Scientific Scientific Facts about Facts about Barley GrassBarley Grass

Prepared by Dr Y. Robles, RPh, PhDPrepared by Dr Y. Robles, RPh, PhD

Professor, UP College of PharmacyProfessor, UP College of Pharmacy

What is Barley Grass?What is Barley Grass?

• Scientific names: Scientific names: Hordeum vulgareHordeum vulgare, , Hordeum distichonHordeum distichon

• Common names: Barley also is Common names: Barley also is known as barley grass and hordeum. known as barley grass and hordeum.

• It is an annual grass capable of It is an annual grass capable of growing in different climates. growing in different climates.

Other FactsOther Facts

• Barley grass has greater nutritional value if Barley grass has greater nutritional value if harvested at a young age (12-14 inches high) harvested at a young age (12-14 inches high) due to high concentration of vitamins, due to high concentration of vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll and amino acids which minerals, chlorophyll and amino acids which lessen as the plant matures.lessen as the plant matures.

• Antioxidant property was also observed to Antioxidant property was also observed to be higher in young leaves than in mature be higher in young leaves than in mature leaves. leaves. (Casino LM, Martin M, Sabater B , Plant Physiol. 1994 Nov;106(3):1033-1039)

What does barley grass contain?What does barley grass contain?Nutrient* Unit Quantity

Protein % m/m 19.9

Fat % m/m 5.2

Chlorophyll mg/100 mg 507

Beta-carotene mg/100 g 23.2

Total tocopherols IU/100 g 15.3

Vitamin C mg/100 g 454

Carbohydrate % m/m 64.0

Folic acid mcg/100 g 1400

Fiber (dietary) % mi/m 35.2

Calcium mg/100 g 420

Magnesium mg/100 g 110

Potassium mg/100 g 3700

Sodium mg/100 g 50

Iron mg/100 g 25

Manganese mg/100 g 5

Phosphorus mg/100 g 360

Sulphur mg/100 g 310

Zinc mg/100 g 1.8

Selenium ug/100 g < 50

*Nutritional Information based on the New Zealand grown barley grass*Nutritional Information based on the New Zealand grown barley grass

In addition, barley grass contains …In addition, barley grass contains …

• Enzyme systemEnzyme system composed of Superoxide composed of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) and Guaiacol Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) and Guaiacol Peroxidase (GPX)Peroxidase (GPX) andand

• PhytochemicalsPhytochemicals like flavone C glycosides like flavone C glycosides lutonarin and saponarin, ALL with identified lutonarin and saponarin, ALL with identified antioxidantantioxidant propertyproperty

Indeed, Barley Grass is a rich source of nutrients and

phytochemicals necessary for better health

Based on studies,Based on studies,

• Per hundred grams of Green barley Per hundred grams of Green barley juice contains--- juice contains--- – 11 times the 11 times the calciumcalcium in cows' milk in cows' milk– nearly 5 times the nearly 5 times the ironiron in spinach in spinach– 6.5 times as much 6.5 times as much carotenecarotene in spinach in spinach– 3.3 times as much 3.3 times as much vitamin C invitamin C in spinach spinach– 7 times the 7 times the vitamin Cvitamin C in oranges in oranges– 30 times more 30 times more Vitamin Vitamin B1 than milkB1 than milk– 4 times 4 times vitamin B1vitamin B1 in whole wheat flour in whole wheat flour

and and – 80 mcg of 80 mcg of vitamin B12vitamin B12

Reference: Resource Research Association, Office of Science and Technology, and Japan Food Analysis Center Reference: Resource Research Association, Office of Science and Technology, and Japan Food Analysis Center

Based on studies,Based on studies,

• Barley grass juice and the powder that is Barley grass juice and the powder that is made from it has a made from it has a high protein contenthigh protein content of of 45% of the weight of barley grass powder. 45% of the weight of barley grass powder. As a result, protein is the largest individual As a result, protein is the largest individual component of this food. component of this food.

In comparison, the protein contents of In comparison, the protein contents of some food are as follows…some food are as follows…– whole wheat flour contains 10%whole wheat flour contains 10%– milk 3%milk 3%– eggs 12% and eggs 12% and – steak 16% steak 16%

http://www.gogreen.net.nz/barleygrass-nutrients.htm

The protein of barley grass…The protein of barley grass…

• Has Has 20 amino acids*20 amino acids*, 8 of these are , 8 of these are essential (meaning not produced by essential (meaning not produced by our body but from food sources)our body but from food sources)

• Is 90% absorbable by the body since Is 90% absorbable by the body since they are already in simple forms (as they are already in simple forms (as amino acids)amino acids)

