Minerals found in wheatgrass
Minerals found in wheatgrass
Boron
Boron is needed in trace amounts for calcium uptake and healthy bones. Elderly will benefit from this because they have a greater problem with calcium absorption.
The latest study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that within eight days of supplementing the diet with 3 milligrams of boron, a test group of postmenopausal women lost 40% less calcium, one-third less magnesium, and slightly less phosphorus through their urine. Boron interacts with calcium, magnesium and zinc.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 53.87 mcg. per oz.
Calcium
Calcium is vital in the formation of strong bones and teeth and is also important in the maintenance of regular heartbeat and the transmission of nerve impulses. It is needed for muscle growth and contraction and for the prevention of muscle cramps. This important mineral is also essential in blood clotting and helps prevent colon cancer. It may lower blood pressure and prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis as well. Calcium provides energy and participates in the protein structuring of RNA and DNA. It is also involved in the activation of several enzymes including lipase. The amino acid lysine is needed for calcium absorption.
Calcium protects the bones and teeth from lead by inhibiting absorption of the toxic metal. If there is any calcium deficiency, lead will be absorbed by the body and deposited in the teeth and bones. This may account for the higher level of lead in children who have higher incidence of cavities.
A calcium deficiency may result in the following symptoms; muscle cramps, nervousness, heart palpitations, brittle nails, eczema, hypertension, aching joints, increased cholesterol levels,
Rheumatoid Arthritis , tooth decay, insomnia, rickets, and numbness in the arms and/or legs.
Keep in mind that up to 99% of the calcium we eat is deposited in our bones and teeth, and calcium cannot be properly absorbed unless other trace minerals are present along with it. Calcium needs boron, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, strontium, and zinc to be absorb to its full potential. Wheatgrass contains all these minerals.
Female athletes and women experiencing menopause need greater amounts of calcium due to lower estrogen levels.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 15.04 mg. per oz.
Chromium (GTF)
Because it is involved in the metabolism of glucose, chromium (glucose tolerance factor or GTF) is needed for energy. It is also vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats, and protein. This essential mineral maintains stable blood
Sugar levels through proper insulin utilization in both the diabetic and the hypoglycemic.
The average diet is chromium deficient. Researchers estimate that two out of every three American are either hypoglycemic, prohypoglycemic or diabetic. The ability to maintain normal blood
Sugar levels is jeopardized by the lack of chromium in our soil and water supply and by a diet high in refined
White Sugar , white flour, and junk foods.
Chromium interacts with calcium, manganese, vanadium, and zinc.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 2.27 mcg. per oz.
Copper
Among its many functions, copper aids in the formation of bone hemoglobin, and red blood cells, and work in balance with zinc and vitamin C to form elastic. It is involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin colouring, and taste sensitivity. This mineral is also needed for healthy nerves. One of the early signs of copper deficiency is osteoporosis. Copper is essential for the formation of collagen, which make up the connective tissue of the bone matrix. Copper interacts with calcium iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 24.67 mcg. per oz.
Germanium
This important trace mineral was recently discovered and researched by a Japanese scientist, Kazuhiko Asia. He found that it improved many illnesses including
Rheumatoid Arthritis ,
food allergies , elevated cholesterol, candidiasis, chronic viral infections, cancer and AIDS. Germanium is also a fast-acting pain killer. Germanium works by attaching itself to molecules of oxygen, which are carried into the body to improve cellular oxygenation. The body needs oxygen to keep the immune system functioning properly as oxygen helps rid the body of toxins, and poisons. Dr. Asia believes all diseases are caused by an insufficient oxygen supply to the area of the body where it is needed. Researchers have shown that organic germanium is an effective way to increase tissue oxygenation because it acts as a carrier in the same way as hemoglobin. Germanium interacts with zinc.
Iron
Wheatgrass is a fairly good source of iron, a mineral that is essential to red blood cell formation and the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the cells. Some of our iron is reused, but we still must have a steady supply of dietary iron. Without it we easily become tired or anemic. Perhaps the most important of its functions is its production of hemoglobin and oxygenation of red blood cells. Iron is the mineral found in the largest amount in the blood. The mineral is essential for many enzymes and is important for growth in children and resistance to disease. Iron is also required for a healthy immune system and for energy production. Vitamin C can increase iron absorption as much as 30 percent.
Inorganic iron is often constipating, but the iron salts in wheatgrass have no side effects. In juice form, wheatgrass contains about half as much iron as spinach or other greens that are good sources of iron.
Iron deficiency symptoms include brittle hair, nails that are spoon-shaped or that have ridges running lengthwise, hair loss, fatigue, pallor, dizziness, and anemia. Iron interacts with calcium, cobalt, copper, magnesium, manganese, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc.
Since iron has so much to do with the blood, chlorophyll should be mentioned here because the composition of chlorophyll and hemin-whole blood is remarkably similar. The only difference is that the nucleus of the chlorophyll is magnesium and the nucleus of hemin-whole blood is iron. The two life- liquids, one from plants, the other from humans, gives the opportunity to directly improve the quality of our blood by obtaining regular amounts of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is soluble in fat particles and since fat particles are absorbed directly in the blood via the lymphatic system, scientists reason that chlorophyll can also be absorbed in this way. The magnesium ion in the chlorophyll is replaced with an iron molecule, making new blood. In other words, when the blood of the plants is absorbed in humans, it is transformed into human blood, which transports nutrients to every cell of the body.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 0.51 mg. per oz.
