Wheatgrass and Barley Grass

Question 1

Wheatgrass

Answer 1

The young grass of the wheat plant. Can be eaten whole and raw, though is more commonly juiced or milled to a fine powder.

Question 2

Wheatgrass: Energetics

Answer 2

Cooling, cleanses toxins from the body

Question 3

Wheatgrass: Composition

Answer 3

Grass, roots and rhizome are used. Good sources are gluten free relies on grass being extracted before
the grain develops, which contains gluten.

Rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and B vitamins; iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium; amino acids; chlorophyll; antioxidants including phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

Question 4

Wheatgrass: Benefits

Answer 4

Antioxidant
Immune support and anti-cancer
Alkalising
Regulates blood lipids
Weight loss
Detoxification
Digestion

Question 5

Wheatgrass: Antioxidant

Answer 5

The various antioxidants (e.g. phenolic and flavonoid compounds) in wheatgrass can help to protect against chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress, supporting detoxification.

Question 6

Wheatgrass: Immune support and anti-cancer

Answer 6

Wheatgrass has anti-cancer properties, and appears to reduce chemotherapy side effects; also beneficial for chronic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, diabetes and obesity.

Question 7

Wheatgrass: Alkalising

Answer 7

Due to the high chlorophyll content.

Question 8

Wheatgrass: Regulates blood lipids

Answer 8

Shown to reduce serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, whilst increasing HDL cholesterol.

Question 9

Wheatgrass: Weightloss

Answer 9

Can reduce appetite and increase hormonally driven signals of satiety (e.g. CCK), supporting healthy weight management. Its effects can also be attributed to its role in balancing blood sugars (reducing cravings).

Question 10

Wheatgrass: Detoxification

Answer 10

Supports liver detoxification pathways with its abundance of nutrients and antioxidants.

Question 11

Wheatgrass: Digestion

Answer 11

Wheatgrass is used in TCM to nourish the spleen Qi supporting digestion. It is also used to drain dampness.

Question 12

Wheatgrass: Caution

Answer 12

Caution in those with known grass allergies.

Question 13

Barley Grass

Answer 13

Barley grass provides similar nutrients and benefits as wheat grass and shares the same energetic qualities.

Question 14

Barley Grass: Composition

Answer 14

Particularly rich in vitamins A, B1 , C and E; calcium, potassium, selenium; enzymes including superoxide dismutase (a powerful antioxidant); antioxidants phytochemicals including flavonoids and other polyphenols; chlorophyll; amino acids including GABA. Barley grass also has a particularly high fibre content.

Question 15

Barley Grass: Benefits and Clinical Applications

Answer 15

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Cardiovascular support
Diabetes
Gout
Supports GIT function
Promotes sleep and relaxation
Supports energy production

Question 16

Barley Grass: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Answer 16

Provides protection against chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Barley grass can downregulate the pro-inflammatory TNF-α.

Question 17

Barley Grass: Cardiovascular Support

Answer 17

Decreases LDL and total cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol; helps regulate blood pressure associated with the phytochemical ‘ saponarin ’ and rich mineral content (e.g. magnesium and potassium).

Question 18

Barley Grass: Diabetes

Answer 18

The high fibre content reduces fasting blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin.

Question 19

Barley Grass: Gout

Answer 19

Reduces serum uric acid by increasing urinary excretion.

Question 20

Barley Grass: Supports healthy GIT function

Answer 20

Fibre supports bowel elimination, and nourishes the microflora; flavonoids reduce inflammation and allow healing of mucous membranes especially in conditions such as ulcerative colitis.

Question 21

Barley Grass: Promotes Sleep and relaxation

Answer 21

Related primarily to content of GABA (also beneficial for anxiety) and tryptophan (precursor to serotonin and melatonin).

Question 22

Barley Grass: Supports energy production

Answer 22

Contains enzymes involved in mitochondrial function including cytochrome oxidase. Flavonoids such as lutonarin and saponarin improve oxygenation of body tissues and reduce fatigue.

Question 23

Barley Grass: Dosage

Answer 23

General recommendations range from 3 to 15 g dried powder daily.
Start at smaller doses of 1 ml fresh juice a day , and then increase daily up to 5 ml a day . Divided doses may be better
While some sources suggest taking on an empty stomach to increase assimilation, both barley and wheatgrass can be added to fresh juices and smoothies.

Question 24

Barley Grass: Caution

Answer 24

Caution in those with known grass allergies.