Anti-Aging enzyme's secret revealed

Johns Hopkins researchers have determined how a tiny molecule normally squelches the activity of an enzyme that otherwise could help yeast, worms and flies live longer.The structural secrets they found, which are described in the March 18 issue of Molecular Cell, are likely to help efforts to design molecules that increase or decrease the enzyme's normal activity. 

The idea isn't to create a fountain of youth, say the researchers, but to help treat diabetes, inflammation, cancer or other conditions in which the enzyme plays a role. 

The enzyme, called Sir2 or sirtuin, turns on or off certain proteins by removing "decorations" called acetyl groups."Some of the proteins the enzyme turns on or off are already known to be involved in disease, and new ones are being identified all the time," says Cynthia Wolberger, Ph.D., professor of biophysics and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator in Johns Hopkins' Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences. "The idea is that specifically and carefully altering the activity of sirtuins could help fix those conditions by restoring appropriate activity levels of the specific protein involved."

For example, Johns Hopkins scientist Pere Puigserver reported just last month that the human equivalent of Sir2 is intimately involved in controlling whether the liver produces sugar when food is scarce. In people with diabetes, sugar production in the liver is constant, and targeting this sirtuin might help restore control.

 One key controller of the enzyme's activity is a small, naturally occurring molecule called nicotinamide (nick-oh-TIN-ah-mid), itself a product of the enzyme's complex chemistry. Already, scientists knew that this molecule fine-tunes sirtuin's activity by reducing its ability to remove the acetyl groups from proteins.But exactly how nicotinamide interfered with sirtuin's activity was unknown. 

One idea was that there might be two places where nicotinamide could sit in the enzyme -- one spot where it's created, and another where it just blocks the enzyme from doing its job."Our structures of the protein and nicotinamide show that this is clearly not the case," says Wolberger, whose research focuses on understanding proteins' functions by determining what they look like. "Instead, nicotinamide binds in only one spot in the enzyme."Jose Avalos, then a graduate student, found the answer by determining the three-dimensional structure of the nicotinamide and sirtuin bound together. The structure literally shows the molecule sitting in a pocket of the enzyme and also reveals how its presence prevents sirtuin from doing its thing. 

Based on this picture, the researchers altered a single component of that pocket, which made the enzyme sensitive to a different molecule."Things don't usually work out so cleanly," says Wolberger. "But in this case we made a prediction based on the structure, and we were able to prove that prediction true."Wolberger and Avalos used sirtuin from bacteria to create their structures, but the human version of the enzyme responds to nicotinamide in the same way. 

Avalos's structures clearly identify which building blocks of the sirtuin protein are involved in binding nicotinamide."Understanding the interaction in such detail can help in the design of new compounds that could inhibit sirtuin's activity or increase it," says Avalos, now a postdoctoral fellow with Nobel laureate Rod MacKinnon at The Rockefeller University. "Which one you'd want to do depends on the ailment being addressed."Molecules that mimic nicotinamide and block sirtuin's activity might be useful in treating diabetes, based on Puigserver's recent discoveries. 

Or the structural clues could be used to do the opposite, to turn up sirtuin's activity, which might restart a tumor suppressor gene called p53 that is erroneously shut off in many cancers. But those are just two examples."In the last two or three years, there's been an explosion in the number of known implications of sirtuin enzymes in biology and human health," notes Avalos.

Wolberger's goal isn't developing drugs, but understanding the details of how sirtuin works and how it's controlled, in part by understanding how various inhibitors and stimulators of sirtuin activity interact with the enzyme.

 The research was funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health. Authors on the paper are Avalos, Wolberger and Katherine Bever.

(Source:Johns Hopkins Medicine)

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Research: Enzyme repair damaged tissues and reversed the signs of ageing

In mice, reactivating the enzyme telomerase led to the repair of damaged tissues and reversed the signs of ageing. Photograph: Robert F. Bukaty/AP

Scientists claim to be a step closer to reversing the ageing process after rejuvenating worn out organs in elderly mice. The experimental treatment developed by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, turned weak and feeble old mice into healthy animals by regenerating their aged bodies.

The surprise recovery of the animals has raised hopes among scientists that it may be possible to achieve a similar feat in humans – or at least to slow down the ageing process.

An anti-ageing therapy could have a dramatic impact on public health by reducing the burden of age-related health problems, such as dementia, stroke and heart disease, and prolonging the quality of life for an increasingly aged population.
"What we saw in these animals was not a slowing down or stabilisation of the ageing process. We saw a dramatic reversal – and that was unexpected," said Ronald DePinho, who led the study, which was published in the journal Nature.
"This could lead to strategies that enhance the regenerative potential of organs as individuals age and so increase their quality of life. Whether it serves to increase longevity is a question we are not yet in a position to answer."

