Barley is the member of the grass family and the young green shoots, that form before the grain, have tremendous ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. By the time the young shoots have reached a height of 12 – 14 inches, they contain all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins. This article provides information on the benefits and nutritional value of the barley grass powder.
Barley grass powder is extracted from the dried leaves of a young barley plant. These leaves are being used since 7000 BC, for their health benefits and nutritional value. This grass is so named, as the nutrient content of a young barley plant is similar to the vegetables, than to the grains. Its nutrient content can be compared to wheat grass, as there is not much difference between these two varieties. Since, the young grass contains high levels of chlorophyll, amino acids, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins, thereby, the dried and powdered form also contain high amounts of the aforementioned components.
Benefits
It is a nutritious whole food, and offers a balance of nutrients, that are essential to the body. Similar to other vegetable powders, this powder is easily digestible, thereby helping the body to assimilate nutrients in a short time. It helps in repairing the DNA of the cells, while improving the overall health, and stimulating the weight loss. Moreover, it acts as a scavenger of free radicals, thereby reducing their amount in the blood.
Being rich in chlorophyll, this grass possesses rich antibacterial properties, which prevents the development of pathogens in the body. It stimulates the production of red blood cells, and rebuilds and rejuvenates the body tissues. Additionally, the powder also relieves problems of blood sugar, purifies the liver, detoxifies the body from drug deposits, and neutralizes toxins. Some of the other benefits include:
- Relieving arthritic pain
- Treats asthma
- Prevents the growth of cancer cells and blood clots
- Relieves disorders of the intestine
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent
Dosage
Usually, people consume the powder with water or other juices. However, for best results, consumption of freshly pressed juice of the grass is recommended. It is also available in the tablet or capsule form. It is preferred to be consumed on an empty stomach/half an hour before meal/couple of hours after the meal. For enhancing the immune system, consume about 5 g powder mixed in water/juice, twice or thrice every day. For an upset stomach, you can increase the quantity of powder to 12 g.
Organic Powder
This grass is high in demand due to its high concentration of nutritious compounds. The grass purchased from the open market may contain high amount of chemicals, which would do more harm than good. Instead you can opt for an organic barley. Alternatively, you can also try and grow them at home. You would just need to buy some organic seeds of this grain from a health food store, plant them in your backyard, and take good care of them.
Nutritional Value
Some of the most common nutrients found in the grass include enzymes, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, folic acid, high amounts of carotenoids (6 times more than spinach), magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, organic sodium, and vitamin B1 (4 times more than wheat flour), B2, B6, B12, and C. The nutrient quantity in 6 g of this grass is:
- Calories – 17
- Protein – 1.4 g
- Calcium – 30 mg
- Iron – 3 mg
- Potassium – 170 mg
- Vitamin A – 3,120 IU
- Vitamin B1 – 15 mcg
- Vitamin B2 – 140 mcg
- Folic acid – 52 mcg
- Vitamin B12 – 1.7 mcg
- Vitamin C – 19 mg
There are no known side effects of this powder, however, you need to ensure that they are free of pollutants. The pollutants may cause side effects, not the grass. So, it’s advisable to consume organically grown grass powder.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.
