BARLEY GRASS
Written by Slawomir Gromadzki, MPH
Barley grass powder is a super food which is very high in vitamins and minerals and is also rich in chlorophyll which boosts energy, helps to detoxify the body from heavy metals and other toxins and has anti-inflammatory properties. There are also many important enzymes found in Barley grass including the very beneficial antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as two new antioxidants that reduce the harmful effects of free oxygen radicals in our body and thus enhancing our immune system and improving cardiovascular health. Many athletes take SOD to reduce the large amounts of free radicals which are produced by aerobic exercise.
Barley grass powder repairs cell DNA, regulates blood glucose levels, relieves arthritis, slows down aging process and improves muscle-building. It can be regarded as complete protein food as it contains all 8 of the essential amino acids. It dissolves in water or a juice making it easy to assimilate its many active ingredients including beta-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, folic acid, pantothenic acid, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, or manganese. For example, it is estimated that it may contain 10 times more calcium than milk, 40 times more vitamin B2 than lettuce, and 5 times the iron of spinach. Barley grass is naturally alkaline and it helps to neutralize excess acidity in the body when consumed. Human blood should be slightly alkaline in order for red blood cells to work efficiently and carry their maximum oxygen load.
Research in Japan and other countries demonstrated that barley grass powder can be beneficial in obesity, arthritis, fatigue, anaemia, skin rejuvenation, gastritis, peptic ulcers, diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis, immune disorders, and many other health-related problems. It helps to cope with obesity and overweight by reducing appetite, stimulating the lipid metabolism, improving body’s digestive abilities and metabolism rate by invigorating the function of the thyroid gland. Barley grass is also a rich source of dietary fibre which is beneficial for the health of our colon and prevents constipation.
The true nutritional benefits are found especially in the young barley grass which is harvested and processed into dried powder available in health food shops.
Suggested dosage: Take 5 to 7 tablets or mix 2 teaspoons of barley grass powder with worm water or a vegetable juice and drink about 30 minutes before meals twice daily. Children should reduce the amount to 1 or 2 teaspoons daily.
Ensure six to nine glasses of water every day.
You can also mix equal amounts of either barley grass powder or wheat grass powder with alfalfa powder adding also organic turmeric powder. Keep the mixture in a closed glass container in fridge and have a heaped tablespoon about 30 minutes before breakfast or lunch with vegetable juice or water.
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