Article # 383. Health Benefits of Barley Grass

Health Benefits of Barley Grass

Barley grass is one of the highest produced cereal grains in the world, ranked fourth in total quantity and area of cultivation. It contains over 70 different minerals, numerous essential vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants. It offers nutritional value to persons of every age group.

Nutrients:

Barley grass is said to have 30 times more vitamin B1 and 11 times the amount of calcium than there is in cow’s milk, 6.5 times as much carotene and nearly 5 times the iron content of spinach, close to seven times the vitamin C in oranges, four times the vitamin B1 in whole wheat flour, and 80 micrograms of vitamin B12 per 100 grams of dried barley plant juice.

Barley grass is very high in organic sodium, which dissolves calcium deposited on the joints and also replenishes organic sodium in the lining of the stomach. This aids digestion by improving the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. People with arthritis have used celery juice for years because of the organic sodium it contains (28mg per 100grms), but compare this to the amount of organic sodium in barley grass (775mg per 100 grams)!

Barley grass, at the time it is harvested to make juice, is about 45 percent protein. It has almost twice as much protein as an equivalent amount of wheat germ and about five times the minerals which accompany animal protein, in addition the protein in barley grass doesn't come burdened with fat.

Enzymes (barley grass is believed to contain up to 1,000 of them) are the necessary regulators of the body, without them our cells could not function and we would perish. Barley grass has one of the highest natural levels of enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase), which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells against toxic free radicals, thought to be a primary culprit in aging.

Barley grass also contains one of the most amazing nutrients, “chlorophyll “(liquid oxygenated sunshine), a natural detoxifier that rids the intestines of stored toxins.

Sure, you don't have to drink green grass juices to get chlorophyll; it is present in all dark green, leafy vegetables. But the question is “ how many servings of spinach, kale, collards, mustard greens, or turnip and beet tops, do you eat everyday?" Some people eat none…ever! And for those who do eat them regularly, there is, after all, a limit to the amount of spinach, kale and the likes someone can eat.

Getting chlorophyll by taking barley grass is as easy as mixing 1-2 tsp, two times a day, in water or you favourite juice. For those who want to spend even less time getting their essential nutrients, simply take barley grass capsules or tablets with a glass of water.

8 Health Benefits of Barley Grass

Cancer Prevention
Barley grass may help prevent cancer thanks to the antioxidants it contains, which can scavenge free radicals that may damage healthy cells. Antioxidants protect tissue and stimulates tissue growth, detoxify the body, and help to protect against radiation and carcinogens.

Balances Cholesterol
In one study, patients taking 15 grams of barley grass extract every day showed a significant reduction in bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while good cholesterol (HDL) levels rose.

Diabetes
One study of patients with type 2 diabetes showed a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels after 60 days of taking barley grass powder supplements.

High In Antioxidants
Lab studies show the antioxidant activity in barley grass is very good. It contains high levels of vitamin A and vitamin C, two antioxidants linked to the healthy function of a number of different body systems.

High In Vitamin C
Just one teaspoon of barley grass provides 53% the DV of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to support the immune system, fight the common cold, help lower blood pressure and support the proper function of blood vessels.

High In Vitamin A
One teaspoon of barley grass provides 100% the DV of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a great benefit to the immune system, bones, teeth and eyes.

High In Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a natural detoxifier that can help expedite tissue growth and wound healing, stimulate red blood cells and improve blood oxygenation.

Bone Health
Barley grass contains numerous vitamins and minerals that are considered essential for maintaining healthy bones and preventing bone disease like osteoporosis. It is a particularly good source of calcium, iron and magnesium.