Barley Grass Nutritional Information

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are the major constituents of every cell and body fluid (except urine and bile) and are thus necessary for the continual cell building, cell regeneration, and energy production that we need for life.

An added benefit of the green barley leaf proteins is that they are polypeptides; smaller proteins that can be directly absorbed by the blood, where they promote cell metabolism (the chemical changes that we need to live) and neutralize substances that are bad for our health.

Green barley leaves are rich in enzymes. Enzymes are the catalysts for the body’s essential chemical reactions and are responsible for our digestive processes, for providing cellular energy, and for antioxidant effects.

Barley Grass also contains chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has been studied for its potential as a deodorant, in stimulating tissue growth, and in stimulating red blood cells in connection with blood supply. Perhaps most remarkable is the similarity between chlorophyll and the red pigment in blood. Research in the 1940s demonstrated that the two pigments react the same during breakdown.

According to an article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Jan. 4, 1995), chlorophyll fed to laboratory animals reduces absorption of three dietary carcinogens: heterocyclic amines (found in cooked muscle meats), polycyclic hydrocarbons (found in smoked and barbecued foods), and aflatoxin (a mold on peanuts). The chlorophyll formed complex compounds with the carcinogens while they were still in the digestive tract, limiting their bioavailability. Chlorophyll has also been found to reduce fecal, urinary, and body odor in geriatric patients.

Barley Grass has a high alkalizing effect, which helps keep the ratio between acidity and alkalinity in our body fluids balanced. Our cells cannot adequately function if the pH (which measures acidity and alkalinity) is not in a narrow range. Most processed foods are acidic, and when we consume too many of them, the acidity-alkalinity balance is upset.

Barley Grass contains buffer minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Buffer minerals neutralize acidic materials and can help people maintain a healthy acidity-alkalinity balance.

Recently, research has unveiled many other possible benefits of green barley leaves. Extracted compounds may have hypocholesteromic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer properties. A new antioxidant has been isolated from Barley Grass and reported to have antioxidant activity equal to or superior to vitamin E.

The green juice from young barley shoots possess strong antiinflammatory activity. A study done in Japan showed that powdered juice significantly reduced arthritis and gastric ulcers in laboratory animals. Barley Grass gives increased strength and muscle expansion to those who work out regularly with weights.