The Chalkboard » Nutrition

50 Reasons To Drink Wheatgrass Everyday

Suzanne Hall — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Wheatgrass is intense. And so is this list of, count 'em, fifty reasons get this living green liquid straight into your belly. Doctors Brian and Anna Maria Clement run the Hippocrates Health Institute and are leaders in the field of natural health and healing. Just like a shot of fresh wheatgrass, the Clements and the HHI will give it to your straight. If you're looking for real, hard-core natural health and healing guidance we suggest you take the time to check out what they're doing down in Florida. For the rest of us, there are the tips below that could convince even the most grass-averse reader to throw back a green glassful. Take a gander at these tips - and take note of our favorite way to take the shot: chased with a few sips of sweet and delicious Greens 3! 1. Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available today. However, to get the full benefit, the chlorophyll must come fresh from a living plant. 2. Wheatgrass juice contains up to 70% chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder. The chlorophyll molecules closely resemble that of the hemin molecule, the pigment which combines with protein to form hemoglobin. The major difference is the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium as it’s central atom, and the hemin molecule contains iron. The molecular structure of these two substances is almost identical in all other respects. 3. Chlorophyll is the molecule that absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to synthesize carbohydrates from CO2 and water. This process is known as photosynthesis, a complex biochemical pathway in which solar energy is used to convert water and carbon dioxide to glucose and other carbohydrates, and is the basis for sustaining the life processes of all plants. Since animals and most humans obtain their food supply by eating plants, photosynthesis can be said to be the source of our life also. 4.Chlorophyll contains enzymes and super- oxide dismutase, a copper-containing protein found in mature red blood cells. This enzyme decomposes superoxide radicals in the body into a more manageable form, thereby helping to slow down the aging process. 5. Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other food element. 6. Wheatgrass juice contains crude chlorophyll (as opposed to pure) and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without side effects. In addition, scientists have never found wheatgrass to be toxic in any amount when given to either animals or humans. 7. Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria. 8. Chlorophyll is antibacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a natural healer. The United States Army exposed guinea pigs to lethal doses of radiation. The guinea pigs fed chlorophyll-rich vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli had half the mortality rate as those fed a non-chlorophyll diet. 9. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 115 minerals from the soil. 10. Liquid chlorophyll has the ability to get into the tissue, where it can actually refine and renew them. 11. The bland soothing effect of chlorophyll (wheatgrass) ointments are very beneficial to the treatment of various skin diseases involving the outer and underlying layers of the skin, including: itching and burning of the rectum; ivy poisoning; weeping and dry eczema and even in conditions caused by insect bites or infection. 12. Doctors R. Redpath and J. C. Davis found chlorophyll packs inserted into the sinuses had a drying effect, clearing up congestion, and giving immediate relief. Congested head colds were cleared up within 24 hours. 13. Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body. 14. Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body. 15. Chlorophyll helps purify the liver. 16. Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems. 17. In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, T cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases. 18. Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power.” He said, “chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.” 19. Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production. 20. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. This is beneficial because the brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly- oxygenated environment. 21. It is a nutritionally complete food which will sustain the growth and development of laboratory animals and humans alike. Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive practically indefinitely. 22. Wheatgrass juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. 23. The starch of the wheat berry is stored energy which when converted to simpler sugars is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is a juice and is assimilated in 20 minutes or less, and uses very little of the body’s energy to extract the nutrients.. 24. Because 1 ounce of juice equals 2 pounds of produce nutritionally, it naturally shuts off the appestat in the brain. 25. Wheatgrass contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including the thirteen essential ones, combined with dozens of trace elements and enzymes. 26. Wheatgrass juice is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K. It is extremely rich in protein, and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein. 27. Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.) 28. Wheatgrass juice cures acne and even help to remove scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet, of course, must be improved at the same time. 29. Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and can be used as a body deodorant. 30. A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet helps prevents tooth decay. 31. Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will help eliminate toothaches. It pulls poisons from the gums. 32. Gargle wheatgrass juice for a sore throat. 33. Drink wheatgrass juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. 34. Wheatgrass juice helps to keep the hair from graying. 35. Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out the pulp. 36. Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion. 37. Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. 38. Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema is evacuated, implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice. Retain for 20 minutes. 39. Wheatgrass juice improves arthritis. Soak a cotton sock with 6 ounces and place on affected area, cover with plastic bag. 40. For minor eye irritation apply strained wheatgrass juice mixed with half pure water in an eyecup for 15 – 30 seconds. 41. Massage 6 ounces into the scalp and cover with shower cap for 15 minutes to help eliminate dandruff. 42. Wheatgrass juice can be used as a douche for many feminine complications. 43. Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open because it is high in magnesium. 44. Wheatgrass juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.45. Wheatgrass juice can remove heavy metals from the body. 46. Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds. 47. Another benefit of wheatgrass is you can grow it in just about a weeks, right in your own home. 48. Wheatgrass is gluten- free because it’s cut before the grain forms. 49. Dr. Earp Thomas said, “Wheat is the king of all grain foods”. He found that an ounce of wheatgrass in a gallon of fluoridated water would turn the fluorine into harmless calcium-phosphate-fluoride compound. Used in wash water it adds softness to the face and hands. In the bath, it is most soothing. It stops bleeding, eases itching, and helps sores and pimples to heal. Dr. Thomas further discovered that fruits and vegetables contaminated by sprays were thoroughly cleaned and the negative food transformed by wash water with a wisp of wheatgrass placed in the water. 50. And finally – by taking wheatgrass juice, one may feel an increase in strength and endurance, renewed health and spirituality, and experience an overall sense of well-being.

