9 Surprising Benefits of Barley Grass

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9 Surprising Benefits of Barley

Grass
By: Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated - May 06, 2019

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Health benefits of barley grass include relief from ulcerative colitis and strengthening

of the immune system. It cleanses and detoxifies the body, protects from radiation and

cellular damage, fights addiction, and regenerates damaged cells and tissues. It also

maintains healthy skin and an appropriate acid-alkali balance, contributes to

bone metabolism, promotes agility, and exerts rejuvenating effects on the entire body.

What is Barley Grass?


Barley grass refers to the young soft green shoots which crop up on the barley

plant. [1] It is amongst the earliest grown sweetgrass in the world and traces its history

even before 5000 BC. The discoverer of barley grass pronounces it as ‘nature’s best

fast food’ attributing to its nutrient-dense profile and multidimensional benefits which

were also the reasons for its popularity amongst the ancient Greeks and

Romans. [2] Apart from being used as livestock feed, recently it has been gaining a lot

of popularity around the globe for its ability to cure a broad spectrum of diseases.
Barley Grass Nutrition Facts
Barley is a nutrient-rich superfood loaded with vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin

B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6,

folate, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and vitamin

K (phylloquinone). [3] It contains an abundance of electrolytes such as magnesium,

phosphorous, and potassium along with other essential minerals such as zinc, iron,

and calcium. Barley grass is also a rich provider of powerful antioxidants, essential

amino acids, and beneficial enzymes. It also supplies valuable fiber to the body and

does not offer any harmful cholesterol.

Health Benefits of Barley Grass


Barley grass can be consumed as a juice extracted from cereal grass sprouts or in the

form of green powder by spray drying the grass. It brings relief [4] in a range of health

conditions discussed below:

Antioxidant Power

Barley grass has impressive antioxidants. [2] Along with vitamin E and beta-carotene,

barley grass is the most potent supplier of healthy and critical enzyme superoxide

dismutase which helps neutralize the effects of oxygen free radicals produced during

energy metabolism. The protective action of these radical scavengers prevents the

development of a wide array of diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Relieves Ulcerative Colitis


Barley grass is valuable in treating ulcerative colitis attributing to its stimulating effect

on the gut-friendly bacteria. [5] It helps in alleviating inflammation and other

associated symptoms implicated in ulcerative colitis by reducing the provocative

chemicals in the bowel. This nutrient-rich food also assists in balancing the fluidity in

the bowel eliminating accumulated toxins from the body.

Natural Detoxifier

The cleansing ability of barley grass is effective in eliminating the harmful heavy

metals from the body, including lead, which may cause behavior and learning

disorders, particularly in kids. The major contributors to the act of detoxification are

zinc, selenium, and copper. Furthermore, an abundance of chlorophyll and beta-

carotene in these green shoots stimulates the eradication of waste materials such as

mucus and crystallized acids. It also supports the metabolic processes and aids in

strengthening and detoxifying the liver.

Boosts Immune System

Barley grass supports in boosting the immune defense mechanism of the

body. [6] Regular consumption provides the required nutrition which is necessary for

balancing the optimal production of immune cells in the body. An effective and strong

immune defense system vigilantly fights infections and prevents the development of

fatal diseases.
Anti-cancer Potential

Barley grass has been experimented with in various diets for chronic disease

prevention. However, its anti-cancer properties have yet to be fully explored.

A study [7] published in the Biomedical Journal May 2017 states that Korean

researchers found that barley grass extract caused apoptosis of breast and prostate

cancer cells and may be useful for cancer treatment during therapeutic interventions.

Protects against UV Radiation

Another beneficial effect of barley grass is its protective action against the cell

destructing effects of UV radiation. [6] It extends a therapeutic relief on the existing

damaged cell owing to the presence of superoxide dismutase enzymes. Regular

consumption of barley grass juice aids in reducing the stress in the people who are

more prone to exposure such as population in urban cities.

It also acts defensively against the effects of radioactivity and even renews the cells

and tissues damaged by radioactivity. This attributes to the presence

of chlorophyll content which improves the resistance to radioactivity and also

encourages the production of new blood cells. For this reason, it is generally

recommended to drink barley grass juice pre and post-exposure to x-rays to provide a

shield against the radioactive damages.

Fights Addiction
Barley grass is also a remedy for fighting various kinds of addictions. [6] The

presence of glutamic acid in it inhibits the craving for harmful materials such as

alcohol, coffee, nicotine, drugs, and even sugary sweets.

Reduces Excess Acidity

Barley grass beneficially contributes to establishing the acid-alkali balance of the

body attributing to its super alkaline nature. It is a natural alkaline source which helps

in reducing excess acidity in the body which may cause acidosis damage. Imbalance

of acid-alkali ratio in the body may lead to problems like sleep disorders, cardiac pain,

fatigue, constipation, and fragile fingernails.

Prevents Signs of Aging

Barley grass is a natural way to stimulate the regeneration of cells without any side

effects. Vital components such as chlorophyll, vitamin B, iron, and phycocyanin, a

blue pigment in barley grass, improve the bone marrow and support the creation of

white and red blood cells. This renewing effect of barley grass also helps prevent the

signs of aging by rejuvenating the aging cells and helping to maintain healthy and

youthful skin. The useful enzymes present in it improve the quality of blood,

regulate digestion, and work as a rejuvenator tonic for the entire body.

Culinary Use
Barley grass is used worldwide in soups and stews and for making barley bread.

Barley is also used in the manufacturing of malted products such as malted milk,

wine, and beer.

Apart from an impressive range of usage for humans, barley grass is also used to

make hay and fodder for animals.

Word of Caution: Although barley grass is generally safe, some people may react

sensitively to the barley grain with symptoms including vomiting, itching, and

burning sensation in the throat and mouth. Such people should avoid the use of barley

grass or discuss with a medical expert to better understand the reactivity.

While pure barley grass, without any grains, contains no gluten at all, people suffering

from celiac disease should generally avoid the usage of barley products made from the

grain as they may contain gluten protein. [8] Celiac disease interferes with the

absorption of vital nutrients in the body and may result in serious complications

related to the brain, liver, and the nervous system.

Natural caution before trying barley grass for the first time is always advisable

particularly when the sensitivity is not known. During special conditions such as

pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended to consult an expert to understand the

appropriate dosage and effects of barley grass to avoid any complications.

Summary
An abundance of superoxide dismutase in barley grass makes it a ‘wonder tonic’,

which protects the cellular DNA from destruction, improves the body’s ability to deal

with stress, and keeps the cholesterol levels under control. [9] It also encourages

agility along with physical and mental fitness. Barley grass is a blood builder and

helps to purify it. Vitamin E in it contributes to regulating the hormonal balance and

vitamin K plays a key role in maintaining the bone metabolism of the body. The

mighty enzymes and other useful components such as glutaminic acid, present in

barley grass, act as neurotransmitters and work against senility, concentration, and

learning disorders. Include it in your diet to experience an overall strengthening and

invigorating effect on the entire body.

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