* Bruce Curtiz, Nuferm, April 2008

Facts about ChlorophyllFacts about Chlorophyll

The barley leaf is a rich source of…The barley leaf is a rich source of…

CHLOROPHYLL – a green colored pigment involved in

photosynthesis

Chlorophyll structureChlorophyll structure

In photosynthesis… In photosynthesis…

Light energy from the sun was used to transfer electrons Light energy from the sun was used to transfer electrons from water to carbon dioxide, making carbohydrates and from water to carbon dioxide, making carbohydrates and

releasing oxygen as waste product during photosynthesisreleasing oxygen as waste product during photosynthesis

Production Production of food; of food;

Source of Source of energyenergySource of Source of

oxygen oxygen needed by needed by

humanshumans

ComparisonComparisonChlorophyllChlorophyll

• Magnesium + porphyrin ring

• Essential for growth, respiration, and metabolism of plants

• Releases oxygen during respiration

Blood hemoglobinBlood hemoglobin• Iron + porphyrin ring• Carries oxygen which is

essential for proper functioning, growth and metabolism of human beings

• Releases carbon dioxide during respiration

Because of its similarity to human blood, Because of its similarity to human blood, chlorophyll…chlorophyll…

• Has Has blood building capacityblood building capacity in that in that part of its structure (porphyrin ring) part of its structure (porphyrin ring) can be used for producing red blood can be used for producing red blood cells in the bodycells in the body

• Increase in Increase in red blood cellsred blood cells means means increase in our body’s capacity to increase in our body’s capacity to distribute distribute oxygenoxygen to all organ systems to all organ systems of the bodyof the body

• OxygenOxygen is needed for all organ is needed for all organ functions and gives energy and vitality functions and gives energy and vitality to the bodyto the body

In addition, chlorophyll helps in maintaining a healthy acid-alkaline balance in the body because of its mineral content…

High AcidHigh Acid Slightly AcidSlightly Acid Slightly AlkalineSlightly Alkaline High AlkalineHigh Alkaline

Cigarettes Cigarettes Brazil Nuts & WalnutsBrazil Nuts & Walnuts Avocado & Olive OilAvocado & Olive Oil Barley Grass*Barley Grass*

Soft DrinksSoft Drinks Cheddar Cheese Cheddar Cheese MilletMillet LemonsLemons

White FlourWhite Flour PoultryPoultry Soy MilkSoy Milk Almonds Almonds

White BreadWhite Bread Fish Fish Raw Cows Milk Raw Cows Milk Broccoli Broccoli

White PastaWhite Pasta Pasteurised MilkPasteurised Milk Fresh Raw ButterFresh Raw Butter Celery Celery

White Sugar White Sugar Black Tea Black Tea Most Fresh FruitsMost Fresh Fruits Spinach Spinach

Sugary CerealsSugary Cereals Whole GrainsWhole Grains Freshly Made Juice Freshly Made Juice Most Dried FruitMost Dried Fruit

Coffee Coffee Tomatoes Tomatoes Pure Mineral WaterPure Mineral Water Carrots, Cabbage Carrots, Cabbage

Pastries Pastries Plain Natural Yoghurt Plain Natural Yoghurt Raw HoneyRaw Honey Parsley Parsley

Red MeatsRed Meats Plums Plums Most SeedsMost Seeds Sprouted SeedsSprouted Seeds

Over exercising Over exercising Cranberries & OlivesCranberries & Olives Onions & GarlicOnions & Garlic Herbal Tea Herbal Tea

Table 1. Comparative table of food items based on their acid/alkali classification

* Data from New Zealand variety, URL of Lifestream Barley Grass

List of Alkaline/Acid Forming Foods Because lists of alkaline and acid forming foods may vary from one source to

another, this list should be considered as generally accurate rather than exact. 

Very Alkaline Lemons, Limes, Watermelons, Pumpkin Seeds, Lentils, Onions, Sweet Potatoes,

Nectarines, Raspberry, Pineapple, Cantalope, Dates, Figs, Kelp, Mango, Papaya, Seedless Grapes, Asparagus, Kiwi, Passion fruit, Pears, Raisins

 Moderately Alkaline

Apples, Apricots, Avocado, Bananas, Garlic, Lettuce, Peas, Pumpkin, Kale , Parsley, Endive, Mustard green, ginger root, Broccoli, Grapefruit, Honeydew

melon, Olives, Carrots, Mango, Celery, Peaches 

Mildly AlkalineAlmonds, Jerusalem artichokes, Brussel sprouts, Cherries, Cucumber, Eggplant, Leeks, Okra, Mushrooms, Olives, Radishes, Tomatoes, Mayonnaise, Olive oil, Soy Beans, Potato, Bell pepper, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Beet, Coconut (fresh)

