Barley is a common grain with many culinary uses, particularly in beer production. Barley grass, or the young, tender newly-germinated shoots of the barley plant, are often juiced for the health benefits. If allowed to mature, the barley plants grow into grain-producing plants which are then harvested to be used as food, according to Medicinal Herb Info. Before taking barley grass juice for a health condition, consult your health care provider.
Lowers Cholesterol
People seeking a natural way to help lower their cholesterol levels may be able to benefit from drinking barley grass juice or adding whole barley grain to their diets. Researchers at The Hashemite University in Zarqa, Jordan investigated barley's effects on blood cholesterol levels in a series of clinical trials. They discovered that ingesting barley grass juice or whole barley grain foods reduces LDL, the "bad" type of cholesterol, consistently in test subjects. Their findings were reported in the October 2010 issue of "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome
According to Medline Plus, metabolic syndrome is a combination of factors that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The factors include high blood pressure; low levels of HDL, the "good" type of cholesterol; raised blood sugar levels; high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood; and too much fat around your waist. Drinking barley grass juice may help normalize these factors. A research study conducted at the National Institute of Health in Seoul, Korea tested the effects of barley on metabolic syndrome in animal test subjects. The results showed that barley normalized blood sugar levels, lowered the fat in the blood and helped reduce weight, all of which improved metabolic syndrome. These results were published in the July 2010 edition of "Molecular Nutrition & Food Research."
Antioxidant Effects
Antioxidants help rid the body of cell-damaging substances called free radicals that can cause premature aging, cell damage and cancer. Barley grass juice has been shown to be a rich source of antioxidants. Drugs.com describes the chemical process that enables barley grass juice to protect the body against such conditions as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and gout: The antioxidant abilities of barley grass juice eliminates free radicals that can cause or worsen these conditions.
Helps Prevent Cancer
The antioxidants in barley grass juice, along with its fresh chlorophyll content, help protect the body against known carcinogens, or cancer causing agents, reports Drugs.com. The chlorophyll combines with cancer-causing substances, rendering them inactive. Barley grass juice also has been shown to help protect your body against radiation damage which can lead to cancer.
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