Organic A Doctor's Take On The Benefits Of Wheatgrass + 50 Reasons To Drink It Daily

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A Doctor's Take On The Benefits Of Wheatgrass + 50 Reasons To Drink It Daily

fresh wheatgrass shots on a tray

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Dr. Brian Clement
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Photo credit: Food Republic
WHEATGRASS IS INTENSE. And so is this list of fifty benefits of wheatgrass from Dr. Brian Clement.
Dr Clement is co-director of the Hippocrates Health Institute and his research below provides compelling support for the benefits of wheatgrass daily!
Below, you’ll learn:
+ 50 reasons to drink wheatgrass everyday according to Dr. Clement.
+ How to take wheatgrass daily.
+ Our top 3 picks for daily wheatgrass juicers at home and wheatgrass powders.
50 Surprising Benefits of Wheatgrass
Some proponents of wheatgrass claim that one shot of the juice has the nutritional value of up to 350 pounds of garden vegetables. Shots of freshly juiced wheatgrass are highly nourishing and can aid your body in it’s daily detoxification process. Wheatgrass is packed with antioxidants, highly alkalizing and purported to have an anti-bacterial effect, but that’s truly just the beginning of wheat grass’ near-miraculous benefits.
Wheatgrass can support healthy skin healing, respiratory function, gastrointestinal health and fertility and makes a great supplement during juice cleanses.
If you can’t handle wheatgrass juice fresh and raw (which really is best) you can also try wheatgrass as a powder or tablet (see our picks below). Powdered wheatgrass is a bit more mellow in flavor and is far easier to keep on hand in the pantry.
Wheatgrass therapy is practiced as part of several programs at the Hippocrates Health Institute. If you’re looking for natural health guidance, Dr. Clement’s programs are thorough, insightful and well-regarded in the world of health and wellness.
Check out the comments section below for plenty of additional opinions from our readers!
01. Surprisingly, wheatgrass is extremely rich in protein, and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
02. Wheatgrass juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available today. To get the full benefit, the chlorophyll must come fresh from a living plant.
03.Wheatgrass juice is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, plus vitamins A, B Complex, C, E and K.
04Chlorophyll contains enzymes and super-oxide dismutase (SOD), a copper-containing protein found in mature red blood cells. This enzyme decomposes superoxide radicals in the body into a more manageable form, thereby helping to slow down the aging process.
05. Chlorophyll is the first product of sunlight and, therefore, contains more ‘light energy’ than any other food element.Wheatgrass juice contains crude chlorophyll (as opposed to pure) and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without side effects. In addition, scientists have never found wheatgrass to be toxic in any amount when given to either animals or humans.
06. Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.
07. Chlorophyll is antibacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a natural healer. The United States Army exposed guinea pigs to lethal doses of radiation. The guinea pigs fed chlorophyll-rich vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli had half the mortality rate as those fed a non-chlorophyll diet.
08. 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 115 minerals from the soil.
09. Wheatgrass juice contains up to 70% chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder. The chlorophyll molecules closely resemble that of the hemin molecule, the pigment which combines with protein to form hemoglobin. The major difference is the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium as it’s central atom, and the hemin molecule contains iron. The molecular structure of these two substances is almost identical in all other respects.
benefits of wheatgrass shots

