Barley grass: Top 10 Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

The leaf of the barley plant is called “barley grass.” It is also called barley leaves of barley greens. It has been studied a lot because it is good for your health, and you can find it in green juices and supplements. Fresh barley grass is hard to find, but it is available in powders, liquids, tablets, and gummies, among other things. The young, soft, green shoots that grow from a barley plant are known as barley grass. Health benefits include aiding in treating ulcerative colitis and boosting general immunity. 

Additionally, it helps keep the skin in good health and has revitalizing benefits on the entire body and other beneficial effects. 

Due to the high amount of the enzyme superoxide dismutase that it contains, barley grass is a miraculous tonic.

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Health Benefits 

1. May benefit the health of the heart

Barley grass contains soluble dietary fiber, which can assist in the removal of excess cholesterol from the body. Since it absorbs cholesterol before it can reach the bloodstream, it keeps blood cholesterol levels low while lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants who took 15 grams of barley leaf extract once a day for four weeks saw a decrease in the oxidation of bad cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease.

2. Power to Fight Oxidants, Potentially

The extract of barley leaf can mop up harmful free radicals. Reactive oxygen species significantly influence the production of inflammatory cytokines. They have the potential to play an essential role in the development of diseases such as rheumatoid synovitis, arthritis, and gout. Oxidative stress is the root cause of a wide variety of chronic diseases. The antioxidant action of these radical scavengers can help delay the onset of some of these conditions.

3. Could Be Useful in the Fight Against Cancer

Extracts of barley grass have been shown to protect human tissue cells against the effects of carcinogens. The plant’s antioxidant activity or chlorophyll concentration may be its action method. According to a study that was completed in 2017 and published in the same year, apoptosis was induced in breast and prostate cancer cells by barley grass extract. Although these results are encouraging, further research into the anti-cancer capabilities of this compound is still required.

4. Immunity-boosting

The immune system gets a boost from barley grass. Consuming food regularly provides the nourishment necessary for the growth of healthy immune cells. As a result, a robust immune system can help to ward off infectious diseases, which also helps prevent inflammatory conditions.

5. Hyperlipidemia

It is hypothesized that beta-sitosterol works by reducing the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and accelerating the breakdown of cholesterol into bile acid. According to early evidence collected from animals and humans, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels have decreased. To establish a firm conclusion, however, further clinical investigations are necessary.

6. Could Delay the Appearance of Aging Signs

It is believed that consuming barley grass can naturally increase cell regeneration without causing adverse side effects. Chlorophyll, vitamin B, iron, and phycocyanin, a blue pigment found in barley grass, are essential components that help enhance bone marrow and stimulate the production of white and red blood cells. This rejuvenating impact of barley grass also helps minimize aging by revitalizing the cells responsible for age-related skin damage and contributing to maintaining healthy and youthful skin.

7. Balances blood sugar

According to the findings of a few studies, barley grass may assist individuals in keeping their blood sugar levels in a healthy range. It’s possible that the presence of insoluble fiber, a form of fiber that doesn’t dissolve in water, has something to do with this. Despite this, research into barley grass and its effects is scant, and much of what does exist is decades old at best.

8. May promote weight loss

 It’s a rich source of fiber and a low-calorie option because barley grass is an excellent addition to a diet designed to help one healthily lose weight. Increasing the amount of fiber you consume has been shown in several studies to facilitate better weight loss. Regarding reducing body weight and body mass index (BMI), drinking barley grass juice was more beneficial than sipping a control beverage in rats.

9. Possible Protection from Ultraviolet Radiation

Barley grass contains superoxide dismutase enzymes that may be able to treat cells that have been damaged by UV light. Additionally, it might function as a safeguard against radioactivity’s effects. Barley grass juice is frequently advised to be drunk before and after exposure to further protect against the radioactive damage caused by x-rays.

10. Health of the Bones

Calcium is the primary component that goes into the formation of bones; therefore, including foods rich in calcium in your diet is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Because it contains calcium, barley grass can help prevent or reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Additionally, it can assist in maintaining the health of your teeth, mainly when mixed with the phosphorus that is also included in barley grass.

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How to Use Barley Grass

You can grow your barley grass and juice it yourself or buy it as a powder to add to smoothies, protein shakes, or cocktails at one tablespoon each. 

Consume the juice of barley grass on its own.

Side Effect

Some people may react sensitively to the barley grain with symptoms including vomiting, itching, and burning sensation in the throat and mouth. 

Suppose you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. In that case, you should avoid any product made with barley grass that does not categorize it as gluten-free. In addition, people with specific conditions might be unable to handle the high doses of particular vitamins and minerals in this product, like potassium, vitamin K, and phosphorus.

Conclusion

Although additional human research is needed to establish its advantages, it is high in several vital nutrients. As a result, it can potentially encourage weight loss and help better blood sugar control.

 

Where to Buy 

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DISCLAIMER OF MEDICINE

This information is not meant to provide medical advice or replace a personal physician’s advice or treatment. All readers of this information, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should check with their doctors before initiating any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. In addition, the statements and goods on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

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