Scientific Studies Show Barley Benefits for Health and Fitness

Of all the grasses, barley is the best source of nutrients that the body needs for growth, repair, and well being, according to the research of Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara, president of the Hagiwara Health Institute of Japan. Barley grass is probably the most-researched grass due to his efforts. He researched more than 150 different plants over a period of thirteen years.

People who can't tolerate wheat grass juice may be able to enjoy the benefits of barley grass juice. Wheat-grass juice is extremely detoxifying and makes some people nauseous every time they drink it. Barley grass juice is milder, although bitter compared to the sweetness of wheat grass.

Health Benefits

Barley grass has a substance called P4d1 with strong anti-inflammatory action and is shown to repair DNA in the cells of the body, according to research by biologist Yasuo Hotta from the University of California, La Jolla. He found this aided in the prevention of carcinogenesis, aging, and cell death. P4d1 suppresses or cures pancreatitis, stomatitis, inflammation of the oral cavity, and dermatitis, and also lacerations of the stomach and the duodenum. Barley grass is much stronger than steroid drugs and has fewer if any side effects, according to his report in a Japan Pharmacy Science Association meeting.

"[Barley Grass is] one of the most incredible products of this decade. It improves stamina, sexual energy, clarity of thought, and reduces addiction to things that are bad for you. It also improves the texture of the skin and heals the dryness associated with aging."

— Dr. Howard Lutz, director of the Institute
of Preventive Medicine, Washington D.C.

Barley grass is very high in organic sodium. People who have a tendency toward dehydration need more organic sodium. People with arthritis have used celery juice for years because of the organic sodium it contains. According to Hagiwara, in his book Green Barley Essence, barley grass has 775 mg. organic sodium per 100 grams. This contrasts with 28 mg. sodium per 100 grams in celery. Organic sodium keeps calcium in solution in the bloodstream and also dissolves calcium on the joints. For this reason alone it should be very calming. It also replenishes organic sodium in the lining of the stomach.

Cereal grasses:

• Help the growth of beneficial bacteria [1948]
• Heal peptic ulcers [1950]
• Help to prevent cancer [1979]
• Lower of serum cholesterol [1948]

Pituitary growth hormone is rapidly gaining a reputation as being a powerful anti-aging “tool” and promoting healing in the body (there can be some high risk with taking high doses of the hormone, but taking a growth hormone precursor, as has been discovered in green barley, can only help promote overall health).

Many people report that supplementation with green barley grass juice powder stimulates weight loss, which research says is due to the enhancement of the cytochrome oxidase enzyme system which is essential for cell metabolism.

Another enzyme contained in barley grass is superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells against free radicals, which are thought to be a primary culprit in aging and many other diseases.

Japanese scientists isolated an isoflavinoid from green barley, with strong anti-oxidant properties especially concerning lipid peroxidation. A flavinoid called 2-0-GIV was found to have further anti-oxidant properties as well as calming allergies and inflammation [Shibamao et al 1994].

Grass Juice Offers Muscle-Building Protein Power

The juice form young Barley plant is one the oldest healing remedies known to humanity. It has been known to be used for 2000 years. It contains all the nutrients that we need to live concentrated in a balanced food source. But for fitness enthusiasts and athletes, it's highest value may be as a source of protein.

Barley grass juice and the powder that is made from it has a high protein contents, 45% of the weight of barley grass powder. As a result, protein is the largest individual component of this food. In comparison, whole wheat flour contains only 10% protein, milk 3%, eggs 12%, and steak 16%.

Barley grass is a complete, high quality source of protein with about 23% protein in the fresh juice. Ronald L Seibold states that the protein in cereal grasses is superior to nay other plant source of protein. The idea that protein from animals is especially healthy is a prejudice. Quite the opposite is true; the protein in meat, for example, requires a long time for digestion and often leaves protein residue in the intestines, which can become the trigger for allergies and other health disorders.

When digesting protein from an animal source the body requires an unnecessarily high amount of energy to make its own amino acids. The idea that only steaks create big muscles is an erroneous belief.

Supports Healthy Human Reproduction

Barley greens increase fertility in animals by improving egg and sperm quality. Johns barley grass juice powder is very high in folic Acid, which contributes to reproductive health.

Adequate folate intake during the time just before and just after a woman becomes pregnant, helps protect against a number of congenital malformations. Women who could become pregnant are advised to eat folate-rich foods to reduce the risk of some serious birth defects. It is also very important for men who are planning on fathering children, reducing birth defect risks.

— Wikpedia "Folic Acid" entry

Read article about barley benefits for disease prevention

"If we had perfect nutrition who would we become?"

— John Ivan