Superfoods Part I: Barley, Wheat Grass and Hemp Oil

Superfoods Part I is going to focus on the benefits of Barley, Wheat Grass and Hemp Oil.  Superfoods contain super nutrients that your body needs.  These superfoods include the Acai berry, Barley, beans and lentils, yogurt, Alfalfa, Wheat Grass, Flaxseed, Hemp seeds, Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin, Avocado, Leafy greens and Wild Salmon just to name a few.  Ideally we could sit around all day and eat all of these superfoods in order to get all of the nutrients and antioxidant powers they contain, but sometimes it is easier to add a Superfood supplement to your diet.   

Wheat Grass gained popularity as far back as the 30’s when it was promoted for the health benefits, though it has been around long before man.    It has been known to increase energy and overall well-being, and also provides Chlorophyll, Amino acids, minerals and vitamins all which are essential for health.  Chlorophyll can be extracted from other plants as well, but Wheat Grass has proven to be the most superior.  Chlorophyll benefits include rebuilding the bloodstream, helping to eliminate toxins in the body, deodorizing the body and reducing bad breath.  Now you can find it many forms such as Wheat Grass liquid, Chlorophyl liquid or you can try a powder or pill.

Barley plant’s seeds and leaves have been used in food as a source of Vitamin B, E, and folic acid.  It has laxative properties, may help diabetics by improving blood sugar levels, and has a high fiber content so it also may help to lower cholesterol and prevent obesity.  (It has been known to make you feel fuller, so you may eat less).  Many of the supplements on the market now have Barley Grass Powder as one of their ingredients in case you don’t know how to bake or cook with it.  Look for green supplement Superfoods such as Greens Plus Superfood  which supplies 650mg of Barley Grass powder along with Spirulina, Wheat Grass powder, Chlorella and a long list of other super food ingredients.

The third superfood we are discussing today is Hemp.  You can obtain your omega-3, omega-6 and GLA from Hemp.  As you know from past All Star Health blogs like “Mailbag: The Postprandial Debate – Supplements From Sea“,  these essential fatty acids are quite important for your health.  Hemp is very high in the Omega-6 fatty acids and you can easily add these to your diet by taking liquid or powder form.  Nature’s Way EFA Gold Hemp Oil is a convenient way to add hemp to your salads, dips, pasta or juice.  Besides the health benefits, growing help has many environmental benefits for soil and also increases our oxygen supply, so you will be doing a world of good every time you use it.

These are just a few of the many superfoods you can add to your diet to improve your overall well-being.  Check back for Superfoods part II to discuss more on this topic!