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MEET BARLEY GRASS:
By: Juliet Cohen
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Side-Effects-of-Barley-Grass/984018

Barley Grass was one of the first grains to be cultivated. Barley grass, the botanical name of which is hordeum, is proving to be an extremely valuable remedy for a host of complaints. It contains an active ingredient called proanthocyanidin - a powerful plant chemical that works at a cellular level.Barley also contains a -glucan, a fiber also found in oat bran and reported to reduce cholesterol levels. The root contains the alkaloid hordenine which stimulates peripheral blood circulation and has been used as a bronchodilator for bronchitis. Barley bran, like wheat bran may be effective in protecting against the risk of cancer.

Barley Grass is able to prevent cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals and other toxins, and helps protect immune system cells thereby reducing the risk of inflammation, infection and cancer. Barley has helped as a food staple in most cultures. The use of barley for food and medicinal purposes dates to antiquity. Barley grass contains a substance called P4D1; it not only has a strong anti-inflammatory action, but has also been shown to actually repair the DNA in the body's cells. P4D1 aids in the prevention of carcinogenesis, aging, and cell death. Barley is widely cultivated grain used as a food and in the brewing process.

It is an additive for human and animal cereal foods. It also makes a flavorful flour for use in baking breads and muffins. Barley grass also contains live enzymes. The anti-aging enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) is one of these. Barley Grass has a high alkalizing effect, which helps keep the ratio between acidity and alkalinity in our body fluids balanced. Our cells cannot adequately function if the pH (which measures acidity and alkalinity) is not in a narrow range. Many processed foods are acidic, and when we consume too many of them, the acidity-alkalinity balance can become upset.

Barley grass can be easily control throughout the digestive tract, giving our body access to vital nutrients. Many of the vitamins, minerals and enzymes present in Barley grass act as powerful antioxidants protecting our body from free radical damage, enhancing our immune system and improving cardiovascular health. Barley grass is a rich source of dietary fibre which is good for colon health and regularity. Sports people and others who need more energy have used barley grass; it provides them with a nutrient rich food that is also packed with energy. Barley grass is naturally alkaline and it helps to neutralise excess acidity in the body when consumed.