Nutritional food supplements for a healthy diet

Wheat Grass & Barley Grass Powder

Cereal grasses are superfoods. We sell organic wheat grass and barley grass powder of exceptional quality, very finely cut to ensure it is palatable. Our wheat grass and barley grass are grown outdoors and harvested at their nutritional peak and are nutrionally far superior to home grown tray grasses. The powder is pure, raw, unadulterated milled grass, which is a convenient way to boost your intake of green vegetables. You can mix it with juice, water or yoghurt. An afternoon glass can quickly boost energy levels.

How can I buy cereal grasses?

We sell Barley Grass Powder, Wheat Grass Powder and a 60/40 mix of Wheat Grass & Barley Grass Powder. Both grasses are organically grown in non-nuclear New Zealand and of exceptional quality.

The cut of the grasses is very fine: 50 micron / 270 mesh. This is more palatable to most people than the cheaper and more common 80 micron mesh. Once the grass is cut and milled there is no further treatment. Just pure and natural goodness.

Our 125g snap secure tub is approximately six weeks supply, taking 3g a day, or about one heaped teaspoon.

What is the difference between wheat grass and barley grass?

The two grasses have very little difference in nutritional value. The difference is purely in taste: barley grass is sweeter, whereas wheat grass has a slightly more bitter taste.

What is the difference between tray grown wheat grass and Chlorella-World wheat grass?

Tray grown wheat grass is a popular product in juice bars and health shops. Many people grow their own for this purpose. However, most people do not realise that it has not reached its full nutritional potential.

Our wheat grass is grown outdoors in its natural climate. It has much higher levels of vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll than tray grown wheatgrass due to the significant differences in the growth process.

Tray grown wheat grass is harvested after 7-10 days when it is 6-8 inches tall and is then juiced for consumption. It grows fast in these warm conditions and the plant has a relatively high level of simple sugars but has not had time to convert these into complex carbohydrates, vitamins, enzymes and proteins.

Wheat grass is grown outdoors for at least 200 days. This produces a much higher quality grass with a far better nutritional profile than tray growing can produce.

Both products are nutritious, but outdoor grown wheat grass powder is nutritionally superior, more convenient and about a third of the cost.

What are wheat grass and barley grass?

Wheat grass and Barley grass are cereals.

The seeds are sown in the autumn, driving their roots deep into the soil before the winter's dormant growth period. Whilst growth is at a minimum during winter the roots can absorb valuable minerals and nutrients ready for the coming spring. With warmer springtime temperatures, the plants convert sunlight into energy and use the nutrients stored in the roots to transform simple sugars into complex carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids and other nutrients, resulting in lush, nutritious blades of grass.

The leaves reach their nutritional peak just before what is known as the jointing stage. After this the cereal grows rapidly and the nutrients stored in the leaves of the plant are used to grow the stalk and form the grain. The best quality grasses are harvested just before the jointing stage, when the grass is at its nutritional peak.

The cut grass is dried within an hour or two of harvesting using low temperature drying equipment to preserve heat-sensitive enzymes and nutrients. The best producers then store and process the dried grass in ways that minimise loss of freshness and potency.

Wheat grass and barley grass harvested in this way should be considered green leafy vegetables. In fact, they are amongst the most nutritious green leafy vegetables available, in the same category as spinach, kale, and broccoli. However, they are much more convenient and have a much longer shelf life than the greens most of us leave to wither in the fridge. We are all aware of the recommendation to eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day. To ensure we all achieve a regular supply of green vegetables supplementing with green superfoods, like wheat grass and barley grass makes good sense.

What are the nutritional profiles for wheat and barley grass?

Cereal grasses are nutrient dense, containing essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Typical Nutritional Profile per 100g:

• Calories 370
• Cholesterol 0
• Carbohydrates 46%
• Protein 24.6%
• Dietary Fibre 28.5%
• Chlorophyll 0.53%

VITAMINS

• Biotin, Choline, Lutein, Lycopene, Vitamin A (Betacarotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B8 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Zeaxanthin

MINERALS

• Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Sulphur, Zinc

AMINO ACIDS

• Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine.