The ageing process is poorly understood, but scientists know it is caused by many factors. Highly reactive particles called free radicals are made naturally in the body and cause damage to cells, while smoking, ultraviolet light and other environmental factors contribute to ageing.

The Harvard group focused on a process called telomere shortening. Most cells in the body contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, which carry our DNA. At the ends of each chromosome is a protective cap called a telomere. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres are snipped shorter, until eventually they stop working and the cell dies or goes into a suspended state called "senescence". The process is behind much of the wear and tear associated with ageing.

At Harvard, they bred genetically manipulated mice that lacked an enzyme called telomerase that stops telomeres getting shorter. Without the enzyme, the mice aged prematurely and suffered ailments, including a poor sense of smell, smaller brain size, infertility and damaged intestines and spleens. But when DePinho gave the mice injections to reactivate the enzyme, it repaired the damaged tissues and reversed the signs of ageing.

"These were severely aged animals, but after a month of treatment they showed a substantial restoration, including the growth of new neurons in their brains," said DePinho.

Repeating the trick in humans will be more difficult. Mice make telomerase throughout their lives, but the enzyme is switched off in adult humans, an evolutionary compromise that stops cells growing out of control and turning into cancer. Raising levels of telomerase in people might slow the ageing process, but it makes the risk of cancer soar.

DePinho said the treatment might be safe in humans if it were given periodically and only to younger people who do not have tiny clumps of cancer cells already living, unnoticed, in their bodies.

David Kipling, who studies ageing at Cardiff University, said: "The goal for human tissue 'rejuvenation' would be to remove senescent cells, or else compensate for the deleterious effects they have on tissues and organs. Although this is a fascinating study, it must be remembered that mice are not little men, particularly with regard to their telomeres, and it remains unclear whether a similar telomerase reactivation in adult humans would lead to the removal of senescent cells."

Lynne Cox, a biochemist at Oxford University, said the study was "extremely important" and "provides proof of principle that short-term treatment to restore telomerase in adults already showing age-related tissue degeneration can rejuvenate aged tissues and restore physiological function."

DePinho said none of Harvard's mice developed cancer after the treatment. The team is now investigating whether it extends the lifespan of mice or enables them to live healthier lives into old age.

Tom Kirkwood, director of the Institute for Ageing and Health at Newcastle University, said: "The key question is what might this mean for human therapies against age-related diseases? While there is some evidence that telomere erosion contributes to age-associated human pathology, it is surely not the only, or even dominant, cause, as it appears to be in mice engineered to lack telomerase.

Furthermore, there is the ever-present anxiety that telomerase reactivation is a hallmark of most human cancers."

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Wheatgrass and Overcoming Cancer - Dr. Ann Wigmore

For many years I have taken a great interest in the problem of cancer. My reasoning has been that if wheatgrass and live foods can help the most feared and uncontrollable medical problem, cancer, no questions should remain about its ability to heal, nourish, and balance the body. With twenty years of teaching cancer patients behind me, I know that—contrary to popular belief—all types of cancer can be overcome. However, my own opinion is that we will never find a "cure" for this dreaded problem because it can't be cured.

The body of the cancer patient must heal itself in the very same way any body rebounds from a cut, bruise, or common cold. Although there are drugs which seem to help by destroying this or that cancer cell, all they can do is help. The body must replace the lost cells with new cancer-free ones.

Once you understand the logic of self-healing and self- cleansing it is easy to understand how the body can reverse even a serious problem like cancer. All that is needed is sufficient will to live and fight the disease, and enough life energy in the body—a strong enough immune system.

How do you build up the immune system to overcome or prevent cancer? First, by eliminating the things that reduce your immunity: stress at home or at work, and processed and cooked foods. Once you have taken some of the pressure off your immune system in this way, you must learn how to rebuild it. Thus, your second task is to cleanse the toxic residues of stress and bad food choice from your system with a cleansing live food diet and wheatgrass.

Live foods and wheatgrass juice will begin the process of cleansing and rebuilding the immune system as long as you stay clear of the stresses and foods that create a high risk of cancer in the first place. If you do not avoid stresses, you are like a person with a broken leg who continues to walk on the leg without a cast and crutches.

You won't heal regardless of how calm you are or how well you eat. Until you get off the leg and rest it nothing will help. Similarly, if you don't take a vacation (I recommend a permanent one) from the foods that congest and clog your body, your chances of recovery will be that much poorer.While wheatgrass juice helps to build immunity, its beneficial effects range much further.

Preliminary studies have identified a number of substances in wheatgrass juice that are formidable anti-cancer agents. One of these is called abscisic acid. I first learned of abscisic acid from Eydie Mae Hunsberger, a former Hippocrates guest who used the Hippocrates Diet and wheatgrass juice to heal herself of malignant breast cancer.

