Barleygrass is used the world over for a variety of culinary purposes from bread to soups and of course beer!
We are now beginning to understand the wonderful health benefits of this amazing grass. It contains many nutrients and vitamins including flavonoids, calcium, magnesium, iron, chlorophyll, vitamins (A, B1, C, and E), dietary fibre, alkaloid and polyphenols. No wonder it has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.
Let’s take a look at the health benefits of barleygrass juice, this nutritional powerhouse.
1.Antioxidant
Barley grass juice is rich in vitamins A and C, which act as antioxidants. These vitamins help fight off free radicals that can damage your body.
Antioxidants are good for your heart and they protect your body from all kinds of radical damage caused when you are exposed to pollution, smoking and other environmental factors.
2.Immune system
Barleygrass juice is naturally high in many key nutrients that help to support the immune system, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and enzymes.
It’s high in vitamin C which helps the body to fight off infections – both bacterial and viral. White blood cells contain 20 times the amount of vitamin C than other cells and require constant replenishment to keep the immune system working to its optimum capacity.
Alongside other immune supporting vitamins and minerals, Barley Grass is high in the amino acid “arginine”. This is especially effective in helping the body heal from burns, injuries and wounds.
3.Digestion
This juice is extremely high in chlorophyll, a natural cleanser to the body helps to counter the effects of eating processed foods and give an overall energy boost. It is also a great source of dietary fibre that feeds the good bacteria in the gut.
Barleygrass juice is a natural source of organic sodium which is needed by the lining of the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid (without which our food cannot be digested). Also rich in digestive enzymes, these substances can help to reduce toxic and indigestible materials in food.
4.Cholesterol
Several studies have shown that barley grass can help manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. It contains beta-glucan , a soluble fibre, that slows down the absorption of glucose. The antioxidants and vitamins contained in the barley grass leaves help manage sudden blood sugar level spikes or drops, which often lead to other health problems. What is more, a study has shown that barley grass is a miracle worker when it comes to lowering the cholesterol, being abundant in monosaturated fats and antioxidants.
5.Weight loss
Barleygrass juice is low in calories but high in fibre, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. Meaning that it makes you feel full for longer, which can help to stop you snacking.
For example, in one study in 252 women associated each gram of fibre consumed daily with 0.5 pounds (0.25 kg) of weight loss and 0.25% less body fat over 20 months .
Furthermore, one study in rats on a high fat diet showed that drinking barleygrass juice decreased body weight and body mass index (BMI) more effectively than drinking a control.
6.Bones
Barleygrass juice actually contains more calcium than milk! Which we all know if good for bone health
However, when it comes to healthy bones calcium alone is not enough as other nutrients are needed to help with the absorption of the calcium. Barley grass juice It is also rich in copper, neogen, and manganese which are essential for keeping the bones in good condition.
Magnesium helps your body absorb and retain calcium to help build and strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Since your body is not good at storing magnesium, it is vital to make sure you get enough of it in your diet.
7.Heart
Barleygrass juice contains compounds like saponarin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and tryptophan, all of which have been linked to decreased blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and improved heart health.
The soluble dietary fibre in barley grass juice can help manage cholesterol. It absorbs the cholesterol before it ever makes it into your blood, keeping cholesterol levels lower and reducing your risk of heart attacks and heart disease.
Studies have shown that barley grass juice can reduce LDL. 36 people with diabetes, taking 15 grams of barley leaf extract for 4 weeks decreased the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease .
8.Ulcerative Colitis
Barleygrass juice can stimulate gut-friendly bacteria and has been found to assist in alleviating inflammation and other associated symptoms of ulcerative colitis by reducing the inflammatory chemicals in the bowel. Studies have shown that it may also assist in balancing the fluidity in the bowel and eliminating accumulated toxins from the body.
To add this powerhouse of a superfood to your daily diet, simply visit our shop here today.