10. Liquid chlorophyll has the ability to get into the tissue, where it can actually refine and renew them.
11. The bland soothing effect of chlorophyll (wheatgrass) ointments are very beneficial to the treatment of various skin diseases involving the outer and underlying layers of the skin, including: itching and burning of the rectum; ivy poisoning; weeping and dry eczema and even in conditions caused by insect bites or infection.
12. Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.
13. Doctors R. Redpath and J. C. Davis found chlorophyll packs inserted into the sinuses had a drying effect, clearing up congestion, and giving immediate relief. Congested head colds were cleared up within 24 hours.
14. Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
15. Chlorophyll helps purify the liver. You can improve your liver health by focusing on herbs and foods like wheatgrass that are known to regenerate liver tissue, support its detoxification process of alcohol, and protect it from the damage induced by your favorite libations.
16. Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.
17. In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, to cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.
18. 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.”
19. Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.
20. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. This is beneficial because the brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly- oxygenated environment.
21. It is a nutritionally complete food which will sustain the growth and development of laboratory animals and humans alike. Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive practically indefinitely.
22. Wheatgrass juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables.
23. The starch of the wheat berry is stored energy which when converted to simpler sugars is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is a juice and is assimilated in 20 minutes or less, and uses very little of the body’s energy to extract the nutrients…
24. Because 1 ounce of juice equals 2 pounds of produce nutritionally, it naturally shuts off the appestat in the brain.
25. Wheatgrass contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including the thirteen essential ones, combined with dozens of trace elements and enzymes.
26. Wheatgrass juice is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K. It is extremely rich in protein, and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
27. Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)
28. Wheatgrass juice cures acne and even help to remove scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet, of course, must be improved at the same time.
29. Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and can be used as a body deodorant.
30. A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet helps prevent tooth decay.
31. Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will help eliminate toothaches. It pulls poisons from the gums.
32. Gargle wheatgrass juice for a sore throat.
33. Drink wheatgrass juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.
34. Wheatgrass juice helps to keep the hair from graying.
35. Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out the pulp.
36. Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.
37. 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.
wheatgrass shot fresh

38. Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema is evacuated, implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice. Retain for 20 minutes.
39. Wheatgrass juice improves arthritis. Soak a cotton sock with 6 ounces and place on affected area, cover with plastic bag.
40. For minor eye irritation apply strained wheatgrass juice mixed with half pure water in an eye cup for 15 – 30 seconds.
41. Massage 6 ounces into the scalp and cover with shower cap for 15 minutes to help eliminate dandruff.
42. Wheatgrass juice can be used as a douche for many feminine complications.
43. Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open because it is high in magnesium.
44. Wheatgrass juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.
45. Wheatgrass is gluten-free because it’s cut before the grain forms.
46. Wheatgrass juice can remove heavy metals from the body.
47. Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds.
48. Another benefit of wheatgrass is you can grow it in just about a weeks, right in your own home.
49. Dr. Earp Thomas said, “Wheat is the king of all grain foods”. He found that an ounce of wheatgrass in a gallon of fluoridated water would turn the fluorine into harmless calcium-phosphate-fluoride compound. Used in wash water it adds softness to the face and hands. In the bath, it is most soothing. It stops bleeding, eases itching, and helps sores and pimples to heal. Dr. Thomas further discovered that fruits and vegetables contaminated by sprays were thoroughly cleaned and the negative food transformed by wash water with a wisp of wheatgrass placed in the water.
50. And finally – by taking wheatgrass juice, one may feel an increase in strength and endurance, renewed health and spirituality, and experience an overall sense of well-being.
Our Top Picks For Daily Wheatgrass
MUELLER SLOW-JUICER | Juice your own fresh wheat grass juice. This masticating juicer is how to drink it at it’s strongest and freshest. SHOP NOW

PINES ORGANIC WHEAT GRASS TABLETS | An incredibly convenient and surprisingly affordable way to make sure you eat wheat grass daily. Take these tablets instead of juicing. SHOP NOW


STARWEST BOTANICALS WHEATGRASS POWDER | Wheat grass powder is another way to take wheatgrass daily. Mix it with a small glass of juice and shoot for the most palatable approach! SHOP NOW
How To Take Wheatgrass Daily
We know health nuts who take four shots of wheatgrass a day because they believe it supports their healing process, but, if you are new to wheatgrass, we recommend that you start with just half a shot a day. Drink plenty of water and pay attention to the way you feel.
Wheatgrass can upset the stomach if your body isn’t accustomed to a clean diet. Adjust your dosage of the juice over time as your body adjusts to it’s potency. We recommend dosing up by half a shot or ounce over a one week period. Many people settle on just one shot a day.
Try your first shot of wheatgrass on an empty stomach for maximum absorption and following it with a small apple juice chaser. Follow with plenty of water in the hours that follow.
Fresh wheatgrass is best, but green powders are also convenient, more of our top picks are listed here at every price point.
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50 Benefits of Wheatgrass: Dr. Approved Reasons To Drink Daily

