That’s right, although the wheatgrass craze is a bit past its apex, it’s clear that its popularity is more than just a passing fad.  Somehow, despite the fact that obesity is on the rise, the country is getting more interested in health.  Now I could do an entire article on what I believe to be behind this dichotomy but for now trust me, they aren’t related.  Cows are fat for other reasons.

So once again this will be basic stuff for a great many regulars in this community but it’s important to keep pulling in those who are just getting into this stuff.  And because the whole Juicy Josh community is relatively new, I think the basics need to be laid out.

Some health enthusiasts believe wheatgrass to be the pinnacle of healthy living, going so far as to claim that 1 pound of wheatgrass is the nutritional equivalent of 25 pounds of choice vegetables.  I wouldn’t go that far.  But there’s solid evidence that wheatgrass is good for everything from fighting cancer (for a great documentary watch Crazy Sexy Cancer on TLC tonight, 8/30/07 at midnight) to preventing tooth decay.  It is enormously rich in beta-carotene, the vitamins A, B, C, D, K, and E as well as many amino acids, such as lysine, tryptophane, and phenylalanine.  But most importantly wheatgrass is one of the highest sources of chlorophyll.  Chlorophyll strongly resembles the molecular structure of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein of red blood cells and this is probably the reason it is so beneficial.  Essentially it helps in clearing drug deposits from the blood, it counteracts and purifies toxins, removes heavy metals stored in our tissue, and increases the enzyme level in our cells.  All this amounts to the rejuvenation and preservation of our vital system.

Not to mention it gives you quite an energy kick.  Almost makes me want to MOO…

Be Well,

JuicyJosh

That’s David Carradine…  right?  Of course I never saw Cain with a cold so maybe he juiced carrots too; although with all that wondering around, you’d wonder where?

Anyway, what we’re talking about here is beta-carotene.  What is it?  Glad you asked.  Beta-Carotene is one of over 600 Carotenoids that are responsible for the beautiful variety of colors found in our produce.  Rich orange and dark green fruits and vegetables like carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potato and pumpkin are particularly rich in beta-carotene.  This vital nutrient is converted within the body to Vitamin A which has been shown to be good for helping your body’s resistance to things like stress, colds and infections.  As well, a lack of Vitamin A has been shown to be linked to a higher incidence of cancer, particularly those having to deal with the lungs. One of the reasons is that deficiencies of this important vitamin can hinder your body tissue’s natural ability to heal itself. Beta carotene is also a potent antioxidant—a natural substances that prevents cell damage from excess oxygen. Antioxidants also help protect the body against cancer and strengthen the immune system.   In addition, healthy vision, bones and skin are all aided by a healthy daily serving of beta-carotene.  The problem is that you’ve got to eat a heck of a lot of carrots to get the benefit.  What do you do you ask?  I think you know the answer.  If I said anything other than juice ‘em I couldn’t keep my alias.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

Whats the recommended product to benefit from this article? None other than the Omega 8005 Juicer

That cantankerous ol’ sea captain had some plain good sense. Don’t worry. Eating a large dose of spinach daily won’t give you absurdly disproportionate forearms. What it will do is give you a megadose of important nutrients including beta carotene, a potent antioxidant, and vitamin K, which helps to maintain strong bones as well as vitamin C, calcium, folate and lutein. It’s not just spinach mind you, it’s all your leafy greens. Spinach, wheatgrass, chard, kale, beet greens, arugula and broccoli rabe are all excellent sources of essential vitamins and nutrients. Just half a cup of cooked kale provides four times your recommended daily dose for vitamin K. Steam them, juice them or eat them fresh you can’t afford to leave this stuff out of your diet.

Now I know we were all a little shaken last year when the E coli bacteria was found in bagged spinach but there are many ways to protect yourself. For instance, cooking greens at 160 degrees for just 15 seconds will kill any and all E coli that might be there. You can also purchase a fruit and vegetable sanitizer like the Cuisine Clean which removes harmful pesticides and kills E-coli, salmonella, listeria giardia and cryptosporidium in addition to increasing the shelf life of your produce.

The truth is that everyone should consider leafy greens essential. They strengthen blood and immune systems, prevent cancer and fight depression naturally. The fiber in raw greens will keep your digestive tract moving, and they increase mental clarity and sustain energy. How else are you going to ward off a Bluto from your Olive Oil (extra virgin please ;o)…)?

Be well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com