advocates claim that it is practically a fountain of youth and has numerous health benefits, such as: - neutralizing toxins and carcinogens
in the body
- improving blood sugar disorders
- helping prevent tooth decay
- increasing hemoglobin production
- keeping hair from graying
- improving digestion
- reducing high blood pressure
- aiding in the prevention and curing of cancer
These sources also propose that one ounce of wheatgrass juice is equivalent in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to two and a half pounds of green vegetables. However, holistic health expert Dr. Andrew Weil points out that there's no evidence to support the claims. Says Dr. Weil: I don't recommend its use other than as a source of minerals and vitamins. If you like wheatgrass and it appeals to you, fine.
Drink it. But I don't think it's a substitute for 2.5 pounds of vegetables. Besides, I don't like the way it tastes. In our experience, a straight shot of wheatgrass juice tastes like lawn clippings. For a tastier vitamin drink, try mixing it into a smoothie.
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