What Is Barley Grass Good for?

Barley grass is harvested and used to make healthy breads and cereals.

Barley grass was considered a sacred gift from the gods in ancient Greece and Egypt due to its highly potent nutritional powers. It was also the first grain cultivated for cereal, according to Prescription Desk. The grain offers a number of internal and external health benefits, and is a source of protein and fatty oils when added to foods.

Lowering Cholesterol and Reducing Heart Disease.

Taking barley grass reduces "bad" or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as it contains A-glucan, which is also found in oat bran. According to Web MD, 0.4 g of barley per day will lower LDL cholesterol by 14 percent; 3 or 6 g of barley grass will reduce cholesterol by 17 and 20 percent, respectively. Barley capsules also have the ability to lower blood pressure in high cholesterol patients. Barley can lower triglycerides as well, and increase healthy or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the body by 9 to 18 percent.

Reducing Heart Disease Risk

The FDA also asserts that any food product containing at least 0.75 g of barley per serving can reduce the risk of heart disease when included in a diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fats. The grain can be crushed into a powder and added to water or fruit juice, or included in hot or cold breakfast cereals or breads.

Cancer Prevention

Web MD asserts that barley grass can help to prevent cancer of the stomach. And, according to Drugs.com, barley shields tissue cells from carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents. The method by which barley protects the body is not completely known; however, medical professionals believe it may have a lot to do with barley grass's high chlorophyll content and antioxidant abilities. Chlorophyll inactivates cancerous organisms in the body, and an antioxidant in green barley juice called superoxide dismutase defends the body against free radicals and radiation.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Cerophyl, a dehydrated form of cereal grains that includes barley, was deemed "accepted food" by the Council of Foods of the American Medical Association in 1939. Cerophyl contains essential vitamins like B12, along with B1, B2 and B6. Vitamin B12 is particularly crucial to vegetarians, as many people who don't eat meat are deficient. High concentrations of beta carotene are present in barley grass juice, as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium. Digestive enzymes and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, are abundant in barley grass as well.

Possible Uses

Barley grass may be an effective treatment for bronchitis, but insufficient evidence is available at this time, according to Web MD. Barley grass contains hordenine, an alkaloid that promotes peripheral blood circulation. Drugs.com states that barley grass can boost immunity and energy and may serve as treatment for HIV infection, although evidence to support this claim is lacking.

References

• Prescription Desk: Medicinal Uses of Barley Grass
• Web MD: Barley
• Drugs.com: Barley Grass