Re-thinking Indian Food: Light Organic Dishes From The Land of Yoga

The Chalkboard — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:11:09 +0000

Pallavi Sharma is on a mission to help people rediscover Indian food - a lighter, organic and more healthy Indian food than some of us may be familiar with. Her line of kitchen-ready spice blends are an evolved version of the processed taco and burger seasonings so many of our mothers once relied on. Vegetarians looking for fresh and easy new dinner ideas should pay attention. We're loving Pallavi's spice blend made especially for lentils! Cooking doesn't get any easier or more nutritious than this. Here's Pallavi... Indian cuisine is often associated with heavy, over-spiced, sleep inducing restaurant fare, but true, traditional Indian, it is anything but! Indian food comes from the land of yoga, and, at it's core, it is just as healthy! While certain dishes can be complex and require a long list of spices, “everyday” Indian food is quite simple. There are only a few key ingredients needed for traditional Indian cooking: ghee (or oil), spices, and a vegetable or protein. Ghee has a high smoke point, is full of fat-soluble vitamins, and contains short-chain fatty acids which are easily metabolized. The widely used spices are turmeric (natural antibiotic), cumin (anti-oxidant), coriander (digestive), and cayenne (circulation promoter). Here are some quick and easy tips to infuse ancient and healthful Indian cooking into your diet:

Try savory yogurt for a change. Grate cucumber into some Greek yogurt, and add a pinch of roasted cumin powder and cayenne powder.

For a protein rich salad, try mixing some grated carrots and sprouted mung dal. Dress with lemon juice, cilantro leaves and Thai green chili for an adventurous kick.

Dress up brown rice or quinoa by adding a bay leaf, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and 1/4 cup peas.

Make your own chai: simply boil water with a teaspoon of grated ginger. Then add a teaspoon black tea, splash of milk, a small pinch of ground cinnamon and cardamom. Strain and serve!

To take the intimidation out of Indian cooking, I've launched a line of organic Indian small batch, recent-harvest seasoning blends. They take all the mystery out of cooking Indian. Try this recipe with one packet of my organic vegetable seasoning that won’t take you more than 15 minutes to make!

