Barley and wheat were among the first grains cultivated by humans in Asia and the Middle East. These early cultures also consumed the young plants as greens for their purported health benefits. Barley and wheat grass enjoy high status as dietary supplements among some health-conscious people. Opinions vary among experts regarding the relative merits of these juices. Some benefits of barley and wheat grass juices have been supported through scientific study.
Nutrient Content
Barley grass juice, derived from the leaves and shoots of young barley grass, is high in beta-carotene, calcium, iron and vitamin C. Barley grass also provides an array of B-vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. The juice has antioxidant properties and may have cholesterol-lowering properties, according to drugs.com. Barley contains gluten and, while the gluten content in the grass is minimal, if you have gluten sensitivity barley grass may be best avoided. Wheat grass juice, which contains some vitamin C and iron, has been studied mostly for its high content of chlorophyll -- which has a similar structure to hemoglobin -- and offers purported blood-building benefits.
Fibromyalgia
A study published in the September 2001 issue of the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that barley grass juice as part of a mostly raw vegetarian diet improved fibromyalgia symptoms. In the study, 26 participants consumed the diet, consisting of raw fruits, salads, grains, nuts, seeds and barley grass juice for seven months. Patients reported 46 percent symptom improvement, on average. Quality of life rose one point on a seven-point scale. Significant improvements in shoulder pain and range of motion were noted. The researchers concluded that barley grass juice, as part of a mostly raw vegetarian diet, was effective at reducing fibromyalgia symptoms, in this study.
Ulcerative Colitis
A study published in the April 2002 Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology reported that wheat grass juice reduced symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. In the study, 23 ulcerative colitis patients consumed 100 cc -- about 3.38 oz. -- of wheat grass juice daily for one month. Wheat grass juice significantly reduced ulcerative colitis activity, including rectal bleeding, with no serious adverse side effects. The researchers concluded that wheat grass juice was a safe and effective therapy for ulcerative colitis, in this study.
Chemotherapy
Wheat grass juice may alleviate the toxic effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer, according to a study published in the 2077 issue of the journal Nutrition and Cancer. In the study, low white blood cell count, which often results from chemotherapy, was improved. Study participants took 2 ounces of wheat grass juice daily during three cycles of chemotherapy. Wheat grass juice reduced the toxic effects of chemotherapy without reducing the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
References
- BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fibromyalgia Syndrome Improved Using a Mostly Raw Vegetarian Diet; Michael S Donaldson; et al.; September 2001
- Drugs.com: Barley Grass
- Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology: Wheat Grass Juice in the Treatment of Active Distal Ulcerative Colitis; Ben-Arye E; et al.; April 2001
- Nutrition and Cancer: Wheat Grass Juice May Improve Hematological Toxicity Related to Chemotherapy...; Bar-Sela G, et al.; 2007
- Vanderbilt University: Wheat Grass; Melanie Dufault; September 2006
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