 

Mildly AcidicHoney, Maple syrup, Cream, Butter, Cheese, Chicken, Venison, Fish, Duck,

Brown Rice, Spinach, Fava Beans, Black eyed peas, String beans, Zucchini, Milk, Lamb, Shell fish, Turkey, Wheat, White Rice, Pinto beans,

White Beans, Navy Beans, Red Beans, Lima Beans, Barley, Bran, Cashew Nuts, Cornmeal, Cranberries, Rye, Blueberries, Brazil nuts, Butter,

Cheeses, Prunes 

Moderately Acidic Blueberries, Pasta, Popcorn, Coffee, Cottage Cheese, Pork, Veal, Squid,

Corn, Rye, Oat, Peanuts, Snow peas, Garbanzo beans, Pomegranate, Fruit Juices (sweetened), Wheat germ, Wine, Yogurt

 Very Acidic

Artifical Sweeteners, Beef, Brown Sugar, Carbonated soft drinks, Chocolate, Drugs (several types), Flour (white), Jams, Jellies, Liquor,

Pastries, Table Salt, Tea (Black), Wine, Yogurt (sweetened), Beer, Sugar, Cocoa, Lobster, Pheasant, Fried foods

According to an article written in February of 1999 by Judy McBride for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eating large amounts of foods with high ORAC values resulted in:

•Raised the antioxidant power of human blood 10 to 25 percent •Prevented some loss of long-term memory and learning ability in middle-aged rats •Maintained the ability of brain cells in middle-aged rats to respond to a chemical stimulus--a function that normally decreases with age •Protected rats' tiny blood vessels--capillaries--against oxygen damage

Facts about Facts about AntioxidantsAntioxidants and the and the OxidationOxidation Process Process

The Oxidation ProcessThe Oxidation Process

• Cells are composed of many different types of molecules.

• Molecules consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements joined by chemical bonds.

Normally, chemical bonds do Normally, chemical bonds do not leave molecules with odd, not leave molecules with odd, unpaired electrons (free unpaired electrons (free radicals)…radicals)…

But in the case of weak bonds, But in the case of weak bonds, free radicalsfree radicals are formed. are formed.

Free radicals are …Free radicals are …

• UnstableUnstable• React quickly with other compoundsReact quickly with other compounds• Generally, free radicals attack the Generally, free radicals attack the

nearest stable molecule, "stealing" its nearest stable molecule, "stealing" its electronelectron

• When the "attacked" molecule loses its When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain reactionbeginning a chain reaction

• Once the process is started, it can Once the process is started, it can cascade, finally resulting in the cascade, finally resulting in the disruption of a living cell. disruption of a living cell.

Common sources of Common sources of free radicals…free radicals…

• Waste products from normal metabolic Waste products from normal metabolic processes in the bodyprocesses in the body

• Ionizing radiationIonizing radiation• Air pollutantsAir pollutants• Toxic industrial chemicalsToxic industrial chemicals• Pesticides and other chemicalsPesticides and other chemicals• SmokingSmoking• DrugsDrugs

Normally, the body can handle free Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if radicals, but if antioxidantsantioxidants are are unavailable, or if unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes the free-radical production becomes excessive, excessive, damagedamage can occur. can occur.

Of particular importance is that Of particular importance is that free free radical damage accumulates with radical damage accumulates with age.age.

So far, scientists have So far, scientists have linked oxygen reactions linked oxygen reactions to at least to at least 60 diseases60 diseases and to …and to …agingaging itself itself

Some Examples Some Examples of the Effects of Oxidationof the Effects of Oxidation

–Clogging of arteriesClogging of arteries

–Abnormal multiplication of cellsAbnormal multiplication of cells

–Joint problemsJoint problems

–CNS malfunctionsCNS malfunctions

–Skin aging – dry skin, wrinklesSkin aging – dry skin, wrinkles

• They act as They act as scavengersscavengers• They They neutralize free radicalsneutralize free radicals by by

donating one of their own electrons, donating one of their own electrons, ending the “electron “stealing ending the “electron “stealing reactionreaction

• They protect the body by They protect the body by preventing preventing cell and tissue damagecell and tissue damage that could that could lead to disease lead to disease

To prevent oxidation, there is a To prevent oxidation, there is a need for need for antioxidants because…antioxidants because…

SOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTSSOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTS

• VEGETABLES AND FRUITS withVEGETABLES AND FRUITS with– quercetinquercetin polyphenolspolyphenols– lycopenelycopene flavonoidsflavonoids– lutein lutein carotenoidscarotenoids– enzymesenzymes– glutathioneglutathione– vitamins a, c, & evitamins a, c, & e– selenium, etcselenium, etc

• NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTSNUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS containing known antioxidantscontaining known antioxidants

Barley grass contains …Barley grass contains …• Enzyme systemEnzyme system composed of Superoxide composed of Superoxide

Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) and Guaiacol Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) and Guaiacol Peroxidase (GPX)Peroxidase (GPX) andand

• PhytochemicalsPhytochemicals like flavone C glycosides like flavone C glycosides lutonarin and saponarin, ALL with identified lutonarin and saponarin, ALL with identified antioxidantantioxidant propertyproperty

References:

1. Khosravinejad F, Heydari R, Farboodnia T., Pak J Biol Sci. 2008 Mar 15;11(6):905-9.

2. Markham, KA and Mitchell KR, Z Naturforsch [C]. 2003 Jan-Feb;58(1-2):53-6

ORACORAC

It is short for It is short for OOxygen xygen RRadical adical AAbsorbance bsorbance CCapacity, and is a test apacity, and is a test

tube analysis that measures the total tube analysis that measures the total antioxidant power of foods and other antioxidant power of foods and other

chemical substances. It was developed chemical substances. It was developed by scientists at the USDA by scientists at the USDA (United States (United States

Department Of Agriculture).Department Of Agriculture).

About ORAC• Some evaluations will compare ORAC units per grams dry

weight, others will evaluate ORAC units wet weight and still others will look at ORAC units/serving.

• Under each evaluation, different foods can appear to have higher ORAC values.

• Although a raisin has no more antioxidant potential than the grape from which it was dried, raisins will appear to have a much higher ORAC value per gram wet weight than grapes due to their reduced water content

• Likewise, watermelons large water content can make it appear as though they are very low in antioxidants.

• Additionally, considering the ORAC value per calorie could be of some utility, as understanding just how much antioxidizing potential one could incorporate from a product into one's diet would determine the real utility of the product.

• Recent studies have shown foods that score high in the ORAC table may protect cells and their components from oxidative damage.

Fruits ORAC Score Grams Needed to Reach DRI

Barley 25,300 20

Black Raspberries 7,700 65

Prunes 5,770 87

Bilberry 4,460 112

Pomegranates 3,307 151

Raisins 2,830 177

Blueberries 2,400 208

Red Raspberries 2,400 208

Blackberries 2,036 246

Strawberries 1,540 325

Noni Fruit 1,506 332

FruitsORAC Score

Grams Needed to Reach DRI

Plums 949 527

Oranges 750 667

Cherries 670 746

Red grapes 739 677

Pink grapefruit 495 1010

White grapefruit 460 1087

Apples 218 2294

Banana 210 2381

Pears 134 3731

Watermelon 100 5000

Vegetables ORAC Score Grams Needed to Reach DRI

Garlic 1939 258

Spinach 1,770 282

Steamed spinach 909 550

Yellow squash 1,150 435

Brussels sprouts 980 510

Alfalfa sprouts 930 538

Broccoli 880 568

Broccoli flowers 890 562

Beets 840 595

Avocado 782 639

Red bell pepper 710 704

Baked beans 503 994

Onions 450 1111

Corn 400 1250

Peas, Frozen 375 1333

Eggplant 390 1282

Potato 300 1667

Sweet Potato 295 1695

Cabbage 295 1695

Cauliflower 385 1299

Carrot 210 2381

Tomato 195 2564

Cucumber 60 8333

Other ORAC Score Grams Needed to Reach DRI

Dark Chocolate 13,120 38.1

Milk Chocolate 6,740 74.2

Rooibos tea (200ml) 750 133

Vegetables ORAC Score Grams Needed to Reach DRI

*http://www.allonhealth.com

EXAMPLE

Barley Product*

3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units per day 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units per day are requiredare required

Studies show that the average person gets only Studies show that the average person gets only about 1200 ORAC units per day from 3 servings about 1200 ORAC units per day from 3 servings of fruits and vegetables. However 3,000 to 5,000 of fruits and vegetables. However 3,000 to 5,000

ORAC units per day are required to have a ORAC units per day are required to have a significant impact on plasma and tissue significant impact on plasma and tissue

antioxidant capacity. antioxidant capacity.

ExampleExampleEach tablespoon of one brand of barley grass Each tablespoon of one brand of barley grass juice powder contains about 1275 ORAC units.juice powder contains about 1275 ORAC units.

Two tablespoons a day about 2550, three Two tablespoons a day about 2550, three tablespoons 3825.tablespoons 3825.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

There is sufficient scientific evidences regarding the value of barley grass powder as source of:– Chlorophyll– Protein– Vitamins and Minerals– Phytochemicals particularly antioxidants

Which are essential for maintaining health, preventing, and alleviating symptoms of diseases.