Q: How do you take BARLEYGREEN?

A: It’s best to take it on an empty stomach, either 20 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after so that the BG nutrients can be assimilated easily without the presence of other foods. Make sure you use either cold or room temperature liquid, as hot liquid will break down the live enzymes.

Q: Is BARLEYGREEN organic?

A: Yes, the barley grass is grown at our own farm and is California certified organic.

Q: Your instructions for use previously stated that BARLEYGREEN should be mixed in a non-acidic juice. Why has that been changed?

A: There is a misunderstanding with this statement. While the enzymes in BG will remain in an active state longer in water or a non-acidic juice, BARLEYGREEN mixed with any juice will still remain in an active state as long as you drink it within 5-10 minutes.

Q: Is it okay to take multi-vitamins with BG?

A: Yes, you can continue taking multi-vitamins while taking BG. BG is a whole food product which is derived from fresh barley grass and will not interfere with your multivitamins. In fact, the enzymes and phytochemicals in BG can assist with the assimilation of multivitamins.

Q: Can I overdose on BG?

A: No, BG is a whole food derived from freshly squeezed barley grass. You can’t overdose on BG. It is equivalent to eating more fresh green vegetables.

Q: Is BG good for losing weight?

A: Yes. BG has only 20 calories per serving and has an abundance of nutrients. If you are in a weight loss program, your body will benefit by taking BG. It provides vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and proteins, minus fat and with practically no calories.

Q: What does BG do for you?

A: That is a limiting question… but we would say that it is like drinking the juice from one of the world’s most nutritionally complete plants. It provides you with an abundance of live enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients. Good nutrition is something we all need.

Q: Your label indicates that most nutrients are in very low quantities; yet you state BARLEYGREEN supposedly contains most everything we need. Please explain.

A: BG is nutritionally diverse. The benefit of taking BG is that many of the nutrients our bodies need can be found in BG. One must remember that the value of consuming a whole food is in the many nutrients working synergistically, making them much more effective and available. It is the abundance of the different vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, live enzymes, and phytonutrients that make BG so beneficial.

Q: What are enzymes good for?

A: Our bodies use enzymes for everything ranging from digestion to regulating hormone production. Without them our cells could not function and we would die. Even though our bodies contain many enzymes, most foods we eat are processed and cooked which renders them virtually devoid of all enzymes. Our bodies can obtain enzymes from raw, fresh vegetables. BG is a source of hundreds of live enzymes which our bodies can readily absorb.

Q: How do you protect the enzymes?

A: We protect our enzymes in two ways. First, we make sure that we do not raise the temperature over that of body heat in our processing This prevents the enzymes from being damaged or "denatured." Secondly, Dr. Hagiwara discovered that Maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate derived from starch, protects the enzymes at a molecular level, preventing them from breaking down and becoming oxidized. The end result is that BARLEYGREEN has hundreds of active enzymes equivalent to what would be found in fresh barley juice.

Q: Is it safe to consume the Maltodextrin in BARLEYGREEN if I am diabetic?

A: Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate, not a simple sugar. It releases energy slowly and will not raise sugar levels. BARLEYGREEN does not contain any simple sugars. However, as with any medical condition, we recommend that you consult your doctor or health care practitioner.

Q: Can I use BG as a meal replacement?

A: Even though BG is abundant in nutrients, it is not intended to be a meal replacement. It should be considered a supplement and as part of the overall diet.

Q: Can I take BG with other GFC products?

A: Absolutely. Many people mix Green Food’s products together into one drink.

Q: Why is kelp added to BG?

A: Barleygreen includes kelp for additional minerals and vitamins. Minerals are necessary cofactors for practically all enzymatic reactions in the body and, while barley grass is rich in minerals, kelp adds even more trace minerals to ensure an abundant supply of these necessary enzymatic cofactors for optimal metabolism.

Q: What are the benefits of kelp?

A: There is an anecdote that around 2200 years ago in the Ch'in Dynasty Era of China, the Emperor Shin-Huang-Ti, who compiled the basis of Chinese Traditional Medicine, ordered his own envoy to look for medicinal elixirs in Japan. His envoy found and returned with an medicinal elixir that we know today as kelp. The Japanese have been eating kelp in their daily diet for many generations but it wasn’t until recently that they have shared the secret of its health benefits.

Kelp is type of algae that contains abundant vitamins (A,B,C, etc.) and minerals (iodine, iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, etc.). Since Japan is filled with volcanic ashes, and the vegetables grown on such a land generally lack minerals, the Japanese found that they had to utilize ocean alga in order to stay healthy. Kelp has also been found to be beneficial for brain and spinal cord function, and for blood circulation. Also, due to its iodine content, it may help to normalize thyroid function.

Q: Is maltodextrin bad?

