Wheatgrass in the Western world began in the 1930s as a result of experiments conducted by Charles F. Schnabel in his attempts to popularize the plant. Schnabel, an agricultural chemist, conducted his first experiments with young grasses in 1930, when he used fresh cut grass in an attempt to nurse dying hens back to health. The hens not only recovered, but they produced eggs at a higher rate than healthy hens. Encouraged, he began drying and powdering grass for his family and neighbors to supplement their diets. The following year, Schnabel reproduced his experiment and achieved the same results. Hens consuming rations supplemented with grass doubled their egg production. Schnabel started promoting his discovery to gristmills, chemists and the food industry. Two large corporations, Quaker Oats and American Dairies Inc., invested millions of dollars in further research, development, and production of grass products for animals and humans. By 1940, cans of Schnabel's powdered grass were on sale in major drug stores throughout the United States and Canada.

Body Cleanser

Wheatgrass, as a powerful cleanser, may start an immediate reaction with toxins and mucus in the stomach that may cause nausea. Chlorophyll will bring toxins stored away in cells or fatty tissues into the bloodstream. It seems for me that starting with a small glass and increasing it slowly is best. I personally would drink on an empty stomach and keep the juice refrigerated and drink it on the same day. Wheatgrass juice, as a natural source of antioxidants, helps repair damaged cells, rejuvenate aging cells, and tighten loose and sagging skin. Being good for skin problems, it improves complexion, treats acne, and removes acne scars. Wheatgrass energizes and reduces fatigue, because the juice is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and offers immediate energy. Wheatgrass juice purifies the blood, and this helps to cleanse the kidneys, liver and urinary tract. The insoluble fiber in wheatgrass gently cleanses your digestive tract and promotes regularity.

Wheatgrass lowers blood pressure. There are many medications regularly prescribed to individuals who have high blood pressure. Many medications can have unpleasant side effects. One of the benefits of wheatgrass is that there are no side effects because it is completely natural, although not everything natural is without concerns. Nevertheless, this is a great alternative for those individuals that suffer from high blood pressure. Consumers of wheatgrass report that they have a natural spike in energy, which is similar to coffee or caffeine, but without the crash that comes along with it, for cafeine can increase blood pressure. One widely quoted study found that blood pressure rose slightly in subjects almost immediately after consuming a caffeinated beverage, and that this blood pressure rise was more pronounced in people with pre-existing high blood pressure. For this reason, Wheatgrass can provide energy and replace the risk that Caffeine, in Coffee, poses on the the body in need of protection from high blood pressure.

Cancer Protection

Wheat grass is one of the best food sources of beta-carotene, which is converted by the body to Vitamin A. As an antioxidant, it is thought to protect the body against some types of cancer and is beneficial to the immune system. Dr. Chiu-nan Lai, Ph.D., at the University of Texas Cancer Center, Dept. of Biology, Houston, Texas has determined through using the Ames Bacterial Mutagenicity Test, that chlorophyll is the active factor in wheat sprout extract. This inhibits the metabolic activity of carcinogens. A 20-year study of 20,000 telephone company workers has found that a natural ingredient in carrots and leafy green vegetables, such as Wheatgrass, significantly reduced the risk of lung cancer in cigarette smokers. They determined that a diet high in beta-carotene negated the bad effects of 30 years of smoking. The National Cancer Institute reports that 19 of 21 studies over the years have indicated diets high in beta-carotene contribute to at least a 40% risk reduction in developing some kinds of cancer.

References

• Craig Weber, M.D., "Does Caffeine Increase Blood Pressure?" http://highbloodpressure.about.com/od/prevention/a/caffeine.htm
• "Wheat Allergies and Pines Wheat Grass", http://wheatgrass.com/product-info/allergies/
• "Health Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice", http://hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Wheatgrass-Juice.
• "Health Benefits Of Wheatgrass", http://www.wheatgrass.me/health-benefits-of-wheatgrass
• "Wheatgrass and Wheatgrass Juice - - Dietary and Medicinal Benefits", http://www.living-foods.com/articles/wheatgrassbenefits.html.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheatgrass
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WheatGrassJuicing.jpg
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Grassinsnow.jpg
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wheatgrass.jpg