Barley grass: what’s the point of the alleged superfood?

Barley grass
What is the point of the alleged superfood?

Barley grass and wheat grass are now available in many supermarkets and drugstores in powder form or as capsules. They are supposed to be real health boosters. The grass is harvested after three to six weeks of germination, before it even kills. The blades of grass are freeze-dried and processed into powder. The powder then ends up as an ingredient in green juices, smoothies, yoghurts or in salad dressings. Sometimes it can also be found as a ready-made drink. What can barley grass do, for whom is it suitable and what should be considered?

Superfood? Barley grass is no healthier than fresh fruits and vegetables

Especially on social media, influencers are promoting barley and wheatgrass as so-called superfoods. The green powder is also healthy, it is high in nutrients. The grasses contain vitamin C, vitamin B1 and vitamin A, iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, copper and fiber. The manufacturers of the product do not only advertise with positive effects for the health itself. Barley grass is also said to promote hair growth and make for stronger nails and more beautiful skin.

“Even if the fibrous stalks of wheat and barley grass contain valuable ingredients, their concentration is usually not higher than in fresh fruit and vegetables,” explains this Federal Center for Nutrition on. In order to achieve the recommended daily dose for certain vitamins and minerals, very high amounts are required. The sometimes touted active ingredient chlorophyll hardly plays a role in nutrition. The green plant pigment is “for the most part excreted unused because it cannot be absorbed by the body”. In addition, the office points out that there have so far hardly been any scientific studies “that confirm the health benefits of grasses”.

Who better to stay away from barley grass?

If you still treat yourself to a small health booster once a day, you should pay attention to the amount specified in the instructions on the package. Usually two heaping teaspoons of the powder end up in a glass of water. Stir well and enjoy. Caution: If you consume too much, you risk abdominal pain. The fiber-rich barley grass is good for digestion, but only up to certain amounts.

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) also warns that the products can come into contact with pathogens such as Escherichia coli during cultivation and processing. This is a cause for concern because the grasses are not heated before they are processed into powder. Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should seek medical advice on whether barley grass and wheat grass are suitable for them.

Include grasses in your diet instead of powder and capsules

Do without fruit and vegetables – and instead a daily dose of barley or wheatgrass? This is a concern for health. However, it is worth adding the powder or capsules to a healthy diet. If you want to integrate the trend plant into your diet, you can also buy it in its original form as small grasses. Similar to kitchen herbs, the grasses end up chopped up in salads or other dishes.

SpotOnNews