Dr. Clement shares the evidence-based impressive benefits of wheatgrass. Packed with powerful nutrients that can...
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Health benefits of Couch Grass
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Health benefits of Couch Grass
Couch Grass Quick Facts
Name:Couch Grass
Scientific Name:Elymus repens
OriginEurope and Western Asia
TasteSlightly sweet taste
Health benefitsFights against Poisonous Toxins and beneficial for Menstrual problems

Couch grass scientifically known as Elymus repens is a diuretic herb that is native to Europe, Asia as well as Northwest Africa. It is a perennial grass and the common names are Witch grass, Wheat grass, Couchgrass, Durfa grass, Quack grass, Dog grass, Quick grass, Scutch grass as well as Twitch grass. It belongs to the Hordae genera of the Poaceae or grass family. The genus name Agropyron is derived from the Greek terms ‘agros’ meaning field and ‘puros’ denoting wheat. The main parts used as herbal medicine are the root, rhizome and seeds. The farmers usually consider the couch grass to be a nuisance as it not only invades their agricultural fields, but also produces a chemical substance that slows down the development of other plants. Although, it is considered to be a bothersome weed in North America, in many regions of Europe and Asia, the couch grass hay is used as a fodder for livestock and its tubular root is sometimes consumed by people when there is an acute scarcity of food.

Plant Description
Couch grass is a cool-season; exotic, perennial, rhizomatous graminoid grass that grows about 1.5 m tall with spikes up to 15 cm long. The plant is found growing in scrubby barrens, pastures, abandoned fields, weedy meadows, edges of yards and gardens, areas along roadsides and railroads, mined land, and waste areas. It prefers fertile soils, rich in nitrogen and with a good water supply, and is less successful on very acid or very dry, shallow soils. Rhizomes are pale yellow or straw-colored with internodes from 2-8 cm in length and about 3 (1.5-4) mm in diameter. Stem is erect, decumbent, and may reach heights of 1 to 3 feet (0.3-1 m) but more commonly grow to 0.25 to 1 inch (0.5-2 cm) high.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate with sheaths, the blades are long and narrow, and the veins are parallel. Leaf blades are soft and relatively flat, 3-10 mm wide, dull and mostly dark green, sometimes glaucous. On the lower leaves, sheaths are often strongly hairy, on upper leaves smooth or slightly soft-hairy.
Flower
Inflorescence is a dense to rather lax spike, like a wheat spike but more slender, mostly 5-10 cm long. Spikelet is compressed, 5-15 mm long, usually with four to six flowers. Glumes are 5-15 mm long, lanceolate and mostly awn-pointed, lemma 6-11 mm with an awn from less than 1 mm up to about 10 mm. Flowering normally take place from June to August.

COUCH GRASS IMAGE GALLERY
Couch-Grass Couch-Grass
Couch-grass-bushes Couch-grass-bushes
Couch-Grass-Plant-Illustration Couch-Grass-Plant-Illustration
Couch-Grass-Sketch Couch-Grass-Sketch
Flowering-Spikes-of-Couch-grass Flowering-Spikes-of-Couch-grass
Fruit-of-Couch-grass Fruit-of-Couch-grass
Seed-of-Couch-grass Seed-of-Couch-grass
Stem-of-Couch-Grass Stem-of-Couch-Grass
Dried-Couch-grass-root Dried-Couch-grass-root