ENZYMES

• Rich in enzymes but superoxide dismutase (SOD) Peroxidase may be the most important

ANTIOXIDANTS

• Lutonarin, Saponarin, 2"-0-GIV.

Scroll down for Nutritional Profile Tables

How should I use wheat grass and barley grass?

Cereal grasses are natural raw foods. Our 125g snap secure tub is approximately six weeks supply, taking 3g a day, or about one heaped teaspoon. This is the recommended intake for new users. Many users gradually increase their intake over a few weeks.

What are the benefits of barley grass or wheat grass?

The benefits of taking cereal grass supplements were acknowledged in America in the 1940s and 1950s with widespread prescriptions for the multivitamin Cerephyl. This was simply cereal grass, grown and processed in much the same way as described above and then compressed into a tablet!

Whilst you may quickly notice some benefits of taking wheat grass and barley grass, they are not quick fix solutions but are steps to achieving overall health, happiness and well being. As with all nutritional supplements their benefit is greatest when they form part of a healthy eating plan and regular exercise regime.

1. A convenient way to increase your intake of green vegetables

Cereal grasses are raw green leafy vegetables. Increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables not only helps with weight control and improves the appearance of your skin and hair but can also significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Eating at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day could reduce the risk of death from chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer by up to 20%. It has been estimated that diet might contribute to the development of one-third of all cancers, and that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is the second most important cancer prevention strategy, after reducing smoking. Increasing vegetable intake can also delay development of cataracts, reduce the symptoms of asthma, improve bowel function and help to manage diabetes.

Whilst we can take supplements of individual vitamins and minerals, evidence suggests it is the interplay between these nutrients that occur in nature that is particularly valuable. Taking nutrient dense natural supplements like cereal grass powder has all the benefits of the whole vegetable, with the convenience of a powder. Why not try this in combination with our other natural supplements – Chlorella and Spirulina?

For further information and references see: http://www.5aday.nhs.uk/original/professionals/HealthBenefits.aspx

2. High in chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll is the substance that gives plants their green pigmentation. Chlorophyll absorbs energy from the sun to facilitate photosynthesis in plants. It is vital for many metabolic functions of plants, including respiration and growth. Chlorophyll is chemically similar to haem, a complex of molecules which make up human red blood cells. In chlorophyll the central molecule is magnesium whereas in haem it is iron. Some studies suggest these two chemicals may be similar in properties. Green leafy plants are the only obvious source of Chlorophyll. Consumption of leafy vegetables rich in chlorophyll is associated with a reduction in certain types of cancers induced by free radicals. Much chlorophyll goodness is lost in cooking but cereal grass powders provide us with a naturally occurring no-cooking-needed nutritious supplement.

Chlorophyll inhibits dioxin absorption (dioxins are environmental pollutants, which enter the population almost exclusively from the ingestion of food). Dioxins are likely carcinogens and also threaten reproductive health, immune defenses and sexual development.

A recent Japenese study showed that levels of dioxins (PCDD and PCDF congeners) in rats were remarkably decreased along with the increasing dietary chlorophyll¹. These findings suggest that chlorophyll is effective for preventing dioxin absorption via foods. Chlorophyllin, a water soluble form of chlorophyll has been shown to be an effective anticarcinogen in experimental models, including aflatoxin-induced hepatocarcinogenesis². It is thought to form molecular complexes with carcinogens, thereby blocking their bioavailability.

In addition, chlorophyll is used in chewing gum to combat bad breath.

1. Morita K et al. Chlorophyll derived from Chlorella inhibits dioxin absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and accelerates dioxin excretion in rats. Environ Health Perspect. 2001 Mar;109(3):289-94.
2. Egner PA, Muñoz A, Kensler TW. Chemoprevention with chlorophyllin in individuals exposed to dietary aflatoxin. Mutat Res. 2003 Feb-Mar;523-524:209-16.

