Barley grass is simply the young shoots of sprouted barley grain (Hordeum vulgare). It is a nutritious grass that has a nutrient profile that has more similarity to vegetables than to the adult barley grain plant. It is also a fantastic source of essential protein that can help to supplement the diet of vegetarians and vegans alike. Natural health practitioners often recommend barley grass for its many health benefits including ulcerative colitis, anemia, malnutrition, malabsorption, detoxification, and cardiovascular disease.

Nutritional Properties

Vitamin and Mineral Content

This sprout contains iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin K and folic acid. It also contains particularly high levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and calcium. The enzyme content of barley grass significantly boosts its antioxidant potential, particularly its levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Protein
Barley grass is approximately 45% protein. It is a source of complete protein because it contains all of the essential amino acids. It is actually superior to typical plant protein sources, such as legumes and because of this, it is a great addition to any vegetarian diet. Also, these proportionately high levels of protein can actually help to stabilize blood sugar when spirulina is supplemented between meals. This can help to reduce sugar fluctuations in diabetics and those with hypoglycemia.

Chlorophyll
Barley grass is a rich source of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a potent detoxifier that can help to speed the release of toxins from the blood stream by binding them in the intestines. Chlorophyll can also help to increase the oxygenation of tissues by nourishing red blood cells. Interestingly, it has also been shown to do the work of hemoglobin in the blood, which is thought to be due to it resembling the human hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying) molecule.

Health Benefits of Barley Grass

Anti-Inflammatory
Barley grass also has anti-inflammatory properties and heals the intestinal lining. It is used for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatitis, and during recovery from illness. It is particularly helpful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative Colitis
Research has shown that barley grass supplementation can help to improve they symptoms of ulcerative colitis. This helps to reduce both diarrhea and pain, even when compared to those on conventional medicine. This may have to do with the ability of barley grass to support healthy intestinal flora (microbes).

Cardiovascular Disease
Barley grass has also been shown to help reduce the levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and to improve blood circulation, both of which are factors in the formation of cardiovascular disease.

How Can I Get More Barley Grass?

As a supplement barley grass is found in tablet or powder form. If you plan to sprout your own barley be sure to get dried barley that has not be irradiated. Seeds and grains are irradiated to kill the active plant and prevent them from sprouting during storage. Green food supplements are combinations of medicinal foods and herbs, and may contain barley grass.