Over the past few weeks, I have written about the benefits of alkalising our bodies and in particular suggesting the use of barley grass powder as part of an alkalising regime.

Barley grass has many benefits apart from alkalising the body. It is said to be the only vegetable which can supply all the nutrients which the human body needs from birth to old age.

Barley grass is a concentrated, nutritious whole food offering balanced nutrition to the body. Barley grass powder, as with most vegetable powders, is very easily digested thereby allowing the body to readily absorb its nutrients. This powder contains very large amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and other beneficial nutrients. For instance, barley grass contains

- 7 times more vitamin C than a single orange

- high amounts of calcium - more than 10 times the amount in cow's milk

- high amounts of iron - almost 5 times the amount in spinach

- high amounts of carotenoids, including beta carotene - more than 6 times the amount of carotene in spinach

- high amounts of Vitamin B1 - 30 times the amount in cow’s milk

As well, barley grass is high in amino acids, antioxidants, folic acid, B vitamins plus minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

Barley grass is extremely rich in chlorophyll which as we know, is the basis of all plant life. Chlorophyll is a very similar structure to blood haemoglobin and may help rebuild blood. It’s believed to help alleviate blood sugar problems, neutralise toxins in the body as well as help purify the liver. Chlorophyll and other essential nutrients in fact act synergistically in barley grass, to detoxify the body from destructive toxins such as heavy metals and pollutants we digest every day.

Barley grass is also thought to be anti-bacterial, stopping the development of harmful bacteria. It can be used inside the body as well as topically as a healing agent.

As I have mentioned in my previous articles, because barley grass assists in alkalising our body, it may be helpful in treating and preventing arthritis, digestive disorders, as well as osteoporosis. As mentioned previously, I have included barley grass in my daily health regime for the many years and by far it is best health decision I have made.

My digestion has improved - from having a chronic digestive problem all my adult life to near perfect digestion. My energy levels have definitely improved plus my general feeling of wellbeing. I believe barley grass has one of the best sources of nutrients needed by the body for healing and vitality.

Barley grass can be grown, harvested, then squeezed in a special juicer and made into a fresh drink. This obviously would be the best method to reap the full benefits of the abundant enzymes in barley grass. However, barley grass is more commonly taken in a powdered form. The manufacturing process retains most of the nutrients and enzymes. This is certainly the most convenient way to take barley grass and indeed the way I take it every morning. I take 10g (2 tsp) daily either in juice, a smoothie or combined with another green’s combination in water.

The barley grass powder we sell in store is an Australian grown organic barley grass powder. This is quite a find. Surprisingly, most barley grass powders available in Australia, are sourced from overseas. I must say, being a connoisseur of barley grass powders, this is certainly one of the nicest I have tried.

For more information on barley grass powder or any health issue, call to see Bev and the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay. Don’t forget to tune into Bev on 2EC every Wednesday at 12.30pm on Go Get Healthy.