Wheat grass and micro algae consumption throughout the world, especially in western countries, has sky rocketed in the recent years. However, the dietary use of these substances is nothing new. It has been discovered that in both South America and Africa cereal grasses such as wheat grass and micro algae have been used internally for nutrition and externally as an antiseptic healing salve. Today, we generally use these substances as a supplement to improve our health and vitality. Individuals that use them regularly enthusiastically testify to their amazing healing properties.
Micro algae are aquatic living organisms. These plants are very small and are measured in microns (millionths of a meter). Spirulina is a species of micro algae. It is blue green in color and spiral shaped. In these tiny plants are found the highest levels of chlorophyll, protein, beta-carotene and nucleic, more so than any other plant or animal food. Because Spirulina is a plant and can be cultivated in a controlled environment, their producers can alter the mineral content of their environment, which in turn affects the mineral content of the product. In other words, depending on the environment, Spirulina can also be an excellent source of essential minerals.
Chlorophyll, which is an inherent property of all green plants, is very similar to hemoglobin. In fact, their molecular structure is nearly identical. This similarity makes it easy for the body to assimilate. Chlorophyll increases the hemoglobin count of the blood. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-binding substance in blood. More hemoglobin translates to a more oxygen rich blood. In addition, chlorophyll detoxifies the blood of drug deposits and de-activates carcinogens. It also stops bacterial growth in the digestive tract as well as the production of yeasts and fungi. Chlorophyll eliminates bad breath and acts as an internal body deodorant.
Spirulina is one of the highest sources of chlorophyll. In contains .7-1.1 percent chlorophyll in comparison to alfalfa, another good source, which contains only .2 percent. It is also the highest source of protein, 68%. The protein found in Spirulina is also more digestible than any other source. Beef protein, for example is only 20% digestible where as Spirulina protein is 95% digestible. In this way, a person can eat less, yet the body's protein cravings will be satisfied.
Believe it or not, Spirulina can even reverse aging. It is rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and nucleic acid (RNA/DNA). Nucleic acids are the building blocks of cells, and GLA assists in cellular renewal. The amount of nucleic acid in the body directly affects the rate of regenerating of cells. The amount of nucleic acid in the body also decreases with age. Other contributing factors to nucleic acid loss are a lack of exercise, poor diet and stress. It is therefore vital to the health of the body to replenish these stores.
An important aspect of Spirulina is the blue pigment, phycocyanin. This blue pigment is very rare in foods. It has shown to inhibit the formation of cancerous cells. In this way it helps to stop the spread of cancer in the body.
Chlorella is another common micro algae. Although, it does not contain as much protein or beta-carotene as Spirulina, Chlorella has higher levels of chlorophyll and twice the levels of nucleic acid than found in Spirulina. Because of its high levels of nucleic acid, it speeds up the renewal and healing of damaged tissue. This is called the chlorella growth factor or CGF. In this way, chlorella is most beneficial in treating degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. The CGF also strengthens immunity by improving the activity of T and B cells, which protect the body against viruses and other invading microorganisms.
Originally it was found that the outer cell wall of chlorella was indigestible. Producers of chlorella had to crack this wall in order for the benefits to be experienced by the body. Later a Japanese biologist was able to produce a form of chlorella that had a less resilient shell and could be assimilated by the body. It was later discovered that this hard outer wall is a benefit as it binds to heavy metals in the body such as lead and mercury and can then be eliminated. It is also known to remove other toxins in the body which are introduced due to our polluted environment. This tough outer wall may well be responsible for some of Chlorella's immune strengthening ability.
Wheat grass is another substance that is high in chlorophyll and minerals. A benefit to wheat grass is that it can easily be found in its "live" form, where as micro algae are normally only available freeze dried. This freeze-drying process destroys a percentage of the enzymes found in its "live" state. Wheat grass can be cultivated in your own home. From seed to harvest normally takes about 8-14 days depending on the climate. In lower temperatures (ranging between 65-75F), wheat grass grows slower, yet will exhibit a deeper green color and tends to have a higher concentration of chlorophyll and minerals. The mineral content of wheat grass depends on the content of the soil it is cultivated in. It can absorb 90 out of 102 available nutrients found in rich soil. This puts the ball in your court. The enzyme content of fresh wheat grass is impressive. The benefits of these enzymes directly affect the functions of the intestine and bowel. They aid in the assimilation of food and loosen debris in the lower bowel. Regular elimination of fecal mater is vital to bodily health. Wheat grass contains an antioxidant enzyme, supper dismutase (SOD). Antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals in the blood that cause damage to cell structure. SOD protects against cellular mutation, and is threrefore useful in the treatment of aging and degenerative diseases. Wheat grass in general is an excellent blood purifier as well as an energy booster. Wheat grass contains glycogen, which is quickly translated into energy. This energy is sustainable and does not result in the "roller coaster effect" experienced after consumption of simple carbohydrates like refined sugar. To experience this quick energy boost it is important to consume wheat grass juice on an empty stomach or with a bit of real fruit juice, as long as it does not have added sugar.
MP's (mucopolysaccharides) found in the carbohydrate structure of wheat grass, and micro algae as well, are found to strengthen bodily tissue. They also lower cholesterol. This strengthening of bodily tissue includes the tissue in the heart and arteries. It also causes the arteries to dilate and improves blood flow.
An additional enzyme in wheat grass is P4D1. This enzyme stimulates the renewal of nucleic acid (RNA/DNA) and acts as an anti-inflammatory. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Wheat grass benefits inflammatory conditions in several ways. It reduces toxins in the blood that collect around the joints and cause pain; strengthens damaged bodily tissues; and prevents inflammation.
In the treatment of disease, it has yet to be scientifically proven that micro algae or wheat grass can actually act as a cure. However, it is undeniable that regular dosages improve immunity and over all well being. There are several individuals that claim that they have been cured of disease such as cancer by the power of these super greens and these claims can be backed by the fact that they are living healthfully. Doctors and naturopaths are still discovering benefits in the use of micro algae and wheat grass. The best test is personal experience. Take a shot of wheat grass juice or indulge in a spirulina smoothie and feel for yourself the remarkable strength of these super greens.