In our efforts to stay fit and healthy all the time, we scuffle with various health products that are readily available in the market. Many a time we look past the health benefits that natural ingredients can gladly bestow us.
Packed with the necessary vitamins and minerals that the body needs in order to function to its optimum level, greens like Barley grass are reigning atop in the wellness world, thus outnumbering even green vegetables in terms of possessing towering levels of nutrients.
What is Barley Grass?
Considered to be one among the top 4 greens in the wellness world and as one of the earliest grown sweet grasses on the planet dating back to 5000 BC, barley grass is nothing but the young soft shoots of the barley plant.
Despite known to be the look-alike of wheatgrass, barley grass stands out with a higher concentration of protein tasting milder than the bitter wheatgrass. With its rich nutritional profile, the barley grass benefits are far and wide and can be christened as the best fast food available in nature.
Barley grass has subsisted for thousands of years. While the Egyptians of yore used it as a staple diet for people and animals, it earned its distinction among the Greeks and the Romans for being the food for their athletes in the form of barley bread. It was thought of by the athletes to uplift their energy and add to their overall strength.
Better late than not, with the burgeoning awareness of mindful eating and living in Americans, Barley grass(1) is slowly making its way into their diets and aids them in losing weight who otherwise rely on diet pills or supplements.
Nutrition Facts
Each 100 Gram of Barley Grass
| Calories | 354 |
| Fat | 2.3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 73 grams |
| Fiber | 17 grams |
| Sugar | 0.8 grams |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Sodium | 12 milligrams |
| Potassium | 452 milligrams |
| Calcium | 3% |
| Iron | 19% |
| Magnesium | 33% |
| Vitamin B6 | 15% |
How Barley Grass Benefits the Body?
1. Digestive Health
A good digestive system is the epitome of good health; barley grass is a naturally occurring source of organic sodium that is required by stomach lining to secrete hydrochloric acid (in the absence of which our food cannot digest).
It is also rich in digestive enzymes whose presence helps in reducing indigestible as well as toxic materials of the food. Barley grass comes in two forms: barley grass juice and barley grass powder.
You can choose either of them to reap the incredible barley grass benefits. The green barley grass is extremely rich in chlorophyll which acts as a natural detoxifying agent to the body.
2. Immune System
Since barley grass is rich in many essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids that cumulatively help in boosting the immune system. It is especially rich in vitamin C that plays an essential role in the overall immunity of the body to fight various infections. Moreover, barley grass is an abundant source of a significant amino acid “arginine” that mainly helps the body to heal from multiple injuries, burns as well as wounds.
3. Nutritional Powerhouse
Organic barley grass whether in juice form or powder form is a powerhouse of several important vitamins such as vitamin A, C, folic acid, beta-carotene, pantothenic acid, and ample B vitamins. The minerals present in it include potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, and magnesium. You can also avoid vitamin B12 and cobalamine deficiency in vegetarians by consuming barley grass juice on a regular basis.
4. Weight Loss
Many people follow barley grass weight loss therapy to lose those extra pounds. The treatment includes drinking barley grass juice every day in the morning.
The juice is a good source of anti-oxidants that stimulates faster metabolism in our body as well as helps in detoxification. A fast metabolism results in more energy consumption within the body and hence dissolving already stored fat.
[Read: Secret Remedies For Weight Loss ]
5. Reduces Excess Acidity
Acidity happens when the body produces more acid than it needs to digest the food you consume. Drinking wild barley grass juice on a regular basis aids in neutralizing the acid in the belly and thus relieving the sensation caused due to it.
How to Use Barley Grass?
As we gained immense awareness on the many boons of barley grass now, let us know how to make it a part of our diet.
- Add barley grass powder to your favorite salad
- Mix barley grass powder in your eggs while making omelets and scrambled eggs
- Include barley grass powder in your soups and enjoy their goodness
- Barley grass seed is used to make medicines for blood pressure, blood sugar, weight loss, and cholesterol.
Recipes
Drink a glass of this delicious smoothie to enjoy barley grass benefits in full gallop.
Ingredients
- Two ripe bananas
- A small bunch of baby spinach
- 2 tbsp barley grass powder
- 3 tbsp chopped mint
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 ½ glass of water
- Any healthy sweetener
Procedure
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth
- Adjust the water to a smoothie-like consistency
- Pour in a tall glass and enjoy the drink
Side Effects
Generally, barley grass is considered to be safe. The side effects are not pronounced and can get overshadowed by the numerous benefits of barley grass.
Barley Grass vs. Wheatgrass
- Barley grass is milder in taste than wheat grass that is much bitterer.
- The protein percentage in barley grass is higher than wheat grass.
- Barley grass evolves from the baby shoots of the barley plant whereas wheatgrass grows from the baby shoots of the wheat plant.
Bottom Line
On the outset, barley grass juice is among the several health drinks you can pick since it is rich in nutrients which help the body to stay fit. The many Barley grass benefits have made it a popular option among an array of health products.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Barley Grass Gluten Free?
Yes, barley grass is gluten free.
2. Is Barley Grass Safe for Celiac?
It does not contain gluten, which is believed to be the reason behind reactions in celiac disease.
3. Is Barley Grass Alkaline?
Barley grass has high alkalizing properties as it has a high amount of alkaline minerals like calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium and many more.
