What is barley grass and why is it so healthy?
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Barley grass (also called barley grass) is still unknown to many people, even though it's a locally grown product. It's often used as an ingredient in smoothies, just like wheatgrass. In recent years, these "superfoods" have become increasingly popular.
Barleygrass is often called a superfood because it has several health benefits. But what exactly is barleygrass? And why is it so healthy? I'll explain it in this article!
Barley grass is the leaf of the barley plant, rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
It supports heart health, stable blood sugars, gut health and can support weight loss thanks to its high fiber content.
Wheatgrass offers additional benefits and is the 'big brother', making it ideal for a super healthy green juice.
Barley is one of the most well-known grains worldwide. Barley grass is the leaf of the plant from which barley is produced. Previously considered a waste product, it has been transformed into a superfood in recent years.
Barley grass is available in stores as powders, tablets, or juices. To make a super healthy smoothie, it's often combined with ingredients like wheatgrass, kale, and spirulina.
Spirulina is a type of algae with very high nutritional values, which is why it is considered one of the best superfoods.
Barley grass is becoming increasingly popular because it's rich in essential nutrients. First, it's an excellent source of fiber. Every 100 grams of barley grass contains a whopping 30 grams of dietary fiber.
In addition, the grass is rich in various vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, C, K, and B6. Barley grass also contains many polyphenols and flavonoids. These are powerful antioxidants that help your body combat oxidative stress.
Barley grass contains 30 times more B1 than cow's milk and is abundant in natural vitamin C. Find the 13 scientifically proven health benefits of vitamin C here.
Because barley grass contains so many important nutrients, it has several positive effects on your health. This is also why it's called a superfood and is also used as a dietary supplement.
But what exactly are the health benefits of barley grass? I'll explain below.
Barley grass is good for your heart because it positively affects blood triglyceride levels. The grass also contains several compounds linked to healthy blood pressure and a healthy heart, such as saponins.
Research has shown that taking 15 grams of barley leaf extract for 4 weeks reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood.(1)
As I mentioned earlier, barley grass is largely composed of fiber. Some of this fiber is water-soluble, making it beneficial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Examples include beta-glucan and pectin.
The attractant effect of these fibers means that carbohydrates are absorbed more slowly. This ensures that your blood sugar level rises more slowly after a meal and therefore remains more stable overall. (2)
The other part of the fiber in barley grass is insoluble in water, which is good for your intestines. Insoluble fiber supports healthy gut flora by effectively cleansing your intestines of protein residues and other waste products.
Barley grass is also a source of healthy gut bacteria, which are crucial for good digestion. In short, this grass is very good for your gut!
Because barley grass is largely fiber, it's low in calories. This is also why it's often used as an addition to healthy smoothies.
The fiber moves through your body slowly. This helps you feel full longer and reduces food cravings. This is a major benefit when you're trying to lose weight.
A study of overweight adults found that those who ate more fiber lost more weight and were able to easily adhere to the diet they were prescribed.(3)
It's no wonder you didn't know about the benefits of barley grass. Despite being a common ingredient in healthy smoothies and shakes, it's still relatively unknown.
Barley grass is considered a superfood because it offers several health benefits. For example, it's good for your heart, intestines, and blood sugar levels. The main reason it's used is because it can support weight loss.
Wheatgrass is barley grass's "big brother" and offers even more health benefits than barley grass. That's why we've used wheatgrass in our super-healthy green juice.