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Barley Grass Advantages

Studies in Japan on barley grass have shown that it protects human cells and animal DNA from X-ray damage and some cancer-causing chemicals. This is probably because barley grass contains high levels of nutrients and chlorophyll. Young barley leaves have a strong ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. Research at the Institute of Preventive Medicine in Washington has found barley grass juice can improve stamina, skin texture and sexual energy and can reduce addictions.

  1. High Vitamin Content

    • One of the advantages of barley grass is that it contains high levels of vitamins including B1, B2, B6, B12, good amounts of folate, beta carotene, vitamin K and more vitamin C than an orange. Along with spirulina, it is one of the few vegetarian sources of vitamin B12, although there is some doubt as to whether the body absorbs this form properly. The levels of vitamin B1 in barley grass are higher than those found in cow's milk.

    High Mineral Content

    • Barley grass contains substantial levels of calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus potassium and more iron than spinach, along with high amounts of organic sodium. Organic sodium is a much healthier option than the more widely used sodium chloride.

    Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids

    • Barley grass contains 18 amino acids, including the eight essential ones, making it a complete protein. These include alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine and valine. Amino acids are often referred to as "the building blocks of protein." They are essential for regenerating cell growth and cellular energy production.

    High in Chlorophyll

    • Due to its high chlorophyll content, barley grass is anti-bacterial and can be used topically as well as internally. Chlorophyll is an excellent blood cleanser as its structure is similar to hemoglobin. Chlorophyll helps rebuild tissue and stabilize blood sugar levels. It detoxifies the liver which in turn helps to flush toxins and heavy metals from the body.

    Medicinal Uses

    • Studies have shown barley grass to be useful in treating arthritis, rheumatism and other inflammation- related pain, as it works well as an anti-inflammatory. It is also used to treat asthma and migraines and may help relieve some intestinal problems. It can reduce LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels and has been used to combat blood clotting. Barley grass can help stabilize blood sugar levels so may be useful for diabetics. It is also used to help prevent some cancers.

    Contraindications

    • There are no known side effects to barley grass. However, it does contain high levels of vitamin K, so anyone taking anti-coagulant drugs should check with their doctor first. People who are allergic or intolerant of wheat grass can usually tolerate barley grass with no problems.

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