Tina Pruitt

Cooked Food Versus Raw Food

We’ve talked about the benefits of raw and living foods, and even how they compare to cooked foods as far as the nutrients being greatly reduced or removed during heating. Unfortunately, however, it’s not only that the nutrients are lacking when the food is cooked – some harmful things are actually created when the food is heated up and cooked.

Raw and Living Foods Are Optimum

Here’s a recap of why raw and living foods rock before we get into the harmful things that are created when they’re cooked. Raw and living foods contain tons of phytochemicals, healthy enzymes and hormones, along with other nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins and calcium. When we cook these vegetables, these things get lost. That’s not good for you in the short and long run, because you need these things to function optimally!

So What Happens?

But here’s the juice of the story – the things that can happen to cooked food and what you subsequently might be putting in your body:

- Many of the water soluble vitamins get lost and turn into a toxic residue that affects your immune system. Vegetables are known for their vitamins — why get rid of them?

- Amino acids, the little things responsible for helping us build protein, are turned into carcinogenic nightmares that can lead to protein deficiencies when they’re heated up past 115 degrees!

- Fats can become rancid carcinogens when heated over 115 degrees.

- Several toxins are created when you heat fats and oils.

- Heating sugars, starches, amino acids, coffee beans and cheeses all produce numerous toxins and carcinogens that can lead to disease (and worse).

It’s no wonder that people are starting to see the true benefits of eating a completely or high raw/living foods diet and incorporating more time into remaining healthy and disease free. I’ve lived through three cancer diagnoses and am here to tell you this lifestyle really, REALLY does work!

You’re so definitely worth this! You owe it to yourself!

The power within the natural fruits and vegetables translates into a healthier body that is able to not only combat current conditions but prevent them from happening. That rocks! One little thing to remember is that cooking is about the most unnatural thing you can do to your whole foods – and body! If you must cook your veggies (say, broccoli for example), just be sure to lightly steam them in a small amount of water…

If you’re ready to jump into this healthy lifestyle, check out the information located within my site and also check out the support and tips in my free downloadable book “7 Mean ‘n’ Green Foods…”.  Simply sign up for the mailing list (see right column) to get that delivered to you right now.  

Also, my downloadable book Juice Yourself Healthy book, and my go-at-your-own-pace juicing program called The Juicing Experience (includes Juice Yourself Healthy book, several videos and other bonuses) are a great way to get yourself going on your healthy journey! xo

What Are The Benefits of Wheatgrass?

If you’ve read either of my books or done research on the healing benefits of juicing, or raw and living foods lifestyles, chances are you’ve heard of wheatgrass. It’s definitely a “superfood” that rocks, and has even been dubbed  “The Incredible Superfood”! There are many benefits to wheatgrass so be sure to read on and check out my “7 Mean ‘n’ Green Foods…” downloadable guide too (this info-packed guide is currently free for just signing up at the box on the right!).

History of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass has been sold in the United States since around the 1930s, but it’s really began taking off and becoming even more popular in the past several years, and can now be found at many juice-bars and healthy lifestyle stores and restaurants.

The credit for the recent popularity actually started in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, when a woman by the name of Ann Wigmore discovered the healing benefits of living foods – particularly wheatgrass – when she was diagnosed with cancer and was cancer-free within a year! Ann Wigmore woman really changed the world of eating a healthy, plant-based, living-foods lifestyle…with wheatgrass being the pinnacle of her healing regimen. The regular intake of wheatgrass for its healing properties can certainly be attributed to her.

What is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is the “baby form” of wheat as most people know it, however, there is no gluten in wheatgrass. In more traditional diets, wheat is used only when it is fully mature and the seeds have completely formed. Wheatgrass, on the other hand, is freshly sprouted and still green!

Like plants and vegetables, wheatgrass contains chlorophyll – it’s actually 70 percent chlorophyll – yowsa! It also contains 17 amino acids, is rich in protein, is packed with enzymes and phytonutrients, and delivers vitamins A, B-complex, C, E and K. Not too shabby!

So How Do I Take Wheatgrass?

Because of all the valuable nutrients and health benefits, wheatgrass is quickly becoming the powerful force it was meant to be. It is also a powerful way to assist you in getting the recommended 5 to 9 servings of vegetables (not that green juicing doesn’t do this as well!).

When taking fresh wheatgrass, it either has to be juiced or, if you are “brave”, chewed and spit out (masticated). This is because our bodies cannot digest grasses! Once you get on the regimen, your body will start to cleanse itself of the many toxins associated with everyday life.

It is suggested you drink it straight with no other liquid, but for many (me included) this can be a bit difficult. So, you can also take it slightly diluted with your favorite green juice or use green juice as a “chaser.” Wheatgrass can be pretty strong tasting and some of you may experience a little bit of nausea when starting a wheat grass regimen – don’t worry! Sometimes it still upsets my stomach a little bit, but this is normal, because the release of all those toxins is sure to cause a little bit of queasiness. This will generally pass with regular intake of the wheatgrass shots.

So, if you are doing fresh wheatgrass shots, ideally you will drink a 2-ounce shot in the morning on an empty stomach, and it is suggested to do the same in the afternoon.

If you are having any issues with fresh wheatgrass – whether getting the fresh stuff, or being able to drink it completely due to overwhelming nausea or other issues – simply try a good powdered form (these do not seem to cause nausea at all!) – here is a link to my favorite, and one that comes highly recommended: Organic Wheatgrass Juice Powder.

Health Claims of Wheatgrass

In addition to the above nutritional info, wheatgrass is about the best source of chlorophyll you can find and is also a complete protein. Some of its health claims include cleanses and detoxifies the colon; reduces cholesterol, regulates blood sugar; reduces high blood pressure; increases hemoglobin production; enhances your immune system; and is potentially able to cure cancer!

Now that’s sexy!

Wheatgrass Resources

So, now that you know the benefits of wheatgrass, it’s time to give it a try!

Here is the best, affordable manual wheatgrass juicer – I also have this model:

Healthy Juicer – Manual Hand Powered Wheatgrass Juicer – Wheat grass juicer

To check out the best powdered wheatgrass check out this link:

Organic Wheatgrass Juice Powder

To check out Anne Wigmore’s book on wheatgrass check out this link:

The Wheatgrass Book: How to Grow and Use Wheatgrass to Maximize Your Health and Vitality (Avery Health Guides)

So, let me know about your wheatgrass experience! Leave a comment below and also, I would love it if you would share this post by simply clicking on your fav social media buttons right below here…..THANKS!