Barley Sprouting Seeds, 1Lb [Organic]

Barley's fiber can prevent or help with a number of different health conditions. The fiber in Barley can also help to prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high in people with diabetes.

Barley grass contains a type of nutrients found in plant foods called phytochemicals. These are not essential nutrients, but may nevertheless benefit your health. Like other green, leafy plant foods, barley grass contains the phytochemical chlorophyll as well as a class of phytochemicals called carotenoids. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, or LPI, chlorophyll derivatives have been used orally to control internal odors and as a topical treatment for wounds for over 50 years without any serious side effects. Scientists are also studying whether chlorophyll might be useful in treating certain types of cancers, according to the LPI. Carotenoids found in barley grass and other vegetables also have antioxidant effects which may prove useful in treating and preventing cancer and other chronic diseases, though as of January 2011 there is no research to definitively support these claims.

Although barley is better known for the grains produced by mature barley plants, barley grass harvested from an early stage in the plant's growth is a popular health food due to its wealth of nutrients. Young cereal grasses like barley and wheat grass contain similar types of nutrients as those found in green, leafy vegetables like spinach, but in a more concentrated package.

Phytochemical Profile

Barley grass contains a type of nutrients found in plant foods called phytochemicals. These are not essential nutrients, but may nevertheless benefit your health. Like other green, leafy plant foods, barley grass contains the phytochemical chlorophyll as well as a class of phytochemicals called carotenoids. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, or LPI, chlorophyll derivatives have been used orally to control internal odors and as a topical treatment for wounds for over 50 years without any serious side effects. Scientists are also studying whether chlorophyll might be useful in treating certain types of cancers, according to the LPI. Carotenoids found in barley grass and other vegetables also have antioxidant effects which may prove useful in treating and preventing cancer and other chronic diseases, though as of January 2011 there is no research to definitively support these claims.

Nutrients

In addition to phytochemicals, barley grass is densely packed with both essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and macronutrients such as protein and fiber. According to an Oprah.com, while barley grass has many of the same nutrients as other green, leafy vegetables like spinach, barley grass offers these nutrients in a more concentrated package than other veggies, meaning that small servings of barley grass pack a lot of nutrition. According to the website PeerTrainer, a typical serving of barley grass, in powdered form, is 5 to 10 g. One serving of barley grass contains 1,750 IU of vitamin A, 11 mg of vitamin C, 280 mg of vitamin K, 18 mg of calcium, 3.6 mg of magnesium and 2 mg of iron. A serving also contains 800 mg of protein and 600 mg of fiber.

Comparison With Wheat Grass

There are few nutritional differences between barley grass and wheat grass. Both are cereal grasses which, when young, have nutrient profiles more like those of vegetables rather than grains. Like barley grass, wheat grass is also rich in chlorophyll, vitamins A and C, and minerals like iron and calcium. Both barley and wheat grass act as antioxidants which reduce inflammation and may possibly confer other health benefits as well.



* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.