Barley grass is often marketed as a wonder food by nutritionists, helping to promote general health and a powerful immune system, reports the Brain Research Institute at the University of California. Fresh, green barley grass is often used interchangeably with wheat grass--the two are almost nutritionally identical, says Dr. Perricone in Oprah.com--as a health-boosting supplement.
Chlorophyll
The bright green color of young barley grass comes from chlorophyll, a natural pigment produced by all green plants in response to the sun. Oprah.com says this phytochemical, also common in other green foods like spirulina, helps to slow bacteria growth in the body and may also help control bad breath.
Fiber
Dietary fiber consumption has numerous health benefits, including boosting your digestive process and controlling blood sugar levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. The exact amount of fiber found in barley grass varies according to the grass' age--the older the grass, the more fiber it contains but the less chlorophyll it holds--but will improve your overall fiber intake.
Vitamins
Barley grass possesses a wide range of vitamins, according to the Drugs.com database. Notable examples include beta carotene, vitamin B-complex--which helps with energy production--and pantothenic acid. Barley grass also has substantial amounts of vitamin C. The nonprofit NaturalNews Network says the average cup of barley grass has seven times more vitamin C than the equivalent amount of oranges.
Minerals
Barley grass has several major minerals, including magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium. The NaturalNews Network estimates that it holds five times more iron than the same amount of spinach, and provides 10 times the amount of calcium that's found in milk.
Free Radical Damage Prevention
The combination of antioxidants in barley grass creates a potent "free radical scavenger," according to Oprah.com. Free radicals are damaging particles released by environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke, that can lead to symptoms of aging skin and other health maladies.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/137514-the-benefits-green-barley/#ixzz21Xo9iBnV
