Wheatgrass and Barley Grass Flashcards
Wheatgrass
The young grass of the wheat plant. Can be eaten whole and raw, though is more commonly juiced or milled to a fine powder.
Wheatgrass: Energetics
Cooling, cleanses toxins from the body
Wheatgrass: Composition
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.
Wheatgrass: Benefits
Antioxidant
Immune support and anti-cancer
Alkalising
Regulates blood lipids
Weight loss
Detoxification
Digestion
Wheatgrass: Antioxidant
The various antioxidants (e.g. phenolic and flavonoid compounds) in wheatgrass can help to protect against chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress, supporting detoxification.
Wheatgrass: Immune support and anti-cancer
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.
Wheatgrass: Alkalising
Due to the high chlorophyll content.
Wheatgrass: Regulates blood lipids
Shown to reduce serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, whilst increasing HDL cholesterol.
Wheatgrass: Weightloss
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).
Wheatgrass: Detoxification
Supports liver detoxification pathways with its abundance of nutrients and antioxidants.
Wheatgrass: Digestion
Wheatgrass is used in TCM to nourish the spleen Qi supporting digestion. It is also used to drain dampness.
Wheatgrass: Caution
Caution in those with known grass allergies.
Barley Grass
Barley grass provides similar nutrients and benefits as wheat grass and shares the same energetic qualities.
Barley Grass: Composition
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.
Barley Grass: Benefits and Clinical Applications
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Cardiovascular support
Diabetes
Gout
Supports GIT function
Promotes sleep and relaxation
Supports energy production
Barley Grass: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Provides protection against chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Barley grass can downregulate the pro-inflammatory TNF-α.
Barley Grass: Cardiovascular Support
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).
Barley Grass: Diabetes
The high fibre content reduces fasting blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin.
Barley Grass: Gout
Reduces serum uric acid by increasing urinary excretion.
Barley Grass: Supports healthy GIT function
Fibre supports bowel elimination, and nourishes the microflora; flavonoids reduce inflammation and allow healing of mucous membranes especially in conditions such as ulcerative colitis.
Barley Grass: Promotes Sleep and relaxation
Related primarily to content of GABA (also beneficial for anxiety) and tryptophan (precursor to serotonin and melatonin).
Barley Grass: Supports energy production
Contains enzymes involved in mitochondrial function including cytochrome oxidase. Flavonoids such as lutonarin and saponarin improve oxygenation of body tissues and reduce fatigue.
Barley Grass: Dosage
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.
Barley Grass: Caution
Caution in those with known grass allergies.