Health benefits of couch grass
Couch grass has been used for thousands of years now to treat inflamed bladder, water retention, uterine infection, urination that is painful to pass. It is also a natural remedy for kidney stones conditions as well as kidney infection. Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of using couch grass
1. Fights against Poisonous Toxins
When someone has poisonous toxins entered into the body due to insects bites, or poisonous chemicals. Then immediately take this juice which can be acting as a detoxification agent. Take 100 gm. of Couch grass and 100 gm. of Paidi Patti leaves. Take juice of both and mix it with an equal amount of buttermilk. They need to take it twice to clear all the toxins from the body.
2. For Urinary tract infections
Take 10 gm. of grass and 10 gm. of Amla should be soaked in curd at night time and should be eaten in the morning. If you take this regularly for 15 days the results might surprise you for sure. Its anti-diuretic properties act as a clearing agent of infections that are in the urinary tract and are paining you always from a long time.
3. For Menopause Menstrual problems
Take 15 gm. of couch grass and 15 gm. of Pomegranate leaves, take the juice of both. Take the juices and boil in 2 cups of water. Boil it in low flame. Take this soup for at least 2 to 3 times a day so that it might reduce most of the problems related to menopause, like over bleeding, over white discharge and irritation in the vaginal parts.
4. Acts as Energy booster
Take 200 gm. of couch grass and take the juice of it. Mix it with Ragi flour and Suji Flour and prepare like Chappatis/ Rotis, serve with hot sauce. This actually serves as an energy booster.
5. For Piles Problems

Take 15 gm. of couch grass and make juice of it. Mix this juice in 1 full glass of Milk. Taking it regularly for 15 days might lessen the pain at the affected place and also does show best results in reducing the complaints related to it.
6. Skin diseases
Take a 50 gm. of couch grass and 10 gm of Turmeric, and mix it with cow urine and apply it on the places where there are skin diseases like Psoriasis, eczema, burns, itching. After applying at affected places, leave it for 30 minutes and take a bath with neem leaves put in hot water. By doing like this you can get the better results to be seen if used frequently until you see better results on skin.



Traditional uses and benefits of Couch grass
  • Roots are very useful in the treatment of a wide range of kidney, liver and urinary disorders.
  • This plant is also a favorite medicine of domestic cats and dogs, who will often eat quite large quantities of the leaves.
  • Roots are anti-phlogistic, aperient, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, lithontripic and tonic.
  • Tea made from the roots is used in cases of urinary incompetence and as a worm expellant.
  • It is also an effective treatment for urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis.
  • It both protects the urinary tubules against infections and irritants, and increases the volume of urine thus diluting it.
  • Externally it is applied as a wash to swollen limbs.
  • Couch grass has been used to treat gout, rheumatic disorders, chronic skin conditions, and urinary tract, bladder, and kidney disorders.
  • It is also suggested in gout and rheumatism.
  • It may melt kidney stones.
  • Couch grass tea will soothe and coat an inflamed sore throat, and helps clear phlegm.
  • Couch grass may also be used in combination with other herbs for a variety of remedial processes – treating kidney stones, alleviating inflammation as well as cut wounds or laceration.
  • Taking a decoction prepared with couch grass over a period of time has been found to be effective in healing expanded prostate glands as well as prostatitis.
  • Herbalists recommended couch grass for treating gout and rheumatism in earlier days.
