Effectiveness of barley grass against cancer, diabetes and heart disease Extensive research during the last several years has shown that continuous oxidative stress could mediate most chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids are well known because of their potent antioxidant and antitumor activities; these properties could have potential beneficial effects on human health. Barley grass is usually consumed as a powder made of the dried young leaves of the plant. At least 37 flavonoids have been characterized in young barley leaves. From these the most important are saponarin, lutonarin and isoscoparin-7-O-glucoside derivatives [1]. Effectiveness of barley grass against cancer Reactive oxygen species are reactive molecules that contain oxygen. Increased levels of these molecules (oxidative stress) may result in significant damage to the cells. Oxidative stress activates inflammatory pathways that lead to the transformation of normal cells to tumor cells and alter tumor cell survival and proliferation [2]. There is no direct evidence on the effectiveness of barley grass to prevent or cure cancer; however young barley leaves contain high amounts of saponarin, vitamin C and E which are potent antioxidants [3] [4] [5]. In general antioxidants reduce the amount of reactive oxygen species, thus they have the potential to prevent diseases caused by oxidative damage such as various cancers. Diabetes Patients with diabetes have increased risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases. Diabetic patients have elevated levels of triglycerides, low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, all of these factors are associated with an increased risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases [6]. A study carried out in 36 patients, whom received daily supplementation of young barley leaf extract during 4 weeks, indicated that young barley leaf extract may help to protect type II patients from cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the positive effects of young barley leaf extract were stronger if combined with antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and E [7]. Young barley leaf extract not only reduced the levels of plasma total cholesterol and LDL, but also showed a potent antioxidant effect. In fact, young barley leaf extract was able to inhibit both, LDL oxidation and the production of free radicals [7]. Heart diseases Heart diseases are commonly associated with atherosclerosis. Oxidation of LDL seems to be a key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; thus inhibiting LDL oxidation may help to prevent atherosclerosis and its health-related problems. One study found that powdered juice of young barley leaves reduced serum lipid levels and LDL oxidation in forty healthy volunteers [8]. Similar effects were found in a study performed in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. In this study, rabbits fed with barley leaf essence showed less amount of atherosclerotic lesions and lower levels of plasma lipids than did rabbits that did not receive barley leaf essence. Both studies concluded that antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties of young barley leaf could be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. youtube/watch?v=x-aGhOF3PP4&feature=youtu.be FOR ORDER AND INFO JUST INQUIRY, Kindly Email to Mr. juanito_Reyes2002@yahoo SAUDI Mobile.No. +966561768339/09182313964. Manila Area & Baguio, Dagupan city, Lingayen,Pangasinan contact, Mrs, Michelle G. Reyes.call or txt + 639183269401.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 03:22:25 +0000
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