A: No, actually it is the maltodextrin that makes our product so special. Dr. Hagiwara selected it after years of research because he discovered that he was able to protect enzymes at the molecular level by adding maltodextrin to the barley juice. In addition it isn’t a simple sugar or filler but a complex carbohydrate that has a slow energy release, making it ideal for people who are concerned with elevating their blood sugar levels.

Q: BARLEYGREEN makes me feel so energetic. Does it contain any caffeine?

A: No, BG is made from barley juice extract and contains no caffeine. Numerous customers have given us testimonies of increased energy. BG is very nutritious and provides your body with raw materials that can be converted into energy naturally - unlike caffeine which simply gives one a temporary energy lift.

Q: How much sugar is in BG?

A: BG does not contain any simple sugars or sweeteners.

Q: How many carbohydrates does BG contain?

A: In a 6g serving, there are 4 g of total carbohydrate.

Q: Is BG okay to take at the same time as my multivitamins?

A: Yes, BARLEYGREEN will not hinder the absorption of the multivitamin. In fact, many nutrients are known to work together synergistically; nutrients utilized in conjunction with one another may have a more beneficial effect than if taken in isolated.

Q: Is there a difference between BG USA and BG Original?

A: Both are nutritionally identical with the only difference being that BG Original is imported from and grown in Japan, while BG USA is grown and processed in an identical fashion at our facility in Oxnard, California.

Q: Is there a difference between BG tablets and BG powder?

A: Both are identical except that because the powder form is instantly soluble, it will be assimilated more rapidly than the tablets and some digestion of the soluble powder may occur in the mouth and esophagus as well.

Q: How long does BG retain its value?

A: BARLEYGREEN, like all our products, has a shelf life of 3 years.

Q: Will I have an allergic reaction to the barley in BARLEYGREEN?

A: No. The powdered juice is taken from the leaves, it is the gluten content in corn, wheat, and barley grain which causes allergies. None of the ingredients in BARLEYGREEN contain gluten.

Q: Will BARLEYGREEN stay fresh after opening?

A: Yes. The maltodextrin acts as a protective carrier to keep the barley grass from oxidizing or spoiling, which preserves the integrity of these elements until dissolved and released in liquid.

Q: Why is BARLEYGREEN so green?

A: The "green" is from chlorophyll. Barley grass has one of the highest, natural, rich chlorophyll contents of all the green vegetables. In fact, Barley Grass has 66 times more chlorophyll than spinach.

Q: How many calories in BARLEYGREEN?

A: BARLEYGREEN has 20 calories per serving.

Q: What are antioxidants? What do they do?

A: Antioxidants are properties in certain nutrients which have been proven by research to help defend against "free radicals." Free radicals are unstable molecules which may cause chemical reactions thought to be responsible for damaging cells, thus causing them to function improperly. The result may be diseases such as cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and many others. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals and thus help to preserve our body’s cells.

Q: If I take BARLEYGREEN, should I also take other supplements?

A: If desired. BARLEYGREEN provides all the whole food goodness you need provided you eat nutritious meals. Each individual should consider his or her own body and its needs and supplement accordingly.

Q: Can I use BARLEYGREEN as a prenatal supplement?

A: Yes, BG provides such a rich balance of all the nutrients that it is equivalent to a whole salad of dark green vegetables. Forty-five percent of its weight is in polypeptide (lightweight) proteins. It is excellent for you and your unborn baby.

Q: Where should I store BARLEYGREEN?

A: As BARLEYGREEN should be kept away from moisture and sunlight, it should be stored in its own jar in your cupboard with the lid fastened securely. We do not recommend storing BG in the refrigerator where condensation could cause nutrients to oxidize and break down.

Q: Will BARLEYGREEN upset my stomach?

A: No, BG is mildly alkaline, which pH balances the acidic stomach juices. This can aid in settling the stomach.

Q: What does the chlorophyll do?

A: The chlorophyll content of BG is a natural detoxifier and rids the intestines of stored toxins. Because it is a natural detoxifier, it also aids in reducing bad breath.

Q: Is there a difference in the chlorophyll you buy as a supplement versus chlorophyll you obtain from natural sources like BARLEYGREEN?

A: Yes. It is impossible to isolate naturally occurring chlorophyll. Therefore, those supplements containing chlorophyll are not in the same form as one finds in live plants. BARLEYGREEN is an excellent way to obtain chlorophyll in its natural state.

Q: Can I use BARLEYGREEN for fasting?

A: Yes, BG is the perfect "food" for fasting. The protein content and complex carbohydrates provide stamina and energy for the body’s systems.

Q: What does a detoxifier do and how might this affect me?

A: A detoxifier "leaches" the toxins or poisons that have been stored within the body by releasing them into the fluid stores of the body (blood, urine, perspiration, etc.). When detoxifying, you should drink plenty of water to dilute the released toxins for elimination. You may experience gas bubbles, skin rash, itchiness, and muscle tightness, which are all signs of poisons exiting the body. After one to two weeks, the system should be cleansed and the skin and internal body should look and feel great!

