The Use Of Barley As A Food

Photo by WBeskow (Flickr)

Barley has been served as a food staple throughout history and amazingly one of the best sources of nutrients on Earth that human body needs from birth untill old age. Research done by Agronomist, a specialist in field-crop production and soil management, shows the use of barley dates back as early as 8,000 B.C. and has been used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Egyptians. Roman gladiators consumed barley as a source of energy and streght while the enslaved Egyptians consumed barley bread as their sole sustenance. Barley was also used as a food staple in the late 16th century in Europe and was frequently mentioned in the Bible as being used by the Hebrews and Egyptians.

John 6:9-14
Feeding of the 5,000 people with 5 barley bread and 2 fish.

In modern times, it was discovered by the Chinese that animals being raised for their organs, and medicine produced superior results when they were fed with barley leaves compared to being fed with dry feed in the 1980's. Doctor Yasuo Hotta, a research professor at the University of California, San Diego, discovered a special fraction in green barley juice which produces an incredible stimulation in restoring cellular DNA.  He discovered that these phytochemicals found in green barley contributed significantly to the reparation of DNA. In his research, he stressed that the substance stimulating DNA repair has been found only in green barley grass in significant amount.

Another Japanese Pharmacologist, Dr. Hagiwara, conducted a series of case studies indicating that green barley juice contained a constituent that increases strength and enhances motor activities in mice, had anti-ulcer properties, anti-infallamatory properties and lowers cholesterol.

In the 1990's, the Diabetes Resource Center Inc, found that the dried juice from organic green barley leaves was a beneficial food for those with type II diabetes.

Green barley contains the following:

• Enzymes. Enzyme is a protein molecule that speeds up chemical reaction in a living organism. It is crucial in maintaining good health as it enhances cell metabolism. It functions as a catalyst to dramatically speed up biochemical reactions that occur in our cells. Enzymes must be present to ensure proper digestion of nutrients, energy production, metabolism and transportation of fluid to cells. They are only activated in water, so staying hydrated is very important for enzymes to work effectively. They exist only in raw or uncooked foods  to help our body breakdown what we eat.
• Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). An anti-aging enzyme. The main function of this powerful antioxidant is to remove toxic substances from our cells. Research shows that SOD can even restore function and repair DNA in older and less active cells.  These properties can help reduce risk of cancer and other serious diseases. 
• P4D1. An enzyme that can stimulate repair of DNA molecule to produce good cells and destroy cancer cells. 
• Peroxidase. It isolates, breaks down and neutralises Try-P1 and P2, carcinogens in grilled meat and fish and, 3-4 Benzene and carcinogen in tobacco. 
• 2'-O-Glycosyisovitexin. A water soluble substance which is more effective antioxidant than Beta Carotene or Vitamin E. Much more effective as an antioxidant than lipid peroxidation caused by ultra violet radiation. 
• Fatty acid oxidase, Cythochrome oxidase, Peroxidase catalase, and Transhydrogenase. These are enzymes that help in decomposition of fats in the body.
• Amino acids. Amino acids are building blocks of protein. 20 of them are present in the body proteins in significant quantity. 18 amino acids are found in barley grass including the 8 essential amino acids that we must get from our diet (the body cannot produce them itself ).
• Chromium. It increases the ability of insulin to bind cells and leads to increase insulin sensitivity of the body tissue. 
• Organic sodium. Helps dissolve calcium deposits in the joints and replenish organic sodium in the lining of the stomach which aids digestion by improving the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
• Chlorophyll. A substance that produces green pigments in plants. It has a powerful detoxifying agent. It repairs cells and stimulates tissue growth.

Green barley leaves are extremely alkaline, so digesting them can help keep the body's alkalinity and acidity ratio balanced as well. Fortunately, barley is one of the best foods you can find on earth and is available as food supplement.