As she relates in How I Conquered Cancer Naturally, her doctor took an interest in her case and researched many past studies to find the active ingredient in wheatgrass that helped make her well.
What he discovered was abscisic acid, a plant hormone known to prevent seeds from germinating until environmental conditions are just right.

In tests on laboratory animals, he found that even small amounts of abscisic acid proved to be "deadly against any form of cancer." Tumors disappeared quickly in animals given injections of abscisic acid. Eydie Mae did mention, however, that research with abscisic acid is in its infant stages and it is still too early to tell whether it will become a "cure." But as she says, "Poor eating habits cause more diseases than cancer.

We may be able to reverse cancer with abscisic acid pills, but then die from a heart attack or something else." Only sound preventive nutrition and a healthful lifestyle can save us from all illness. Eydie Mae's decision to switch from the "condemned person's diet" to wheatgrass and other live foods on the Hippocrates Diet certainly paid off for her—within one year after she was given up by the medical establishment, the cancer was in remission—and it remained that way.

Another possible anti-cancer property of wheatgrass juice, first brought to my attention in a lecture given by the well- known biochemist and researcher, Dr. Ernst Krebs, Jr., is Vitamin B17 (laetrile). In his research, Dr. Krebs extracted laetrile from apricot pits, but it is also found in whole foods and especially wheatgrass. This vitamin has shown the ability to selectively destroy cancer cells, while leaving non-cancerous ones alone. While laetrile as a cancer treatment is still hotly debated in this country, the facts speak for themselves: the modern American diet contains about four hundred times less Vitamin B17 than the diet of the natives in countries where the incidence of cancer is extremely low.
At the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, Dr. Arthur Robinson studied the various effects of live foods, wheatgrass, and synthetic Vitamin C on cancer in laboratory mice. Skin cancer was induced in the mice through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The control group received the standard laboratory chow diet. Two other groups of mice were given the chow diet and different dosages of Vitamin C. Another two groups of mice received a raw foods diet restricted to apples, pears, carrots, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, bananas, and wheatgrass. One of these groups was also given one hundred grams of Vitamin C.

In a March, 1984 article entitled "Living Foods and Cancer," Dr. Robinson summarized the findings of his research as follows: "The results were spectacular. Living foods [including wheatgrass] alone decreased the incidence and severity of cancer lesions by about 75 percent.

This result was better than that of any nutritional program that was tried. It was possible to duplicate this cancer suppression with ascorbic acid [Vitamin C] only by giving doses so high as to be nearly lethal for the mice and far beyond any rational range of human consumption. In fact, ascorbic acid in the amounts usually recommended for colds and cancer doubled, increased by 100 percent, the incidence and severity of the cancer."

In my own opinion, if the group of mice receiving only wheatgrass and raw foods had been given sprouts rather than fruits and vegetables, the decrease in cancer would have been even more dramatic.

The severity of cancerous lesions in Robinson's mice was caused to vary greatly by nutritional means alone. I believe that this indicates that cancer research of the future must look to diet for the answers.

The cancer-nutrition connection is becoming more evident to researchers and physicians. Recently, the prestigious National Cancer Institute commissioned the National Academy of Sciences to study the relationship between diet and cancer. The study pointed out many carcinogenic foods and their link to cancer. You may already be aware of some of them—processed items such as luncheon meats, smoked meats, high-fat cheeses, and refined oils.

The study also found that some vegetables, especially green and yellow varieties, seem to have anti-cancer properties. Nevertheless, many of the foods singled out by the National Academy of Science, including carrots, squashes, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and leafy greens, are less potent in overall nutrition than wheatgrass—and none of them contain active enzymes when they are eaten cooked.

- by Dr.Ann Wigmore "The Wheatgrass Book"

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Anti-aging: Support for the youngest older generation ever!

Wheatgrass juice is the nectar of rejuvenation, the plasma of youth, the blood of all life. The elements that are missing in our body's cells,especially enzymes, vitamins, hormones, and nucleic acids can be obtained through this daily green sunlight transfusion."

    -- Rev. Viktoras Kulvinskas, Author of Survival into the Twenty First Century

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Cancer: The Dreaded C Word

Cancer: The Dreaded C Word

The effects of live foods (wheatgrass, and synthetic Vitamin C) on cancer in laboratory mice were studied at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine by Dr. Arthur Robinson. The scientists induced skin cancer through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Their findings were reported in an article that appeared in March, 1984, titled Living Foods and Cancer, The results were spectacular. Living foods [including wheatgrass] alone decreased the incidence and severity of cancer lesions by about 75 percent. This result was better than that of any nutritional program that was tried.

 
Nobel-prize winner Otto Warburg, M.D., showed that cancer cells thrive in an oxygen-poor environment. He viewed cancer not as a virus, but as a process of cell mutation caused by oxygen deprivation on the cellular level.

