Barley Grass
Barley plants are referred to as barley grass because they have long and narrow light-green leaves.
Barley grass is rich in copper, potassium, manganese, zinc. It could be beneficial for various conditions including arthritis, asthma, skin problems, obesity, anaemia, constipation, impotence, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and kidney problems.
What are the benefits
It may help to lower cholesterol levels
Barley grass may lower cholesterol due to its beta-sitosterol components. Beta-sitosterol is a plant substance similar to cholesterol and may inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and boost its catabolism into bile acid. In a study on barley grass, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels decreased, while HCL cholesterol levels increased. (1)
Promotes sleep
Barley grass powder contains tryptophan, GABA, calcium, potassium, melatonin, pyridoxine, L-ornithine and hexadecanoic acid. These substances are connected to sleep quality. Consequently, barley may improve sleep. (2)
Some research also suggests that “High intake of cereal fibre may significantly lower the risk of gastric cardia cancer”, which could mean that barley is beneficial to have in the diet. (3)
Resources
Last accessed online 20/04/2020
- https://www.drugs.com/npc/barley-grass.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4440346/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11159879
