Possibly the World Best Food - Barley

By: Dana Neer

Sample of Barley Powder Product

It is no secret that raw fruits and vegetables are the best foods for us. Foods full of vitamins, nutrients and amino acids provide life to our cells, energy for our daily schedule and health to our minds, bodies and spirits.  Many years ago, I realized that I was not eating properly when I traveled on business and mission trips.  As an attempt to keep my diet consistent, I researched and found a wonderful food source that profoundly met my needs.   Now, not only do I use barley while traveling, I enjoy it every day as a part of my diet.  This fabulous food source is one of the best on our planet!

Barley grass is one of the green grasses – the only vegetation on earth that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age.  The true beauty of barley is found in the leaves.  The young leaves have the tremendous ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.  When barley leaves are 12 – 14 inches high, they contain all the vitamins, minerals and proteins necessary for the human diet.  These necessities are easily assimilated, giving our bodies’ instant access to vital nutrients.  Astounding amounts of vitamins and minerals are found in barley leaves:  potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, beta carotene, B1, B2, B6, Vitamin C and folic acid.  Barley juice contains 11 times the calcium in cow’s milk, 5 times the iron in spinach and 7 times the vitamin C in oranges per 100 grams. 

According to research by a leading team of doctors, barley is loaded with amino acids and enzymes.  Dr. Lorraine Day states, “Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and are necessary for continual cell building, regeneration, and energy production.  Eighteen amino acids are found in barley grass.  In addition, green barley contains enzymes.  Enzymes are described as the spark plugs of our bodies, the essential chemical reactions that produce movement.  Without enzymes we would be unable to walk, talk, blink or breathe.”

Obviously, consuming barley in its natural state is unappealing to most people, and hard to digest.  Therefore, creators of powdered barley greens have discovered methods to dry barley while retaining its natural integrity by cooking the plant in temperatures less than 107⁰ F.  By using this process, barley keeps its potency and effectiveness because nutrients remain active.

Purchasing barley powder is very easy.  Most health food stores supply it, and by adding barley to your diet, good results will be noticed quickly.  Some advice when taking barley powder: 

 

1.       Mix ½ teaspoon of barley juice powder in 4 oz. of your favorite juice once a day.  Shake well, and drink.  After 4 weeks increase to 1 tsp.  After 6 to 8 weeks take twice daily if desired.  Wait 30 minutes before eating breakfast.

2.      Barley tastes “green”, but it is very tolerable.  Some powders like “super greens” include mint, spinach and other greens for better taste.  The longer you drink it, the better it will taste.  This is because your body is becoming more alkaline which means you are becoming healthier. 

3.      Look for barley that is 100% (not filled with rice).  And, it should be freeze-dried.  Remember, heat kills nutrients. 

4.      Stick with it.  While building your new nutrition routine in the morning, you will notice improvement in overall health and energy levels because you are eating real whole food that your body needs and craves.  
Barley may be one of nature’s best foods.  Enjoy the many benefits of this nutritious source of energy by adding it to your meal plan today.