Warburg arrived at his discovery more than fifty years ago, yet his theory still stands uncontradicted, while dozens of others are discredited every year.Because wheatgrass juice is oxygen-rich, and up to 70% chlorophyll, it literally adds life to the cells and assists with the creation of healthy blood the chlorophyll molecule resembles the molecule of human blood (hemoglobin).

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Wheatgrass is great for Mouth and Gum Health

The effectiveness of wheat grass juice in oral health has long been validated. However, the dental community was shocked when a dentist by the name of Homer Judkin, D.D.S., of the Paris Hospital in Paris, Illinois reported his findings after injecting chlorophyll in the gums of patients.

The experience proved that chlorophyll eliminated the infection of trench mouth as well as advanced cases of gum disorders such as pyorrhea. Dr. Judkin stated In less than thirty days the gums tightened up entirely, and have remained clean ever since.

Natural chlorophyll alone is highly unstable, therefore, not practical. However, wheatgrass juice, with its concentrated natural chlorophyll, can be used on gums by soaking gauze and applying directly to the affected areas. Equally effective, after thorough brushing and flossing, is swishing the juice in the mouth and holding for a couple of minutes before swallowing.

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Anemia Testimonial: Wow, I Was Surprised - Wheatgrass Helps Anemia!

Anemia Testimonial: Wow, I Was Surprised - Wheatgrass Helps Anemia!

I was feeling run down and tired. I went into the doctor and they ran some blood tests and found out that I was experiencing an extreme case of iron-deficiency anemia.

The doctor gave me a prescription for strong iron pills. I had taken iron pills in the past. They would make me nauseated and constipated. I was not interested in doing this, so I started to look for more natural ways to address the anemia.

I heard about wheatgrass juice helping to build healthier blood and assisting with anemia. I decided to try drinking the wheatgrass juice and I found great success.

When they first took my blood, it was way below the proper iron range. After 2 months of drinking wheatgrass juice, I was in the high numbers of the iron range.

For those two months, I drank 2 ounce wheatgrass juice shots, 3 times per week, at a local juice bar. Drinking the wheatgrass juice was the answer for me and it did not have any bad side effects!

by Marilyn (Arizona ,Source:www.healthbanquet.com)

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Dr. Chris: Wheatgrass - Effective Inducer Of Fetal Hemoglobin

I wish to report some evidence that may have an important bearing on the treatment of beta-thalassemia (thalassemia major, Cooley's anemia, Mediterranean anemia) and sickle cell disease. A wheatgrass extract I use frequently in clinical practice may well have the potential to improve the quality of life of many sufferers of this debilitating, often life-threatening disorder. There is both clinical evidence and some state-of-the-art science that supports this finding.

Thalassemia major is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen and transports it around the body. Just one gene determines whether or not a child will have the disorder or is simply a carrier of the abnormal gene. The disorder affects children of mainly South-East Asian (eg. 600,000 cases in Thailand), Indian, Mediterranean and Central African origin. Patients can suffer from an enlarged liver and spleen, heart failure, growth retardation, endocrine disorders and various other symptoms. Current treatment for thalassemics includes regular blood transfusion, chelating or iron-removing drugs, and drugs that induce the production of fetal hemoglobin such as hydroxyurea. Without adequate support and management, the disease can be fatal.

Wheatgrass and other cereal grasses have been thoroughly researched and reported as a therapeutically effective substance since the 1930's. Traditionally, chlorophyll, or its synthetic derivative, chlorophyllin, has been implicated as the biological active responsible for reported healing effects. A number of animal studies have shown quite marked improvement in anemia following chlorophyll ingestion. (1,2,3). Other studies up to the present day have shown positive results in the treatment of suppurating wounds(4), burns(5), liver cancer(6), ulcerative colitis(7) and many other conditions. My own experiences in treating numerous patients with a wheatgrass extract since 1995, although anecdotal, strongly support many of these research findings. I am almost certain however that neither chlorophyll nor chlorophyllin is the therapeutic agent responsible.

In my February, 2004 newsletter, I mentioned a clinical pilot study carried out by Dr. R. K. Marwaha et al at the Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. Entitled "Wheat grass juice reduces transfusion requirement in patients with thalassemia major: a pilot study.", the study was performed between February 2000 and May 2003. Sixteen out of 38 (42%) blood transfusion dependent thalassemics fulfilled the trial criteria for final analysis.