Q: Can I make up a large amount of BARLEYGREEN and keep it in the refrigerator?

A: No, live nutrients are released when BG is mixed with the proper liquids and should be taken no more than 20 minutes or so after preparation. When live nutrients are no longer protected either by fiber or by maltodextrin, they will begin to oxidize and "die." BARLEYGREEN should be taken immediately after preparation in order to receive the maximum amount of nutritional benefit.

Q: Will taking BARLEYGREEN after or with meals hinder its effectiveness?

A: You can drink BG anytime, but we suggest you take it alone so that your body can assimilate the full benefits of its properties quickly and easily without other foods being present to slow this process.

Q: Is the barley organically grown?

A: Yes, we grow our barley without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We are certified organic and we reuse all water and vegetable residue as natural mulch for our fields.

Q: What are the Hot and Cold Water tests?

A: These two simple tests indicate if a product contains fiber (Cold Water Test) and viable proteins (Hot Water Test). The Cold Water Test: Place one-half teaspoon of either BARLEYGREEN or a competitor’s product in a glass of cold water and stir. Observe after a few minutes. BARLEYGREEN will remain dissolved and the water will appear uniform while a competitor’s product containing fiber or insoluble substances will have settling at the bottom of the glass. The Hot Water Test: Sprinkle one-half teaspoon of either BARLEYGREEN or a competitor’s product into a glass of very hot water and stir gently for a couple of seconds. BARLEYGREEN will clump up because the shapes of the living enzymes are being changed by heat for the first time, whereas the competitor’s product will disperse and not clump up because the enzymes have already been "denatured" by heat and do not change shape when heated again.

Q: If I take other supplements along with BARLEYGREEN, will I overdose on vitamins?

A: No, BARLEYGREEN is a whole food extract and as such is compatible with any supplements you are taking. Generally, whole foods do not contain excessive amounts of any particular nutrient. However, individuals should consider their needs for supplements accordingly.

Q: Will BARLEYGREEN stay fresh after opening?

A: The maltodextrin is added to live nutrients as a protective carrier to keep them from oxidizing or spoiling, which preserves the integrity of these elements until they are dissolved in liquid.

Q: Will BARLEYGREEN cause diarrhea or constipation?

A: BARLEYGREEN will help rebuild healthy intestinal flora and therefore may have a positive effect on regularity and gas. BARLEYGREEN has traditionally been used to promote regularity and does not cause constipation.

Q: Does BARLEYGREEN contain digestive enzymes?

A: Yes, BARLEYGREEN contains many enzymes including digestive enzymes such as amylase.

Q: Do you rotate your fields?

A: Yes, generally after 1-2 years. Green beans are grown in the fields during the summer to add nitrogen to the soil.

Q: Is BARLEYGREEN okay to take if I have kidney problems?

A: We know of no reason not to but always check with a health practitioner regarding medical conditions.

Q: Where in the digestive tract is BARLEYGREEN assimilated?

A: Assimilation begins in the mouth, and continues in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, i.e. all along the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Q: How fast should I drink BARLEYGREEN?

A: We recommend that you sip BARLEYGREEN in order to increase absorption by mouth, esophagus and the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Q: Are all of Green Food’s products alkaline (important for people with esophageal problems including acid reflux and hiatal hernias)?

A: Yes, relative to the pH of the stomach, all of our products are alkaline, ranging from pH 7.0-7.5.

Q: What is Carrot Essence good for?

A: Beta Carrot provides you with Beta-Carotene, which is necessary for your body to produce vitamin A. It is the equivalent of receiving the same nutrition you would be getting from two fresh carrots. In addition we have added acerola from the acerola cherry, which is the most potent form of naturally occurring vitamin C.

Q: What is Wheat Germ Essence good for?

A: Wheat Germ Essence is a highly concentrated wheat germ powder that provides in just one serving 120% of the daily requirement for natural vitamin E and Thiamin, as well as an abundance of other B vitamins. Unlike other wheat products that spoil in a short period of time, Wheat Germ Essence has a three-year shelf life and can also be used for teas, in cereals and other hot foods to replace those nutrients lost in modern food processing.

Q: Is Vibrant Woman good for hot flashes?

A: Customers have reported that Vibrant Woman helps to reduce or eliminate hot flashes. The combination of Chinese herbs in Vibrant Woman are an ancient Chinese herbal prescription and have been specially selected by Dr. Hagiwara to ameliorate this problem.

Q: What is the difference between Vibrant Women, Ageless Energy and BARLEYGREEN?

A: In addition to all the benefits of BARLEYGREEN, these two products have been specially formulated to meet the needs of women and adults of all ages. We have added herbs as well as calcium to help meet their specific nutritional needs.