  • German herbal medicine practitioners externally apply a hot and wet pack of heated seeds of couch grass on the abdomen to alleviate peptic ulcers.
  • Juice extracted from the couch grass roots has been traditionally used to heal jaundice and additional disorders of the liver.
  • It is effective in easing the occurrence as well as the soreness of urination – an effectual medication for dysuria and strangury.
  • It may be given to patients when they are enduring any kind of urinary tract inflammation and even in condition wherein too much of pus, mucus or blood passed in the urine.
  • To treat infections of the urinary tract, couch grass is usually used in combination with other herbs like yarrow, uva ursi (bearberry) and buchu.
  • Couch grass is used concurrently with hydrangea to treat prostate problems.
  • Herb is used extensively to treat cystitis and also as a remedy for catarrhal disease of the gallbladder.
Ayurvedic Health benefits of Couch Grass
  • Liver Problems: Drink half glass couch grass juice daily. It is very beneficial for liver diseases.
  • Water Retention: Boil Dandelion leaves, couch grass leaves and yarrow flower for 5 minutes. Take it twice a day.
  • Urinary Tract Infection: Add 2 tsp of Couch grass, Buchu and corn silk in a cup of water. Slowly bring to a boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Take 2-3 times a day.
  • Pericarditis: Take 100 grams of dried Morus Alba and 50 gram of dried couch grass. Crush them. Soak 20 gram of crushed combination in a liter of water at night. In morning, boil the soaked material. Strain and use it whole day as drinking water.
Culinary Uses
  • They can be dried and ground into a powder, then used with wheat when making bread.
  • When boiled for a long time to break down the leathery membrane, syrup can be made from the roots and this is sometimes brewed into a beer.
  • Roasted root is used as a coffee substitute.
  • Young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw in spring salads.
  • Juice from these shoots is sometimes used as a spring tonic.
  • Cereal mash can be made from them.
  • Seed is very small and there is a large husk surrounding it, so that effectively it is more like eating fiber than cereal.
Other Uses
  • An infusion of the whole plant is a good liquid plant feed.
  • Plant has a long creeping root system and so it has been planted in sand dunes near the coast to bind the soil together.
  • Grey dye is obtained from the roots.
  • Plant is grown all over the world except Africa.
  • Dried rhizomes of couch grass were broken up and used as incense in medieval northern Europe where other resin-based types of incense were unavailable.
  • Elymus repens rhizomes have been used in the traditional Austrian medicine against fever, internally as a tea, syrup, or cold maceration in water, or externally applied as a crude drug.
  • It is harvested all the year round for fodder for livestock.
Dosage
  • Dried root: 4 to 8 gm. or in decoction .Take three times in a day.
  • Liquid extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohols, 4 to 8 ml. Take three times in a day.
  • Tincture: 1:5 in 40% alcohols, 5 to 15 ml. Take three times in a day.
Precaution
  • Prolonged use may lead to loss of potassium due to its diuretic action.
  • It may cause diarrhea, stomach cramps
  • Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any constituent of couch grass, or to other members of the Poaceae/Gramineae family.
  • Caution is advised in patients who have edema (swelling) caused by heart or kidney disease.
  • Couch grass is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to lack of available scientific evidence.
References:
ITIS - Report: Elymus repens
PlantFiles: Quackgrass, Couchgrass, Twitchgrass, Devil's Grass
Elytrigia repens Couch Grass PFAF Plant Database
http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/3726
http://www.floracatalana.net/elymus-repens-l-gould
Couch Grass Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database