To summarise the findings during period of wheatgrass juice ingestion:

• all participants experienced lower blood transfusion requirements (from 0.4 to 43%)
• 50% had at least 25% reduction in transfusion requirements
• the mean interval between transfusions increased 29.5%
• overall, hemoglobin levels were not compromised by reduced transfusion volumes

Dr. Marwaha's conclusion was that "wheat grass juice has the potential to lower transfusion requirements in thalassemics." He was not prepared to speculate on the "mechanism of action of wheat grass juice in transfusion dependent thalassemics" being of the opinion that the concept of chlorophyll enhancing hemoglobin production "sounds too simplistic". I support his position and seriously doubt whether chlorophyll has any function other than to drive photosynthesis. (See my newsletter "Chlorophyll - Healer or Humbug"). Add to this the fact that my wheatgrass extract is clinically effective in most, if not all the areas described in the substantial literature about wheatgrass healing - but contains barely detectable amounts of chlorophyll.
 
It is interesting to note that twenty of the original trial participants were withdrawn due to "indiscipline in intake and an insufficient duration of intake of wheat grass juice." This does not surprise me considering they were asked to consume 100mls per day. Many find fresh wheatgrass juice unpalatable, as I do. Some of these children were as young as four and, unless they really enjoyed the taste, would have found it very difficult to comply with the regime. They would I believe, have found it much easier to ingest a dilute solution of my extract.

I contacted Dr. Marwaha, mentioning the extract and wheatgrass website. At the time it did not seem likely he would want to repeat or extend the pilot study using the extract, so I did not suggest it. Nonetheless, because of the substantial clinical experience I have had using wheatgrass as a therapeutic agent and the extensive scientific literature available on the topic, I felt quite certain that it would work just as well as fresh wheatgrass juice. More importantly, the extract is infinitely more palatable and the dose required would amount to no more than 1 to 3 mls. a day. Also, wheatgrass cultivation is unnecessary as the extract's potency lasts for years, if not indefinitely. The next development was totally unexpected.

The Murdoch Children's Research Institute at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne (Australia) is involved in a number of research projects, one of which is thalassemia. This unit, the Cell & Gene Therapy Research Group is headed by Professor Panos Ioannou who has spent a large part of his working life researching thalassemia. Also, because of his work in the production of artificial chromosomes, he made a significant contribution to the Human Genome Project. On 3rd May he requested a sample of wheatgrass extract saying, "We have recently developed very specific assays for the induction of foetal haemoglobin, ("The assay is based on detecting production of HbF in human erythroleukaemia cells using a fluorescent protein gene that is used to replace the genes for HbF") to facilitate the discovery of pharmacological agents that might be therapeutic for thalassaemia. Given the reported effects of wheatgrass juice on thalassaemia, (Dr. Marwaha's pilot study) we would very much like to test wheatgrass juice (extract) whether it can cause a significant increase in foetal haemoglobin."

This point is important. Fetal hemoglobin, (HbF) which has a substantially higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin, develops in the fetus during the last six months of gestation. As both mother and fetus share the same blood supply, fetal hemoglobin essentially draws off oxygen from the mother's blood. This enables the fetus to survive in the uterus. After birth, fetal hemoglobin levels fall rapidly and in the adult represents less than two percent of total hemoglobin in the body. It has been found that stimulation or induction of fetal hemoglobin in thalassemia can improve the patient's clinical condition. Although drugs exist that have this function, e.g. hydroxyurea, they lack specificity and may have a variety of serious side effects. Professor Ioannou assayed the wheatgrass extract for fetal hemoglobin induction on three separate human cell clones.

On 14 July he reported that over a 5 day period:"Our measurements suggest a 3-5 fold increase in the production of HbF by the wheat grass extract. This is a substantial increase and could certainly provide an explanation why some thalassaemia patients may derive significant benefit." 

Of course, these laboratory results may or may not bear a relationship to what one could expect in the thalassemic patient. However, given the quite significant reduction in transfusion requirements noted in some of the patients in Dr. Marwaha's pilot study, Professor Ioannou's findings strongly suggest they could have resulted from induction of fetal hemoglobin by wheatgrass.

I think it is worth noting again that the Murdoch Institute results were achieved using a wheatgrass extract that contained virtually no chlorophyll. This fact further supports my belief that chlorophyll, like hemoglobin, has a specific function to perform in nature. As hemoglobin transports oxygen within the red blood cell, so does chlorophyll assist photosynthesis within the chloroplast. Nothing more, nothing less.

In conclusion, I believe the two new studies relating to wheatgrass and induction of fetal hemoglobin mentioned here give more than a glimmer of hope to thalassemic patients. Commercial wheatgrass products such as fresh juice, tablets, powders and nutritional supplements are cheap, readily available and virtually devoid of adverse effects. While more studies are clearly necessary, thalassemics may have nothing to lose and possibly much to gain from ingesting wheatgrass, in one form or another, daily. While it is not possible from the current studies to predict the optimal dose of wheatgrass extract for a beneficial effect on thalassaemia, I recommend that in order to benefit fully from the biological activity of the herb, thalassemics, like anyone taking wheatgrass, need to hold it in the mouth for at least a minute before swallowing.

