Lots of people have heard of barley as a grain used as an ingredient in some breads and beers. But before a barley plant reaches the phase where it’s a grain, it’s a green grass that health-conscious people blend in smoothies or drinks. This is because barley grass is so packed with vitamins and minerals that it’s referred to as a superfood.
Barley Grass Health Benefits
Barley grain is a very healthy food, but it’s when it’s at the grass period where the plant holds an amazing number of minerals and vitamins. The green is abundant in the B-complex vitamins, and also vitamins C, A, and E. The grass also contains copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and other nutrients. So it’s not surprising that barley grass offers a variety of health benefits.
Strengthens the Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s defense system to overcome bacteria, infections, and other toxic substances. Barley grass is abundant in vitamin C - it has triple the amount of this vitamin than oranges. Vitamin C is a nutrient that we all know is crucial to good immune system wellness. This young grass also contains selenium, zinc, and copper, elements crucial for blood cell creation and the elimination of accumulated toxins.
Barley Grass Strengthens Digestive Health
Barley grass has a very high HCL, (organic sodium), content. HCl is a significant factor in the stomach’s production of the food-digesting chemical hydrochloric acid. Insufficient HCl leads to toxins to build up and leads to indigestible food material. As it is a green plant, barley grass comes with a significant chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is a natural cleanser that battles the bad reactions of consuming processed foods. This grass is a great provider of fiber that has the ability to help enhance gut health by providing food to the helpful bacteria that naturally inhabits your gut. This helps in food digestion and keeps your intestines healthy.
Slows the Speed of Aging
Saponarin is a very effective antioxidant. This antioxidant occurs only inside of barley grass. Antioxidants offset the negative consequences of cell-damaging free radicals - the unstable molecules that arise from alcohol, toxins, and processed foods that affect the DNA in cells. These free radicals increase the causes of aging. In addition to saponarin, SOD (superoxide dismutase) - the compound that supplies a screen from ultraviolet (or UV) radiation - is a fundamental free radical fighter that is essential to stalling the aging progression. It may also provide skin benefits that contribute to maintaining a more youthful appearance.
Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that hinders the generation of bone growth, which results in a reduction in bone density and strength. Barley grass includes phosphorus and copper, which are needed for proper bone growth. More importantly, barley grass is extremely high in bone-building calcium. Indeed, this green grass contains about ten times the level of calcium as found in milk!
Shields From UV Radiation
Ultraviolet, or UV, radiation is the harmful radiation given off from the sun. Where just a little UV radiation is beneficial to a person, an excessive amount of exposure prematurely ages skin and may cause wrinkles, dry skin, and liver spots. UV radiation is also the primary source of the dangerous form of cancer called melanoma. Barley grass is a solid source of superoxide dismutase, or SOD - the antioxidant enzyme that has qualities that protect cells from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Taking Barley Grass Supplements
Barley grass will never make for an especially scrumptious dinner dish - but really, what grass will do that? So nutrition-conscious typically take it as a supplement.
You can buy barley grass nutritional supplements packaged as capsules, tablets, or powder. Barley grass powder is commonly the recommended approach to take the barley grass supplement because it’s easy to measure the exact quantity you need. The powder may be added in water, however, for a better-tasting drink, it’s preferred to combine the powder in a juice or flavored drink of your choice.
How much barley grass you choose to take per dose is up to you. A dose of an about two grams is very common, although a lot of people settle on as little as half a gram (500 mg) all the way up to 8 grams (8000 mg) or more. Adverse effects of barley grass are practically nonexistent (it’s just a type of grass, after all), so there shouldn’t be a concern of taking an excessive amount. Similar to any supplement that’s new to your body, it does make sense to begin at a low dose and slowly work your way to a higher level over a number of days.