Benefits of WHEAT GRASS
Wheat Grass is a popular supplement around the world due to its high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll. Wheat seeds are sprouted and clipped after about 10 days of growth, when their nutritional density is greatest, and then juiced or dried and powdered. In addition to supporting many health conditions, wheatgrass may help to improve human fertility. Consult with your doctor and a midwife before taking wheatgrass to make sure it is OK for you.
Detox Wheatgrass is used traditionally as a method of purifying the blood and tonifying the liver and kidneys for detoxification. According to Lani Lopez, naturopath and author of "Natural Health," detoxing the body before pregnancy can help to enhance fertility and promote a healthy pregnancy. Detoxification is recommended for both men and women as part of pre-natal care, as it balances internal organs and strengthens the body. Take wheatgrass supplements or wheatgrass juice every day before pregnancy to gently cleanse the blood and build up nutrition.
Antioxidants
Wheatgrass supplements or juice can naturally increase antioxidant levels, using organic nutrients to fight free radicals that may lower fertiliuty. Wheatgrass is an excellent source of nutritional antioxidants, including vitamin C, E, chlorophyll and trace amounts of beta-carotene and selenium. According to a review of research published in "The Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews" in 2011, researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand investigated nearly 3000 couples to determine the effect of antioxidants on male fertility. The review found that men who took antioxidant supplements had a significantly higher pregnancy rate. No adverse reactions or side effects were associated with taking antioxidants, and researchers concluded that antioxidants were safe and beneficial for male fertility.
Folic Acid
Wheatgrass contains good levels of folic acid -- a B-vitamin vital for women during the time of conception. In a study published in "The Lancet" in 1991, researchers from the Medical Research Council investigated the effects of folic acid supplementation in early pregnancy. Taking folic acid at the time of conception was found to have a significant protective effect on foetuses, preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida in up to 72 percent of cases. According to a nutritional analysis performed by Crop and Food Research New Zealand, wheatgrass contains 1130 mcg of folic acid per 100 g -- several times the recommended dosage of 400 mcg of supplemented folic acid for women attempting to conceive. Talk with your doctor before using wheatgrass as a source of folic acid for conception and pregnancy.
Safety and Toxicity
Wheatgrass has not yet been investigated for its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. According to the American Cancer Society, wheatgrass is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy becuase of the risk of contamination with molds and bacteria from the soil. Wheatgrass is consumed as a raw green, and may contain pathogens that cause adverse reactions in some people. Consult with your doctor before consuming wheatgrass as a nutritional supplement.
Benefits of Green Barley
Health Benefits of Barley has numerous health benefits. It is known for its ability to help alleviate diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity. It is also effective against diseases like atherosclerosis, diabetes, insulin resistance etc. Given below are some of the benefits.
Barley is low in fat and is known to reduce craving some kinds for food and therefore very useful to those who want to lose weight. It acts as an appetite suppressant making people feel like they have eaten more than they really have.
Barley is high is soluble fiber and can reduce blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels. It helps in reducing the cholesterol level in the body as the dietary fiber in barley binds to bile acids and helps dispose them through the feces. Consuming Barley is said to soothe and calm the bowels. Dietary fiber in Barley is helpful in making your digestive system run smoothly and maintaining a healthy colon. The friendly bacteria present in the large intestine ferment the insoluble fiber content of the barley to form butyric acid which functions as the main fuel for intestinal cells. The insoluble fiber in barley is also said to help women fight against the formation of gallstones.
The Copper present in barley is known to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Copper helps in maintaining the flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints.
Barley is rich in niacin, which is highly effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and blood clots.
Barley is also good for persons suffering from diabetes and can take the place of normal food where rice is prohibited. Barley may be an even better breakfast choice than oats for persons with Type 2 diabetes. Consuming Barley is known to substantially reduce the risk of diabetes.
Barley can prove to be extremely helpful in curing childhood asthma.
It is Easy to digest and can be given to invalids.
Barley is diuretic, brings clear urine and is useful in fevers. It can be used as a nutrient in cases of mucus colitis or simple diarrhea with fever.
Barley contains Selenium which is helpful in preserving the elasticity of the skin and protects it from radical damage. It also has Manganese which works with the B complex vitamins and gives an overall feeling of well being.
Barley grass is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It rich in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, folic acid, B12, calcium, iron, potassium and chlorophyll. It has been prescribed to fight diseases of the spleen or poor digestion. It has also been utilized to treat conditions such as depression or emotional imbalance. Barley grass is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help the body kill cancer cells and overcome a variety of ailments, including acne and ulcers.
Benefits of Acai Berry
What is the acai berry? The acai berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to Central and South America.
Research on the acai berry has focused on its possible antioxidant activity. Theoretically, that activity may help prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.
Is the acai berry healthy? Acai contains several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids.
The word anthocyanin comes from two Greek words meaning “plant” and “blue.” Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Foods that are richest in anthocyanins -- such as blueberries, red grapes, red wine, and acai -- are very strongly colored, ranging from deep purple to black.
Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help defend the body against life's stressors. They also play a role in the body's cell protection system. Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the body. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with aging and the disease process by neutralizing free radicals.
By lessening the destructive power of free radicals, antioxidants may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Are there known health benefits of acai berries?
Some studies show that acai fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Studies are ongoing, though, and the jury is still out. People eat acai berries to address various health conditions. But so far, acai berries have no known health benefit that’s any different than that of other similar fruits.
Can acai berries boost weight loss?
Scientists are learning more about the functional power of superfoods, such as the acai berry. Although acai is touted in some weight loss products, few studies have tested the benefit of acai in promoting weight loss.
For now, plenty of research supports eating a diet rich in antioxidants. There’s no doubt that berries and other fruits are a key part of any healthy diet promoting weight loss. The jury’s still out on whether there is something special about acai’s ability to shed excess pounds.
Why are acai berries used in beauty products?
Some cosmetics and beauty products contain acai oil in the ingredient list. That’s because acai oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Studies show that acai oil may be a safe alternative to other tropical oils used in beauty products such as facial and body creams, anti-aging skin therapies, shampoos and conditioners, and other products. When acai oil is processed and stored long-term, the antioxidant levels remain high.
Do acai berries and acai juice have any side effects?
If you have pollen allergies or have a known hypersensitivity to acai or similar berries, you may want to avoid this fruit. When eaten in moderate amounts, though, acai is likely safe