References:

1. Kirkman, N.F. 1939. The effect of low-porphyrin diet on erythropoiesis and hemoglobin regeneration. J Physiol 95:508-515
2. Kelentei, B., Fekete, I., Kun, F. 1958. Influence of copper chlorophyllin on experimental anemia. Acta Pharm Hung 28:176-180
3. Borisenko, A.N., Sofonova, A.D. 1965. Hemopoietic effect of Na chlorophyllin. Vrach Delo 9:44-46
4. Gruskin, B. Chlorophyll – its therapeutic place in acute and suppurative disease. 1940. American Journal of Surgery.
5. Collings, G. 1945. Chlorophyll and adrenal cortical extract in the local treatment of burns. American Journal of Surgery 70:58- 63.
6. Egner, P.A., Munoz, A., Kensler, T.W. 2003. Chemoprevention with chlorophyllin in individuals exposed to dietary aflatoxin. Mutat Res. 2003 Feb-Mar;523-524:209-16.
7. Ben-Ayre, E., Goldin, E., Wengrower, D., Stamper, A., Kohn, R., Berry , E. 2002. Wheat grass juice in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 2002;37:444-449 

(Source:www.drwheatgrass.com)

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How does Wheatgrass Powder help in weight management?

Wheatgrass Powder is a natural, safe and extremely potent aid in weight loss. It works by suppressing appetite, stimulating metabolism, circulation and helps loose weight in inches and kgs. Diet has to be reduced to achieve weight loss and it may cause nutrition deficiencies.

Many people experience fatigue and craving to eat more at this stage. Wheatgrass Powder helps overcome nutrition deficiency and to avoid any side effects. For weight gain, Wheatgrass Powder helps by improving digestion, activating body cells, increasing appetite, improves skin and muscle tone and as an energy booster.

Incase of weight loss / weight gain, the intake of Wheatgrass Powder is the same but the accompanying diet is different as follows:

Weight loss- Diet should contain more of vegetables, soups, sprouts, green salads, fruits, juices, dry fruits, etc. Items such as milk, sweets, ghee, butter, rice, non-veg, alcohol, etc, should be avoided.

Weight gain – Diet should contain more of vegetables, fruits, juices, honey, milk, dry fruits, ghee, porridge, salads, brown rice, soups, Jaggery-sweetened milk at night, etc.,

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36 Points About Wheatgrass

1. Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available.

2. Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other element.

3. Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.

4. Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.

5. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll.
The brain and all body tissues  function at an optimal level in a  highly-oxygenated environment.

6. Chlorophyll is antibacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.

7. Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body  energy.

8. Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.

9. Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) rebuilds the bloodstream. Studies of various animals have shown chlorophyll to be  free of any toxic reaction.

10. The red cell count was returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals which were known to be extremely anemic or low in  red cell count.

11. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the  soil.

12. Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.

13. Dr. Ann Wigmore has been helping people get well form chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.

14. Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them and makes them over.

15. Wheatgrass Juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables.

16. Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.

17. Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.

18. Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.

19. Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.

20. Wheatgrass Juice can cure acne and even removes scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months.  The diet must be  improved at the same time.

21. Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and is used as a body deodorant.

22. A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet can prevent tooth decay.

23. Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes can eliminated toothaches.
It pulls poisons from the gums.

24. Gargle Wheatgrass Juice for a sore throat.

25. Drink Wheatgrass Juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.

26. Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass  spitting out the pulp.

27. By taking Wheatgrass Juice, one may feel a difference in strength, endurance, health, and spirituality, and experience a sense of well-  being.

28. Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.

29. Wheatgrass juice is high in enzymes.

30. Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green  juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

31. Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It is high in magnesium.

32. Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll "concentrated sun power". He said, "chlorophyll increases the function of the heart,  affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs" .

33. According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilds, and neutralizer of toxins.

34. Wheatgrass Juice can reduce high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.

35. Wheatgrass Juice can remove heavy metals from the body.

36. Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds.

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Simple yet delicious Wheatgrass Recipes

Simply Green

• Stalks of celery
• 4 large spinach leaves
• Half cup parsley
• 2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
• 1/4 cup water optional
• Wash greens thoroughly, cut up celery and juice
• Dilute with water if desired

Carrot Grass

• 3 carrots
• 2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
• 1/4 cup water optional
• A nutritious drink that tastes good

Hawaiian Wheatgrass

• 2 cups fresh pineapple
• 1 orange
• 1 papaya
• 2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
• Combine juices to enjoy this healthy Hawaiian treat
• Sip slowly and imagine sitting on a tropical beach

Wheatgrass Smoothie

• 2 oranges
• 1 banana
• 1 lime
• 2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
• 12 crushed ice cubes
• Juice orange, lime and wheatgrass, then place all ingredients in a blender on high speed for 30 seconds
• Stimulating !!!