Take Your Minerals: A Calming Blood Orange Spritzer

Suzanne Hall — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:30:22 +0000

We know, we know - there are far too many vitamins, minerals and other substances we're told to consume and monitor on a daily basis. But magnesium, responsible for over 325 enzyme reactions in the body, is a mineral far too many of us are deficient in! Once found in rich supply in everything from sea vegetables, leafy greens, fruit, nuts, seeds and cacao, the mineral-depleted conditions of our soil today leave too many us with less than complete supplies of this precious substance. The consumption of so much cooked and heated food also diminishes the quality of minerals we're consuming and our love for sugar, caffeine and what is often too much protein depletes our internal mineral stores, leaving many of us with less than the full supply of magnesium necessary for our bodies to operate at optimal health. Magnesium exists within the body in a careful balance with another vital mineral, calcium. Keeping these two important minerals in balance is the key to avoiding so many health concerns including osteoporosis, kidney stones and fibromyalgia. Magnesium also plays a key role in keeping us calm and helping us overcome stress. Anyone wishing to reduce or manage a stressful lifestyle should take note to include plenty of magnesium-rich foods and supplements into their diet. To boost your intake of magnesium in a fun way, we asked the team at Natural Calm to offer us a recipe for using their popular magnesium-rich supplement in some type of mineral 'cocktail'. We love the idea of using supplements like Natural Calm and other naturally flavored powders that can slip so easily into our work routines. This simple recipe is a great way to break mid-afternoon stress-a-thons or as a fun 'cocktail' to wind down the workday. One glass of this bubbly spritzer provides a full dose of your body's daily required magnesium. Cheers!

TED Recipe: Silicon Valley Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Suzanne Hall — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:05:16 +0000

Many large corporations and universities offer cafeterias of one sort or another for their students and employees and they are usually the last place you'd expect to find a local, organic or sustainable lunch. Maisie Greenawalt is Vice President of Strategy for Bon Appétit Management Company, a food service provider that is changing that fact for many large companies. Although we'd sooner expect to find processed mac-and-cheese inside the cafeterias of most large corporations, Bon Apetit is transforming the lunch lines in places like Yahoo! and Target to incorporate meals that are not only made from scratch but are local, sustainable and animal-friendly. When it comes to making changes in our food system, most of us are making the effort to eat more responsibly through our own personal shopping and cooking habits, but we're thrilled to see companies like Bon Apetit create comprehensive change for hundreds of corporate diners all at once. Through their Farm to Fork program, a company-wide initiative to buy locally, and their bar-setting standards at the forefront of food service: following Seafood Watch sustainability guidelines, offering cage-free only eggs, rBGH-free milk and cruelty free meat, Bon Apetit is pointing food service at this scale in the right direction. Whether food services falls under the umbrella of your professional responsibility in some way or, like us, you just love seeing progress in the sustainability of our food supply, catch Maisie Greenawalt speaking during TEDxManhattan this weekend. For those of you who want to get right down to business, here is a healthy recipe from Bon Apetit's executive chef, Dean Holliday.

TED recipes: The White House’s Apple Quince Cobbler

Suzanne Hall — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:05:38 +0000

Apple cobbler is oh-so all-American. So what better recipe to follow than from the White House's very own pastry chef? Chef Bill Yosses has played an instrumental role in the Obama's other campaign, that of reducing childhood health problems through the Let's Move Initiative. Let's Move is bringing issues like childhood obesity and the quality of our public school system's lunch programs to the forefront and we couldn't be more thrilled. As part of company that prides itself in making green juices that even children crave, this should come as no surprise! Bill Yosses joins the diverse panel of speakers at this weekends TEDxManhattan. This round of TED Talks is completely devoted to the topic of our nation's food supply. A subject we know might interest more than a few of you readers. To join in on the action, check out any or all of the speakers this Saturday, February 16th via TED's livestream here.

Preparing For A New Year’s Juice Cleanse: 5 of Our Favorite Tips From 2012

Pressed Juicery — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:00:23 +0000

With New Year's just around the corner the idea of a getting back to square one is on all of our minds. And nothing says getting back to the basics like juice cleanse. Around The Chalkboard offices, this is something of a seasonal ritual and we all have our own favorite Pressed Juicery juices and ways of going about the cleanse. If you're considering a juice cleanse after the new year too, we've got a tip for you - a few tips that is, from a few of our favorite experts featured in 2012.