Green barley powder is a vegetable protein supplement that can be mixed with water or juice. Several brands of this product are available, with one of the most well-known being BarleyGreen. Derived from organic barley grass, BarleyGreen is also formulated with kelp, adding more nutrients to the supplement. Invented by Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara in Japan, this drink mixture has a variety of vitamins, minerals and biochemical compounds that may be beneficial.
Protein
Green barley powder can benefit your diet if you are looking for a low-fat protein source. If you are a vegetarian or need to find a way to increase your protein without ingesting meats, green barley may be beneficial. According to a study published in the September 2010 Journal of Nutrition, green barley powder was studied for its protein content and effect on cholesterol levels. The study tested 23 hypercholesterolemic men and postmenopausal women, taking blood samples over a four-week period. A 5 percent increase in protein through barley powder or casein powder was given to participants; results found that barley powder did not raise cholesterol levels. Researchers concluded that barley powder is a protein source that will not adversely affect cholesterol levels.
Chlorophyll
Green barley grass contains chlorophyll, which provides its color. This substance absorbs energy from the sun and turns it into food for plants. Chlorophyll is also considered a powerful antioxidant for humans, meaning it can help reduce the damage of free radical substances in the body. A study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, in January 2010, studied chlorophyll's ability to bind harmful toxins in the body when compared to other substances in the human diet. The study concluded that chlorophyll was an excellent toxin-binding substance and may be beneficial in preventing tissue damage and cancer.
Vitamins
BarleyGreen contains an array of vitamins, including several B vitamins and vitamins C, E and A. B vitamins are needed for digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins as well as for blood, nerve cell and DNA formation. Deficiencies in B vitamins can lead to fatigue, depression, neuropathy and memory loss. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is necessary for bone, cartilage and muscle health and repair. Vitamin E is essential for skin, hair and nail health. Vitamin A is well-known for its correlation to the eyes.
Minerals
In addition to vitamins, the company website states that BarleyGreen also provides several minerals. Calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium and potassium are all a part of the mixture. Calcium and iron are essential for the formation of bone and blood cells, respectively. Calcium deficits can lead to brittle bones and osteoporosis, while iron helps bind oxygen to red blood cells. Your body relies on magnesium for the contraction and relaxation of muscles, to make protein and to help transport energy. Sodium and potassium are also required for basic cellular functions, as they are both electrolytes. Your body uses them to maintain fluid balance as well as for muscle contractions.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Supplemental barley protein and casein similarly affect serum lipids in hypercholesterolemic women and men; D.J. Jenkins et al; September 2010
- "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A"; Natural compounds in the human diet and their ability to bind mutagens prevents DNA-mutagen intercalation; A. Osowski et al; January 2010
- The Mayo Clinic: Vitamin C
- BarleyGreen: Ingredients
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
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