Apple Grass

• 1-2 cut up apples
• 1/4 cup of water (optional)
• 2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
• A very popular drink among frequent users
• The apple slightly sweetens the taste of the wheatgrass

Pure Veggie Delight

• 2 large carrots
• 3 stalks celery
• 1/2 cup parsle
• 4 large spinach leaves
• 1/2 beet root
• 1/2 cup alfalfa sprout
• Wash veggies thoroughly and cut to fit juicer
• A veggie lovers delight

Tropical Passion Grass

• 2 kiwi
• 1 guava or papaya
• 1 cup pineapples
• 5 strawberries
• 1 orange
• 3-4 inch round of wheatgrass
• Combine all juices and serve slightly chilled

Sweet Grass

• 2 apples
• 1 orange
• 2-3 inch round of wheatgrass
• This sweet drink is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth
  (Source:wheatgrassforlife.com)

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Top 4 Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

1: Wheatgrass Builds Blood: 

Many health experts including Dr Young (pH Miracle) and Steve Meyerowitz (Nature’s Finest Medicine) have highlighted that the chlorophyll molecule in wheatgrass is almost identical to the haemoglobin molecule in human blood. The only difference is that the central element in chlorophyll is magnesium and in haemoglobin it is iron.

Due to this inherent similarity the human body can easily transform chlorophyll into haemoglobin increasing the red blood cell count as well as the blood’s capacity to deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the body’s cells (Hagiwara, 1985) .

Chlorophyll has been shown to build red blood cells quickly, normalise blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways though out the body, destroy poisonous carbon dioxide, release free oxygen and promote higher metabolism and stimulated enzyme systems. On top of all of these benefits, consuming chlorophyll from wheatgrass is a highly effective way to alkalise the blood and energise the body!

2: Wheatgrass Cleanses the Body: 

Wheatgrass is an extremely beneficial food in terms of both its cleansing capabilities. The contents of wheatgrass juice and powder (green drink) are reported to be within the region of approximately 100 separate elements with scientists dubbing it a ‘complete food’. According to ‘The Wheatgrass Book’ (Wigmore, 1985), just 140g of fresh wheatgrass offers the same nutritional value as over 3kg’s of fresh green vegetables!

Wheatgrass is a great source of vitamins B, C, E and carotene which are hugely effective in destroying and eliminating free radicals and cleansing the body. Wheatgrass is also highly regarded for its ability to cleanse the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract.

Because it is also high in saponin, wheatgrass offers excellent support to the lymphatic system, helping to carry away hundreds and thousands of toxins from the cells of the body. Kulvinskas (Survival into the 21st Century, 1975) wheatgrass helps to ‘detoxify the body by increasing the elimination of hardened mucous, crystallised acids and solidified, decaying faecal matter…It is the fastest, surest way to eliminate internal waste and provide an optimum nutritional environment’.

These are just some of the cleansing benefits of wheatgrass, and I have barely scratched the surface with regards to listing its nutritional content. Put most simply, whether you are looking to undertake a formal cleanse, or simply try to add more nutrition to your diet – these reasons alone are enough to consider adding wheatgrass to your daily lifestyle.
  
3: Wheatgrass Has High Amino Acid Content:

You may have heard the expression before that – amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They are absolutely essential to our growth and cell regeneration. It is the astonishingly high amino acid content in wheatgrass that is leading to many bodybuilders and gym-goers incorporating fresh or powdered wheatgrass juice into their daily routine.
   
Wheatgrass juice is a complete protein and contains, amongst others, the following amino acids: arginine, serine, absenisic, lysine, aspartic acid, glycine, alanine, methionine, leucine, tryptophane, phenylalanine, and valine.
  
4: Wheatgrass Fights and Protects Against Illness: 

Organic wheatgrass powders and juices are an extremely effective way of boosting the body's immune system to fight against and recover from illnesses and ailments. Wheatgrass is a great source of beta carotene, contains most of the B vitamins and vitamins C, E, H and K, and also contains over 90 different minerals and 19 amino acids. It also contains several active enzymes which play a major role in breaking down fats, undertaking biological functions and assist hugely in weight loss. Of the 90 minerals found, many of these are very alkalising and include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron.

Many of the health benefits of wheatgrass stem from the fact that it is a living food. Being highly anti-bacterial, consuming wheatgrass will help to alkalise and detoxify the lymph and blood cells, helping the body to rebuild and transport toxins out of the body quickly and effectively.

Again, coming back to the chlorophyll content of wheatgrass – this can protect the body from carcinogens more effectively than any other food. Studies conducted on animals have shown that wheatgrass consumption has reduced the absorption of a number of very serious carcinogens whilst strengthening cells, detoxifying the liver and neutralising polluting elements within the blood. 

