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Slow Carbohydrates and a Low Glycemic Index (Gl)
Active Scandinavian Barley is a food supplement with many
properties that are beneficial to the body.The high concentration of complex carbohydrates
gives a low glycemic index. These are usually called 'slow' carbohydrates, which the body
converts and absorbs into the bloodstream over a long period. Blood sugar is kept at a more
constant level and energy lasts longer, so there is less temptation to eat snacks between meals.
The glycemic index (Gl) has received a lot of attention recently.
This is not a new concept, but recent research findings have given it new applicability. A low
glycemic index means that it takes longer for the body to digest food, i.e. to convert food into
energy via the blood. A low Gl benefits our health, keeping our energy levels high between meals,
and helping us to maintain our weight.
Proteins
Proteins are the body's building blocks, and are composed
of amino acids. Active Scandinavian Barley contains the eight most important amino acids, which
the body cannot produce itself. Furthermore, these amino acids are in a form that is easily absorbed
by the body.The proteins are important for building up, repairing and renewing our cells, and
help maintain muscular tissue and retard the natural ageing process.
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Valuable fibre
Both soluble and insoluble fibre promotes a low glycemic index (Gl), i.e. the fibre
slows down the rate at which the body uses energy. Active Scandinavian Barley contains the
soluble beta-glucans that are believed to promote a strong immune system, reduce the
cholesterol content, and keep the blood sugar at a relatively constant level. Both soluble and
insoluble fibre helps us to maintain weight, and also helps in the correct function of the
gastrointestinal processes.
The Active Scandinavian Barley contains natural vitamins and minerals.
Examples are thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2) and vitamin B6, as well as important minerals such
as iron, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, calcium and magnesium.
The fat content of Active Scandinavian Barley is very low (around 2.5%) but it does
provide the beneficial fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6, which reduce the amount of bad
cholesterol in the blood.
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Active Scandinavian Barley as a Source of Nutrients
Long ago, the ancient Greeks awarded sacks of
barley as prizes to their athletes. Roman gladiators ate barley as a source of nutrition, and
Roman commanders chose barley as staple food for their soldiers. Barley cultivation spread
over the continent. It was easy to cultivate, even in harsh climates, and was full of nutrients.
The low gluten content meant that barley was replaced by wheat as the cereal used in
breadmaking.The real breakthrough for barley came with its use as a raw material for beer
and whisky, but its importance as a source of nutrients, and especially its neutralising effect,
was forgotten for a while. However, recent Japanese studies have shown that barley is an
excellent source of nutrition for the body's growth, healing and wellbeing.
The unique OFO method, in which the barley is harvested
and processed before germination, means that Active Scandinavian Barley is packed with
enzymes that facilitate the chemical and biological processes in the body. One of the most
important enzymes is superoxide dismutase, a powerful antioxidant that some scientists call
'the enzyme that combats ageing'.
The unique OFO method: The Swedish scientist, Owe Forsberg, discovered that
the nutrients and enzymes in barley are most active just before germination.The innovation
came when Forsberg developed a patented method (the OFO method) that uses heat, humidity
and pressure when activating pre-germinated barley. It transpired that the activated barley had
the potential to generate 400% more energy than normal barley, and that the important amino
acids were virtually identical to those found in the body.The barley is cultivated under strict
conditions in northern Sweden.
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