Nutrition II - Superfoods - Wheatgrass and Barley Grass

Question 1

Wheatgrass:
Description

Answer 1

AKA. Triticum aestivum
The young grass of the wheat plant. Can be eaten whole or raw, though is more commonly juiced or milled to a fine powder

Ann Wigmore discovered the health benefits of wheatgrass

Question 2

Wheatgrass:
Energetics

Answer 2

Cooling, cleanses toxins from the body

Question 3

Wheatgrass:
Composition

Answer 3

• Grass, roots and rhizome are used.
• Good sources are gluten– free – relies on the grass being extracted before the grain develops, which contains gluten
• Rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and B
• Vitamins; iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium
• Amino acids
• Chlorophyll
• Antioxidants including phenolic compounds and flavonoids

Question 4

Wheatgrass:
Benefits & clinical applications

Answer 4

• Antioxidant
• Immune support
• Anti-cancer
• Alkalising
• Regulates blood lipids
• Weight loss
• Detoxification
• Digestion
  www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1-C7PDPPmM

Question 5

Wheatgrass:
Antioxidant

Answer 5

The various antioxidants (e.g. phenolic and flavonoid compounds) in wheatgrass can help to protect against chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress, supporting detoxification

Question 6

Wheatgrass:
Immune support and anti-cancer

Answer 6

Wheat grass has anti-cancer properties, and appears to reduce chemotherapy side-effects; also beneficial for chronic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, diabetes and obesity

Question 7

Wheatgrass:
Alkalising

Answer 7

Due to the high chlorophyll content

Question 8

Wheatgrass:
Regulates blood lipids

Answer 8

Shown to reduce serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, whilst increasing HDL cholesterol

Question 9

Wheatgrass:
Weight loss

Answer 9

Can reduced appetite and increase hormonally-driven signals of satiety (e.g. CKK), supporting healthy weight management. It’s effects can also be attributed to Its role in balancing blood sugars (reduce cravings)

Question 10

Wheatgrass:
Detoxification

Answer 10

Supports liver detoxification pathways with its abundance of nutrients and antioxidants

Question 11

Wheatgrass:
Digestion

Answer 11

Wheatgrass is used in TCM to nourish this splean Qi – supporting digestion. It is also used to drain dampness

Question 12

Wheatgrass:
Dosage

Answer 12

General recommendations are:
* Fresh juice; 30 - 120 mil daily
* Powder; 3 - 5 g daily
* Start at smaller doses and gradually increase
* Take on an empty stomach and follow with 200 ml glass of water
Caution: caution in those with known grass allergies

Question 13

Barley grass:
Description

Answer 13

AKA Hordeum Vulgare L
Barley grass provides similar nutrients and benefits as wheatgrass and shares the same energetic qualities

Question 14

Barley grass:
Composition

Answer 14

• Barley grass is particularly rich in vitamins A, B1, C and E
• Calcium, potassium, selenium
• Enzymes including superoxide dismutase (a powerful antioxidant)
• Antioxidants – phytochemicals including flavonoids and other polyphenols
• Chlorophyll
• Amino acids including GABA.
• Barley grass also has a particularly high-fibre content

Question 15

Barley grass:
Benefits and clinical applications

Answer 15

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Cardiovascular support
• Diabetes
• Gout
• And supports healthy gastrointestinal functions
• Promote sleep and relaxation
• Supports energy production

Question 16

Barley grass : Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory

Answer 16

Provides protection against chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Barley grass can down regulate the pro inflammatory TNF-a

Question 17

Barley grass:
Cardiovascular support

Answer 17

• Decreases LDL and total cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol
• Helps regulate blood pressure– associated with the phytochemical ‘saponarin’ (e.g. magnesium and potassium)

Question 18

Barley grass:
Diabetes

Answer 18

The high-fibre content producers fasting blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin

Question 19

Barley grass:
Gout

Answer 19

Reduces serum uric acid by increasing urinary excretion

Question 20

Barley grass:
Support healthy gastrointestinal function

Answer 20

Fibres supports bowel elimination, and nourishes the microflora
Flavonoids reduce inflammation and allow healing of mucous membranes – especially in conditions such as ulcerative colitis

Question 21

Barley grass:
Promote sleep and relaxation

Answer 21

Related to primary to content of GABA (also beneficial to anxiety) and tryptophan (precursor to serotonin and melatonin)

Question 22

Barley grass:
Supports energy production

Answer 22

• Contains enzymes involved in mitochondrial function including cytochrome oxidase.
• Flavonoids such as lutonarin and saponarin improve oxygenation of body tissues and reduce fatigue

Question 23

Barley grass:
Practical advice

Answer 23

• As with wheatgrass there are no definitive dosage guidelines
• General recommendations ranged from 3-15 g dried powder daily
• Start at smaller dose of 1 ml fresh juice a day, and then increase daily up to 5 ml a day. Divided doses may be better tolerated
• While some sources suggest taking on an empty stomach to increase assimilation, both barley and wheat grass can be added to fresh juices and smoothies
  Caution: in those with known grass allergies