Never heard of barley grass? Well you’re not alone.
This little-known plant (technically the leaves of the barley grain plant) isn’t very popular, and you’d be hard-pressed to find it in a traditional grocery store or Walmart.
But if scientific research is correct, it’s time for all that to change.
Barley grass has been proven to have significant health benefits when consumed on a regular basis. It boasts an extremely high level of nutrients and minerals, and it has even been used as a medicinal treatment in the past.
If you’re looking to get healthy in the coming months, working barley grass into your meal plans might be a great place to start. Let’s learn a little more about this powerful plant now.
What is Barley Grass?
Barley grass is the leaf of the barley plant. This is the same plant that produces barley grain, which is used to make beer, bread, cereals, oats and other grain-based foods.
It’s been in used for thousands of years, with its first known appearance in 7000 BC. Then it was used as both a medicinal treatment and a food. It was commonly used in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures as a part of their regular diets.
As a medicine, barley grass has been used to treat skin, liver, blood and even intestinal disorders, and the Greeks actually used it to fight of inflammation. Some say that ancient gladiators use to use it for boosting their strength, stamina and endurance.
What are the Benefits of Barley Grass?
Nutritionally, barley grass is a powerhouse. It has vitamins, minerals and proteins that can be utilized by the human body. They boast beta carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and more. They also contain amino acids, chlorophyll, fiber and a number of enzymes that are crucial to your health.
Surprisingly, this small green plant actually has 30 times more calcium than cow’s milk does, and it can increase the red blood cell count in your body. It’s even known to aid in digestion, and it can help keep the intestines clear and rid the body of unwanted toxins and chemicals. On top of all this, it is also well-known as an energy and immune system booster.
Barley grass is also extremely high in antioxidants. These compounds help fight off free radicals and prevent cell damage in the body. They can also stave off arthritis, inflammation, gout and more. Some studies have even linked barley grass to reduced levels of type 2 diabetes.
Here are a few other benefits of barley grass:
- It reduces cholesterol
- It protects against ulcers
- It relieve migraines
- It can prevent blood clots
- It can slow down the aging process
- It can treat intestinal problems
- It can stabilize blood sugar levels
- It can improve skin health
- It can reduce toxic build up in the body
- It can aid in weight loss
- It can improve energy levels
- It can stimulate your thyroid
- It can reduce abdominal pain
- It can balance the pH of your body
The extracts of barley grass have been shown to prevent cancer, too. They actually protect human tissue cells against carcinogens, the deadly chemicals that can lead to cancer. Though the exact reason barley grass does this are unknown, many scientists believe it is the plant’s high levels of antioxidants and chlorophyll.
How Do You Eat Barley Grass?
There are a number of ways to eat barley grass. First, you can eat the greens raw. You can also add them to your salads or smoothies, or consume them in powder or supplement form.
There is also a dehydrated type of barley grass that can be consumed, or you can even drink barley juice – which is made from squeezing the grass very tightly to produce a liquid form. This beverage is extremely high in minerals and nutrients, and it can be a very refreshing drink in the mornings or after a workout. It is probably the most common way to consume barley grass.
If you opt for a supplement or powder, the recommended daily dosage is about 15 g. As with any new supplement though, make sure to talk to your physician before beginning a daily regimen. You’ll want to make sure it doesn’t interact with any other medications you may be taking.
To find barley grass, barley grass extract or barley grass supplements, you’ll want to visit your local health food store. They may have fresh barley grass on hand, and they will most certainly have a number of powders, pills and juices you can choose from. These are very popular in today’s health-conscious market.
Have you ever tried barley grass before? What were you thoughts on it? Let me know in the comments!
Remember to share this article with all your family and friends so that they can also take advantage of this amazing ingredient.
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