All About Barley Grass

Barley is a multi-functioning food that can be used in several different ways throughout its life span. Barley at full maturation is a widely used grain, which is used in many products from cereals, to breads, to livestock feed. The great thing about this crop is the fact that it is highly adaptable to its surroundings; it can be grown in wet or dry regions as well as warm or cool. While there are many, many purposes for barley as a fully matured grain, the truly amazing benefits come before it's fully matured and while it is a tender grass. When barley is fully grown it is considered a grain, however, when barley is young and in the grass state, before the grain develops, it is more closely related to dark green leafy vegetables. This green grass is truly an amazing nutritional source that has been linked to some seriously healthy benefits dating all the way back to 2,000BC.

When we think of certain vitamins or minerals, we generally have a fruit or vegetable that comes to mind as the richest source. For instance when I say Vitamin C you most likely think of and orange, when I say calcium you most likely think of milk, and finally when I say iron most of you will think of spinach. Well, throw all those thoughts out the window and create a new way of thinking. What if I were to tell you that barley grass contains ten times the calcium as milk, or six times the vitamin C as an orange, and finally four times the iron as spinach. Amazing isn't it, and this is just the tip of the nutritional ice berg. Barley grass also contains potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, beta carotene, B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and pantothenic acid as well as chlorophyll. It is also an AMAZING source of vitamin B12.

Clearly with all of these vitamins and nutrients included in one supplement, it is no wonder why barley grass is one of the most popular, and widely taken supplements around the world. The fact that Barley grass has been linked to things such as lowering cholesterol, improving circulation, and preventing cancer isn't bad either. However, it is essential to make sure the grass was harvested at exactly the right time, to ensure you are getting all these amazing vitamins and minerals. Generally the grass should be harvested when the nutrient packed leaves are 12-14 inches high.
After the grass is harvested it is typically dried to make supplementing easier, although it can be juiced, but juicing it makes supplementing a little more difficult for some people. Once the leaves are dried they are ground into a powder for your supplemental use; this powder can be mixed with water or juice and taken with a meal. Be sure to avoid mixing the powder with hot or warm liquids as this will deactivate the enzymes in it. There are several types of Barley Grass Powders to choose from. Some have flavorings such as green tea or, and some are plain and made to mix with a juice of your choice. No matter what flavor you choose plain, berry, or green tea the important thing is that you take it, and join the millions world wide that are drinking their way to a healthier life.

Written By: Brandy_S._Widner

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