(source:energiseforlife.com)

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Wheatgrass Juice Nutritional Analysis

Science does not possess the tools to quantify the power of raw / living food products; however, it does provide the best comparative tools we currently possess.  At this time, over 3,800 nutrients have been identified in food with countless more unidentified nutrients.  Wheatgrass juice is well regarded because it contains a small amount of a broad spectrum of nutrients.  When consumed as a fresh or frozen juice, it is raw, living and highly bio-availability because the juicing process breaks through indigestible fibers and releases their contents.  Raw / living foods hold three advantages over processed supplements:

• Raw foods contain a broad spectrum of identified nutrients
• Better still, raw foods contain thousands of unidentified nutrients because they have not been heated, cooked, dried, powdered, oxidized, canned, irradiated, pasteurized or bottled
• Most bio-chemical reactions are complex and need several ingredients to occur.  The optimal fuel for your body is more likely the combination of many nutrients rather than a large amount of a single nutrient.

General Information	1 Fluid Oz.	10 Fluid Ozs.	Dietary Reference Intakes
Ash (Total)	136.08 mg	1360.8 mg	This information is regularly updated.  For most, this number is known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) which came into effect in 1973. This has since been modernized and is now called the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).  The RDI information is specific to gender and age and can be found in the United States Department Of Agriculture's National Agricultural Library. Link 1 (Direct To Their Site) Dietary Reference Intake Table Link 2 (Local Copy From August 29, 2007) Dietary Reference Intake Table
Calories	5.9535 cal	59.535 cal
Carbohydrates	0.567 g	5.67 g
Chlorophyll	11.9637 mg	119.637 mg
Dietary Fiber	< 28.35 mg	< 283.50 mg
Fat	0.017 g	0.1701 g
Moisture	26.9325 g	269.325 g
Protein-N x 6.25	0.5528 g	5.5283 g
Vitamins
Biotin	2.835 mcg	28.35 mcg
Choline	26.1954 mg	261.954 mg
Folic Acid / Folacin	8.2215 mcg	82.215 mcg
Inositol	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]
Vitamin A	121.0545 IU	1210.545 IU
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	22.68 mcg	226.8 mcg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	36.855 mcg	368.55 mcg
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)	31.185 mcg	311.85 mcg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	1.701 mg	17.01 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCI)	56.7 mcg	567 mcg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)	< 28.35 mcg	< 283.50 mcg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)	1.03 mg	10.2478 mg
Vitamin D	Not Tested	Not Tested
Vitamin E	4.3092 IU	43.092 IU
Vitamin K	Not Tested	Not Tested
Minerals
Calcium	6.8607 mg	68.607 mg
Iron	0.1729 mg	1.7294 mg
Magnesium	6.804 mg	68.04 mg
Phosphorus	21.3192 mg	213.192 mg
Potassium	41.6745 mg	416.745 mg
Selenium	< 0.2835 ppm	< 2.835 ppm
Sodium	2.9201 mg	29.2005 mg
Zinc	0.0936 mg	0.9356 mg
Amino Acids
Alanine	86.751 mg	867.51 mg
Aspartic Acid	73.71 mg	737.1 mg
Cysteine	8.8452 mg	88.452 mg
Glutamic Acid	Not Detected	Not Detected
Glycine	Not Detected	Not Detected
Histidine	Not Detected	Not Detected
Isoleucine	16.0461 mg	160.461 mg
L-Arginine	38.2725 mg	382.725 mg
L-Lysine	10.4895 mg	104.895 mg
Leucine	29.8526 mg	298.5255 mg
Methionine	26.5356 mg	265.356 mg
Phenylalanine	29.3139 mg	293.139 mg
Proline	67.1895 mg	671.895 mg
Serine	Not Detected	Not Detected
Threonine	79.38 mg	793.8 mg
Tryptophan	Not Tested	Not Tested
Tyrosine	17.6904 mg	176.904 mg
Valine	12.7292 mg	127.2915 mg
Enzymes
Amylase	Not Detected	Not Detected
Lipase	Not Detected	Not Detected
Protease	Not Detected	Not Detected
Essential Fatty Acids
Lecithin	< 85.05 mg	< 850.5 mg
Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acid	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]
Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]
Saturated Fatty Acid	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]
Carbohydrates
Fructose	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]
Glucose	0.2268 g	2.268 g
Lactose	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]
Maltose	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]
Sucrose	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]	< 0.1 g / 100 g [Not Detected]

 
Test Results From
Irvine Analytical Laboratories, Inc. (Now Irvine Pharmaceutical Services)
10 Vanderbilt, Irvine, CA 92718
http://www.ialab.com

Original Test Results Per 100 Grams Which Is Equivalent To 3.5273369 Fluid Ozs.
All Results Have Been Converted At This Rate To Represent 1 Fluid Oz. Of Wheatgrass Juice

(Source:dynamicgreens.com)

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