3. Alkaline substances

Cereal grasses are alkaline substances. Many people believe that better health is achieved if we pay attention to the chemical balance in our bodies. The theory behind alkalisation is that our everyday dietary choices favour the acidic end of the scale, tending to lower our pH. This disturbs the fragile balance of the pH, sending the wrong signals to our body and cells. Through comsumption of alkaline substances and drinking alkaline water you can combat the acid in your life. Alkalisation is a way of life, seeking to redress the chemical balance in our bodies.

Click here for further information about alkalisation (link to pH drops)

4. Contains Antioxidants

Antioxidants are capable of stabilizing free radicals before they can cause harm in our bodies. Because oxidation is a naturally occurring process within the body, a balance with antioxidants must exist to maintain health. We are more susceptible to oxidative stress with increasing age and antioxidants therefore play an increasingly important role.

For more information about antioxidants click here: www.ific.org/publications/factsheets/antioxidantfs.cfm

Typical Nutritional Profile

Barley Grass Powder (Leaf)

	Units	Amount per 100g
Protein	% m/m	19.9
Fat	% m/m	5.2
Moisture	% m/m	2.4
Ash	% m/m	8.5
pH	% m/m	5.95
Chlorophyll	mg	607
Beta Carotene	mg	23.2
Vit E as total Tocopherols	iu	15.3
Vitamin C	mg	454
Carbohydrate (by difference)	% m/m	54
Folic acid	ug	1400
Dietary Fibre	% m/m	35.2
Nickel	ug	Less than 120
Calcium	mg	420
Magnesium	mg	110
Potassium	mg	3700
Sodium	mg	50
Aluminum	mg	Less than 260
Boron	ug	Less than 460
Cadmium	ug	Less than 1.5
Cobalt	ug	Less than 10
Cesium	ug	2.1
Copper	ug	330
Iron	mg	25
Lithium	ug	Less than 18
Manganese	mg	5
Molybdenum	ug	21
Phosphorous	mg	360
Rubidium	mg	1.5
Sulphur	mg	310
Zinc	mg	1.8
Chromium	ug	260
Arsenic	ug	Less than 25
Selenium	ug	Less than 50
Vanadium	ug	Less than 32
Tin	ug	Less than 25
Lead	ug	Less than 20
Mercury	ug	Less than 2

Typical Nutritional Profile

Wheat Grass Powder (Leaf)

	Units	Amount per 100g
Protein	% m/m	31.6
Fat	% m/m	6.5
Moisture	% m/m	2.8
Ash	% m/m	9.7
pH	% m/m	5.95
Chlorophyll	mg	990
Beta Carotene	mg	31.6
Vit E as total Tocopherols	iu	13.1
Vitamin C	mg	261
Carbohydrate (by difference)	% m/m	49.4
Folic acid	ug	1400
Dietary Fibre	% m/m	35.2
Nickel	ug	Less than 25
Calcium	mg	460
Magnesium	mg	205
Potassium	mg	4000
Sodium	mg	36.5
Aluminum	mg	Less than 7.9
Boron	ug	Less than 33.5
Cadmium	ug	Less than 12.5
Cobalt	ug	Less than 6.5
Cesium	ug	4.85
Copper	ug	700
Iron	mg	17.5
Lithium	ug	Less than 7.9
Manganese	mg	5.5
Molybdenum	ug	73
Phosphorous	mg	630
Rubidium	mg	4.8
Sulphur	mg	445
Zinc	mg	2.5
Chromium	ug	Less than 43
Arsenic	ug	Less than 25
Selenium	ug	Less than 50
Vanadium	ug	Less than 25
Tin	ug	Less than 25
Lead	ug	7.2
Mercury	ug	Less than 2