Going Green (Your Health Matters with Barbara Koh)
Wheatgrass juice, the latest health drink, gives more than just an energy boost
Instead of reaching for a java boost, the health-conscious now have a wheatgrass shot. Popular at juice bars, this energy booster is also rich in healthy compounds.
Gerald Koh, founder and chief executive of Viands, which started the Juice Zone franchise, says, "Customers who know of the goodness of wheatgrass either ask for the shots or have them in juices. We see mostly women ordering it, probably for its detoxifying properties."
People who've experienced first-hand or seen its benefits are now buying their own wheatgrass machines. Christopher Seah, co-founder of Fit for Life Centre which sells such machines, says, "The machine crushes the juice from the fibre, and as you're drinking it fresh, the enzymes aren't destroyed. Wheatgrass is available at supermarkets."
Chlorophyll Power
Wheatgrass is the young grass stage of grain plants, taken just before they sprout. It found its way to fame in 1958, when Dr Ann Wigmore conducted tests on various weeds and grasses in Boston. Wheatgrass was her favourite due to its nutritional content and she's since written books on the healing powers of fresh wheatgrass, expounding its ability to nourish and rid the body of toxins. She also believes it's especially beneficial to those suffering from illness or pain.
Wheatgrass contains 70 per cent chlorophyll, over 20 amino acids, several hundred enzymes not found in other foods, and other vitamins and minerals. The most significant is chlorophyll. Made up primarily of carbon, magnesium, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, studies have shown the structure of chlorophyll to be similar to haemoglobin in our blood - which may explain why it's easily absorbed by the body. Dr Wigmore says the high chlorophyll content of wheatgrass acts as a "magnet" in drawing out toxins from the body.
Wheatgrass is also rich in free radical-fighting B vitamins, carotene and vitamins C and E, said to delay degeneration of the immune system and ageing. It also contains amino acids which help in the process of self-renewal and rejuvenation. A good source of iron and protein, just one 30ml shot of the juice is said to have the nutritional value of 1.5 or 2 kg of most leafy green veggies.
Balance is Key
Christopher says, "Wheatgrass is tonic for anyone wanting an immune system boost. After two to three weeks of regular intake, you're more alert and revitalised."
One problem is its bitter-sweet aftertaste; so juice bars like Juice Zone serve a wedge of orange with its shots. If you own a juicer, you can make a juice or smoothie and add wheatgrass powder, like Greens+ at $79 from Fit For Life Centre (Tel: 62918080). Or try Marigold's new Non Fat Fruits & Vegetables with Wheatgrass yoghurt drink, at $2.50 (1 litre).
Wheatgrass has its benefits, but you can't rely on it solely to cure ailments or to supplement an unhealthy diet. Alexandra Hospital's chief dietitian Gladys Wong stresses the importance of a well-balanced diet - eating a "variety of foods, both raw and cooked".
Types of Grass
Besides wheatgrass, other good greens that are getting fashionable at health food stores include:
Barley Grass
It's said to help improve stamina, clarity of thought and skin texture. According to Dr Howard Lutz, Director of the Institute of Preventative Medicine in Washington, it can help preserve your youthful appearance and also improve sexual energy.
Spirulina
Rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, selenium, zinc, iron, B-group vitamins and vitamin E, spirulina is usually recommended for those feeling rundown, stressed or are iron deficient. Said to help increase energy and vitality.
Klamath Algae
This blue-green algae, only found in Klamath Lake in Oregon in the US, is rich in betacarotene and chlorophyll. The secret behind this algae is the mineral-rich lake from which it comes. Klamath is said to help boost energy, increase concentration and improve mood.
Extracted from The Singapore Women's Weekly - April 2005 issue.
Instead of reaching for a java boost, the health-conscious now have a wheatgrass shot. Popular at juice bars, this energy booster is also rich in healthy compounds.
Gerald Koh, founder and chief executive of Viands, which started the Juice Zone franchise, says, "Customers who know of the goodness of wheatgrass either ask for the shots or have them in juices. We see mostly women ordering it, probably for its detoxifying properties."
People who've experienced first-hand or seen its benefits are now buying their own wheatgrass machines. Christopher Seah, co-founder of Fit for Life Centre which sells such machines, says, "The machine crushes the juice from the fibre, and as you're drinking it fresh, the enzymes aren't destroyed. Wheatgrass is available at supermarkets."
Chlorophyll Power
Wheatgrass is the young grass stage of grain plants, taken just before they sprout. It found its way to fame in 1958, when Dr Ann Wigmore conducted tests on various weeds and grasses in Boston. Wheatgrass was her favourite due to its nutritional content and she's since written books on the healing powers of fresh wheatgrass, expounding its ability to nourish and rid the body of toxins. She also believes it's especially beneficial to those suffering from illness or pain.
Wheatgrass contains 70 per cent chlorophyll, over 20 amino acids, several hundred enzymes not found in other foods, and other vitamins and minerals. The most significant is chlorophyll. Made up primarily of carbon, magnesium, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, studies have shown the structure of chlorophyll to be similar to haemoglobin in our blood - which may explain why it's easily absorbed by the body. Dr Wigmore says the high chlorophyll content of wheatgrass acts as a "magnet" in drawing out toxins from the body.
Wheatgrass is also rich in free radical-fighting B vitamins, carotene and vitamins C and E, said to delay degeneration of the immune system and ageing. It also contains amino acids which help in the process of self-renewal and rejuvenation. A good source of iron and protein, just one 30ml shot of the juice is said to have the nutritional value of 1.5 or 2 kg of most leafy green veggies.
Balance is Key
Christopher says, "Wheatgrass is tonic for anyone wanting an immune system boost. After two to three weeks of regular intake, you're more alert and revitalised."
One problem is its bitter-sweet aftertaste; so juice bars like Juice Zone serve a wedge of orange with its shots. If you own a juicer, you can make a juice or smoothie and add wheatgrass powder, like Greens+ at $79 from Fit For Life Centre (Tel: 62918080). Or try Marigold's new Non Fat Fruits & Vegetables with Wheatgrass yoghurt drink, at $2.50 (1 litre).
Wheatgrass has its benefits, but you can't rely on it solely to cure ailments or to supplement an unhealthy diet. Alexandra Hospital's chief dietitian Gladys Wong stresses the importance of a well-balanced diet - eating a "variety of foods, both raw and cooked".
Types of Grass
Besides wheatgrass, other good greens that are getting fashionable at health food stores include:
Barley Grass
It's said to help improve stamina, clarity of thought and skin texture. According to Dr Howard Lutz, Director of the Institute of Preventative Medicine in Washington, it can help preserve your youthful appearance and also improve sexual energy.
Spirulina
Rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, selenium, zinc, iron, B-group vitamins and vitamin E, spirulina is usually recommended for those feeling rundown, stressed or are iron deficient. Said to help increase energy and vitality.
Klamath Algae
This blue-green algae, only found in Klamath Lake in Oregon in the US, is rich in betacarotene and chlorophyll. The secret behind this algae is the mineral-rich lake from which it comes. Klamath is said to help boost energy, increase concentration and improve mood.
Extracted from The Singapore Women's Weekly - April 2005 issue.
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