Magnesium
Magnesium is vital to enzyme activity. It assists in calcium and potassium uptake. A deficiency interferes with the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses, causing irritability and nervousness. Supplementing the diet with magnesium helps prevent depressions, dizziness, muscle weakness, twitching, heart disease, and high blood pressure, and aids in maintaining the proper pH balance. This essential mineral protects the arterial lining from stress caused by sudden blood pressure changes, and plays a role in the formation of bone and in carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. With vitamin B6, magnesium helps reduce and dissolve calcium phosphate stones. It is also important for good muscle function and for bowel health, as it aids eliminative functions.
You will find about as much magnesium in wheatgrass as in broccoli, brussels sprouts, beets, carrots, or celery. Magnesium interacts with boron, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and strontium.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 11.6 mg. per oz.
Manganese
Minute quantities of manganese are needed for protein and fat metabolism, healthy nerves, and a healthy immune system and blood
Sugar regulation. It is used for energy production and is required for normal bone growth and reproduction. Manganese is essential for iron-deficient anemics and it is also needed for the utilization of thiamine (B1) and vitamin E. Manganese works well with the B-complex vitamins to give an overall feeling of well being. It aids in the formation of mother's milk and is the key element in the production of enzymes needed to oxidize fats and to metabolize purines. Manganese interacts with calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 0.37 mg. per oz.
Molybdenum
This essential mineral is needed in extremely small amounts for nitrogen metabolism, which enables the body to use nitrogen. It aids in the final stages of conversion of purines to uric acid. It promotes normal cell function, and is part of enzyme system of xanthine oxidase. Molybdenum is found in the liver bones, and kidneys. A low intake is associated with mouth and gum disorder and cancer. Those whose diets are high in refined and processed foods are at risk of having a deficiency. Molybdenum deficiency may cause sexual impotence in older men. Molybdenum interacts with copper phosphorus, silicon, and zinc.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 11.9 mcg. per oz.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is needed for bone and tooth formation, cell growth, contraction of the heart muscle, and kidney function. It also assists the body in the utilization of vitamins and conversion of food to energy. A balance of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus should always be maintained. If one of these is present in excess or insufficient amount, it will have adverse effects on the body. Excessive amount of phosphorus interfere with calcium uptake. A diet consisting of junk food is a common culprit. Phosphorus interacts with calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 21.68 mg. per oz.
Potassium
This mineral is called the youth mineral by some nutritionists and is important for a healthy nervous system and a regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body's water balance. Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses. It also regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells. Wheatgrass contains about as much potassium as citrus fruits, grapes, apples or melons. Potassium interacts with iron, magnesium, and sodium.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 273 mg. per oz.
Selenium
Selenium is a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with vitamin E. As an antioxidant, selenium protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals, which can damage the body. Selenium and vitamin E act to aid in the production of antibodies and to help maintain a healthy heart. This trace element is needed for pancreatic function and tissue elasticity. A selenium deficiency is linked to cancer and heart disease.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 309 mcg. per oz.
Silicon (Silica)
Silicon is necessary for bone and connective tissue (collagen) formation, healthy nails, skin, and hair, and for calcium absorption in the earth stages of bone formation. It is need to maintain flexible arteries, and plays a major role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Silicon counteracts the effects of aluminum on the body and is important in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Silicon levels decrease with aging and therefore, are needed in larger amounts by the elderly. Silicon interacts with calcium, molybdenum and zinc.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 944 mcg. per oz.
Sodium
Wheatgrass supplies an optimum amount of sodium. Sodium is necessary for maintaining the proper water balance and blood pH. It is also needed for the stomach in aiding digestion, and elimination, nerve, and muscle function. Although a sodium deficiency is rare, its symptoms include lethargy and heart palpitations. A balance of potassium and sodium is necessary for good health. Because most people over indulge in sodium intake, potassium is typically needed in greater amounts. Its sodium content is about equal to what is found in an onion or tomato. Sodium interacts with lithium and potassium.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 0.4 mg. per oz.
Vanadium
Vanadium is needed for cellular metabolism and in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays a role in growth and reproduction, and inhibits cholesterol synthesis. A vanadium deficiency may be linked to cardiovascular and kidney disease, impaired reproductive ability and increase in infant mortality. Vanadium interacts with chromium.
Evergreen wheatgrass juice contains 2.84 mcg. per oz.
Zinc
This essential mineral is important in prostate gland function and the growth of reproductive organs. It is required for protein synthesis and collagen formation and promotes a healthy immune system and the healing of wounds. Zinc also allows acuity of taste and smell and protects the liver from chemical damage. Sufficient intake and absorption of zinc is needed to maintain the proper concentrations of vitamin E in the blood. Zinc interacts with boron, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, germanium, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, selenium, silicon, strontium, and tin.