"Barley grass" refers to the young green leaves of the barley plant and reaches its nutritional peak just before the plant begins to produce flowers and seeds. Barley grass is cut and sold commercially in either dried or powdered form or in a juice obtained from pressing of the leaves. Barley grass is very rich in vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants that help support your immune system. It also contains high amounts of organic sodium, vitamin B-1, calcium, and iron, as well as high amounts of other trace minerals such as carotene and potassium.
Organic Sodium
Barley grass contains high amounts of organic sodium, which may contribute to dissolving calcium deposits on the joints throughout the body. As a result, barley grass has been used as an herbal treatment for arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the joints that is exacerbated by the presence of calcium deposits. Organic sodium also replenishes the sodium that lines the inside of your stomach and aids digestion by improving the production of hydrochloric acid.
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)
Barley grass contains high amounts of vitamin B-1, or thiamine, which improves immune system function and enhances your body's ability to produce energy from carbohydrates. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin B-1 may play a role in the treatment and prevention of heart disease. Low levels of thiamine may cause a buildup of fluid around the heart, contributing to the onset of heart disease. Barley grass may also help replenish thiamine levels in your body if you are taking diuretics to treat heart disease, which cause the body to remove large amounts of B-1 through fluid loss.
Calcium
Barley grass contains high amounts of calcium, a nutrient essential to many of the processes in the human body. Calcium not only helps support strong and healthy bones but also acts as a catalyst for many natural biological reactions. It is essential for muscle contraction and can improve the efficiency of energy-producing metabolic pathways. Calcium deficiencies over time can lead to a condition called osteopenia, which if untreated can lead to osteoporosis, or a loss in bone density. This can increase your risk for bone fractures and physical deformities as you age.
Iron
Barley grass contains five times more iron than spinach does. Iron is essential for the formation of red blood cells, which can increase oxygen-carrying capacity and thereby improve cardiovascular function. Iron is also an essential mineral for muscle function, brain function and hormone production. A deficiency in iron can cause a condition called anemia, which occurs when the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells, resulting in feelings of fatigue and weakness.
References
- Drugs.com; Barley Grass; 2009
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin B1; 2011
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