A Modern Herbal | Grasses
Elymus repens (L.) Gould subsp. repens GRIN-Global
Elymus repens (L.) Gould — The Plant List
USDA Plants Database
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elymus_repens
https://acta.mendelu.cz/media/pdf/actaun_2013061051399.pdf
http://www.health-care-tips.org/herbal-medicines/couch-grass.htm
http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/couchgrass.htm

Couch Grass facts and health benefits

Couch Grass Elymus repens, is nutrient dense herb support for menstrual problems, Urinary tract infections, Piles Problems and Skin diseases
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PUMPKIN & CHOKO

Botanical name: Pumpkin Cucurbita spp. (Cucurbitaceae) Choko Sechium edule (Cucurbitaceae) Location specific common names for pumpkin: te baukin (Kiribati), panikeni (Tuvalu), squash, gramma (the types used to make soup, e.g. trombone, spherical, butternut) Location specific common names for choko: chayote, vegetable pear, cho-cho, pipinola, christophine Plant Characteristics: There are numerous pumpkin types. The true pumpkin, Cucurbita moschata, is best for most tropical conditions and provides tender and sweet tips. Under favourable conditions pumpkin and choko are fast growing vine-like plants that spread along the ground and are able to climb. Choko vines need trellis support. Uses: In addition to eating the fruit, tender growing tips of pumpkin and choko can be used fresh in salads or lightly steamed. Older leaves are best cooked by steaming, boiling, frying or baking. Medicinal: Cucurbita leaves and choko fruit have been used traditionally, especially in West Africa, to combat anaemia, fever, pathogenic bacteria and eye disorders. They have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, anti-hypertensive (can reduce high blood pressure) and anti-dyslipidaemic (can reduce harmful blood fats) effects. Availability: The gramma types are often grown year round and are common in Kiribati and Tuvalu. Once established, choko vines can produce all year if well watered and growing vigorously. Propagation methods: Pumpkin plants can be grown from seed which has been purchased as packaged seed, selfsaved or taken from shop fruit. Choko is grown from sprouted fruit planted in the soil with the sprout above the surface. The sprouted fruit should be protected from sun and weeds. How to grow: Pumpkins and choko are not difficult to grow providing the soil is rich in organic matter and water is readily available. They grow satisfactorily in Kiribati and Tuvalu on well composted, well watered soil. They can be grown all year in most tropical locations, including those with full sun. Soils of poorer fertility and insufficient water will produce plants with thinner stems, smaller, slower-growing leaves with a stronger, bitter flavor. The area around the plants should be kept moist and free of grass and other weeds. PUMPKIN & CHOKO FACTSHEET NO: 09 Pumpkin Choko Choko FACTSHEET 9 : PUMPKIN & CHOKO Threats: Some pests and diseases can be limiting factors for pumpkins and chokos. Fungal leaf diseases like downy and powdery mildew along with root nematodes can limit plant growth. Providing good growing conditions, wide plant spacing and crop rotation can reduce the occurrence and extent of these problems. Harvesting: Under good growing conditions, harvesting can be carried out daily. Tips and older leaves can be picked or cut with a sharp knife or snips. Harvesting should be done in the cooler hours of the day to prevent wilting. Where a tip has been harvested, that runner should produce one or more new tips suitable for picking in a week. Post harvest and storage: Leaves/tips should be washed carefully with water of drinking quality or clean seawater. They can be loosely bundled with their stems trimmed and stood upright in a small amount of clean fresh water, and if covered with a clean plastic bag, and kept cool, they should store for a day. If placed in an airtight container in a cool room or refrigerator, they can last two or three days. Project findings/nutritional value: Samples of pumpkin and choko tips were collected for analysis from Kiribati, northern Queensland, Torres Strait Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Solomon Islands. Two to three handfuls of fresh vegetable per person for a meal serving will provide useful nutrition. Pumpkin and choko tips were notable nutritional all-rounders, being consistently high in protein, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper. Carotenoid levels in pumpkin leaf samples from Cairns, Upolu (Samoa) and Thursday Island (Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, Australia) averaged 291, 5 and 105 mg/kg for lutein, a-carotene and b-carotene, respectively. These are moderate/medium levels for leafy vegetables. Protein: This is important in forming muscle, cell membranes, enzymes, blood components (including haemoglobin, albumin, transferrin), antibodies, DNA and RNA. The nitrogen analyses of our samples indicated a crude protein range of 18-30%. Some samples had more protein than many legumes. Potassium: Controls body water balance through its interactions with sodium and chloride ions, and is involved in electrical stimulation of nerves and muscles. Deficiency can cause muscle weakness, cramps and irregular heartbeat. Phosphorus: Component of genetic material (DNA and RNA) and various fats and proteins; important role in energy production. Iron: Important for healthy blood and energy. Zinc: Important for immunity, growth, carbohydrate metabolism, and DNA and protein formation. Humans have around 600 different Zn-containing enzymes/proteins. Copper: Component of enzymes, involved in iron metabolism, therefore supports production of healthy blood and generation of energy. This table compares selected mineral nutrients in young leaves of pumpkin with leaves of chaya and Ipomoea pescaprae (te ruku or beach morning glory, a sweet potato relative) growing at Paris, Beru atoll, Kiribati in 2017, and English cabbage (average of samples bought from Honiara market, Solomon Islands and Nukualofa market, Tonga in 2012) (concentration in mg/kg dry weight, except N: % dry weight). Fe Cu Zn Ca Mg K P S N% Pumpkin 88 19 107 12800 6800 34900 8100 3200 4.7 Chaya 77 8 79 33300 11100 9900 2900 3600 4.2 Te ruku 38 14 52 14400 4900 37000 3300 3100 3.2 Cabbage 40 2 20 5700 1450 29000 3750 3750 2.8 Fe: iron; Cu: copper; Zn: zinc; Ca: calcium; Mg: magnesium; K: potassium; P: phosphorus; S: sulphur; N: nitrogen Analyses conducted by the Australian Perry Agricultural Laboratory (APAL), Magill, South Australia

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I think it is going to get hard to afford enough protein in our diets before long. So jucing up a number of green leaves might help with the problem.
 
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