Barley grass is a common name given to the grain or cereal grasses that belong to Hordeum species of the family Poaceae. Barley is used in the preparation of a number of foods and is also one of the main ingredients in beer. Barley plant is an annual species that grows up to a height of 3 feet. It has a hollow stem and produces amber colored, elliptical and furrowed seeds. It is harvested when the plant is young, that is, before the grains develop. The grass is known to contain more nutrients than the seeds. It is used as an alternative treatment for several diseases. Read more on barley nutrition.
Barley Grass Benefits
Barley grain is used in a variety of recipes in many parts of the world. However, the shoot or the stalk of the barley plant, referred to as barley grass, contains several essential nutrients and has gained popularity as a health food supplement. The amount of protein and fiber present in just 5 gm of barley grass is almost similar to that in one serving of 114 gm of raw spinach. It contains vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids that are necessary for the human diet and is considered as one of the most nutritious grasses. Barley grass is commercially available in the form of juice or in a powdered form that can be added to foods. This food supplement is also available in the form of tablets or capsules. Let us have a look at the various barley grass benefits.
- Barley grass is a rich source of vitamin A, B1, B2, B12, C, E and folic acid. These vitamins are required for the normal growth and development of our body.
- It contains several natural antioxidants and phytochemicals, that help in neutralizing the free radicals and thus prevent us from the damage caused by them.
- It is naturally rich in minerals like iron, calcium, copper, manganese, potassium and zinc and proves beneficial for various conditions including hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, anemia and kidney problems.
- A plant chemical, known as proanthocyanidin , present in barley grass, is extremely effective against free radicals and other harmful toxins. It strengthens the immune system cells and helps in reducing the risk of infections and inflammation.
- Barley grass contains high levels of chlorophyll, which is found to be beneficial for stimulating tissue growth and in stimulating the red blood cells to promote oxygen supply. Chlorophyll, along with some other essential nutrients, removes carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from the body and helps in reducing urinary, fecal and body odor. It also detoxifies the body from harmful substances that we digest everyday.
- Barley grass powder improves the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, that is needed in the process of digestion. It is very high in organic sodium and helps in replenishing the organic sodium, present in the lining of the stomach, thus improving digestion. It is also used as a remedy for constipation.
- The antioxidants present in barley protect the skin from aging. It is beneficial for skin health and helps to keep a number of skin problems away. The strong antioxidants present in barley grass help in getting rid of acne and ulcers. They even help in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
- Barley grass is a rich source of amino acids, both essential and non-essential. Amino acids are the building blocks of the body and help in the development of muscle tissues.
These were some benefits of barley grass. Because of its high nutritional value, organic barley grass is often used as a substitute for wheat and oatmeal. Now, that you know how beneficial barley grass is for your health, make sure to make it a part of your daily diet and stay healthy throughout! Barley grass is a common name given to the grain or cereal grasses that belong to Hordeum species of the family Poaceae. Barley is used in the preparation of a number of foods and is also one of the main ingredients in beer. Barley plant is an annual species that grows up to a height of 3 feet. It has a hollow stem and produces amber colored, elliptical and furrowed seeds. It is harvested when the plant is young, that is, before the grains develop. The grass is known to contain more nutrients than the seeds. It is used as an alternative treatment for several diseases. Read more on barley nutrition.
Barley Grass Benefits
Barley grain is used in a variety of recipes in many parts of the world. However, the shoot or the stalk of the barley plant, referred to as barley grass, contains several essential nutrients and has gained popularity as a health food supplement. The amount of protein and fiber present in just 5 gm of barley grass is almost similar to that in one serving of 114 gm of raw spinach. It contains vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids that are necessary for the human diet and is considered as one of the most nutritious grasses. Barley grass is commercially available in the form of juice or in a powdered form that can be added to foods. This food supplement is also available in the form of tablets or capsules. Let us have a look at the various barley grass benefits.
- Barley grass is a rich source of vitamin A, B1, B2, B12, C, E and folic acid. These vitamins are required for the normal growth and development of our body.
- It contains several natural antioxidants and phytochemicals, that help in neutralizing the free radicals and thus prevent us from the damage caused by them.
- It is naturally rich in minerals like iron, calcium, copper, manganese, potassium and zinc and proves beneficial for various conditions including hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, anemia and kidney problems.
- A plant chemical, known as proanthocyanidin , present in barley grass, is extremely effective against free radicals and other harmful toxins. It strengthens the immune system cells and helps in reducing the risk of infections and inflammation.
- Barley grass contains high levels of chlorophyll, which is found to be beneficial for stimulating tissue growth and in stimulating the red blood cells to promote oxygen supply. Chlorophyll, along with some other essential nutrients, removes carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from the body and helps in reducing urinary, fecal and body odor. It also detoxifies the body from harmful substances that we digest everyday.
- Barley grass powder improves the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, that is needed in the process of digestion. It is very high in organic sodium and helps in replenishing the organic sodium, present in the lining of the stomach, thus improving digestion. It is also used as a remedy for constipation.
- The antioxidants present in barley protect the skin from aging. It is beneficial for skin health and helps to keep a number of skin problems away. The strong antioxidants present in barley grass help in getting rid of acne and ulcers. They even help in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
- Barley grass is a rich source of amino acids, both essential and non-essential. Amino acids are the building blocks of the body and help in the development of muscle tissues.
These were some benefits of barley grass. Because of its high nutritional value, organic barley grass is often used as a substitute for wheat and oatmeal. Now, that you know how beneficial barley grass is for your health, make sure to make it a part of your daily diet and stay healthy throughout!
Article By Amruta Deshpande
Matt
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