Wheatgrass Vs. Barley Grass for Energy

Wheatgrass and barley grass are both cereal grasses that are close relatives of leafy vegetables. They are often touted as being ideal dietary supplements for everything from increased energy to decreased chances of cancer.

Wheatgrass Benefits

• Wheatgrass is purported to help with blood flow, digestion and detoxification of the body. Compared to other vegetables, it is high in protein and vitamin E, which attributes to it being highlighted as an energy boosting supplement. It is naturally found in pastures, but is now grown and sold as a health juice.

Wheatgrass Drawbacks

• The nutritional value of wheatgrass pales in comparison to other "super food" vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach. Often, wheatgrass is hailed for its chlorophyll contents, but there is little evidence to back up the claim that chlorophyll benefits the human body.

Barley Grass Benefits

• While there is little difference between wheatgrass and barley grass, barley grass can act as a free-radical collector. This is beneficial, in that free-radicals in the body are often blamed for the growth of cancerous cells. Barley grass is closest to spinach in nutritional compounds, and is often used for its ability to work as an anti-inflammatory. It contains amino acid proteins which can contribute to increased energy.

Barley Grass Drawbacks

• Barley grass is high in fiber, which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the consumer. Some researchers argue that barley grass also pales in comparison to a salad of traditional vegetables, but consuming it in juice form as a dietary supplement is not considered a potential threat unless allergies are present.

Greater Energy

• Between barley grass and wheatgrass, the stronger candidate for increased energy is barley grass, because of the higher fiber content. The combined nutrients, protein and fiber of barley make it a more likely contender for increasing energy in the human body.