Health Benefits of Barley

Barley (Hordeum vulgare), is considered as the only vegetation on earth that can provide sole provides nutritional support from birth to the old ages. With has the powerful concentration and great source of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acid, enzymes and chlorophyll. Barley is a total food, organic and natural and is considered as a SUPERFood and some even call it “miracle food”.

It also recognized by Science as the most nutritious of all plant foods. Barley grass is the only vegetation on Earth that provides sole nutrition from birth to old age (for newborns, kids, adults, and animals).

1. Lowers Cholesterol Levels:

Barley is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibers. The soluble fiber dissolves and binds with fatty acids, thus lowering total cholesterol levels as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol. The insoluble fiber, on the other hand, yields propionic acid that helps in keeping the blood cholesterol levels low. Low cholesterol levels significantly reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

2. Aids in Weight Loss:

Consuming barley makes you feel fuller for a longer period and hence suppresses appetite. Moreover, the fiber in barley facilitates the removal of fat substances from the body. Thus, barley can aid in weight loss.

3. Protection Against Cancer:

Barley contains a phytonutrient called plant lignans. One such lignan called enterolactone helps to prevent breast cancer as well as coronary diseases. The dietary fiber provides the good bacteria in the large intestines that help in proper functioning, thus protecting against colon cancer.

4. Checks Diabetes:

Eating barley is particularly beneficial for diabetic patients as it stabilizes the blood glucose levels. This is because the beta-glucan fiber found in this whole grain has the ability to slow down the body’s absorption of carbohydrates from foods, leading to a reduction in glucose and insulin levels.

5. Beneficial in Anemia:

Barley contains the mineral copper which helps in the formation of hemoglobin needed for the production of red blood cells. Thus, it helps in abating anemia.

6. Aids in Digestion:

Barley juice is extremely beneficial for the digestive system. It aids in digestion by enabling the digestive juices to work overtime, thus reducing the bloated feeling in the stomach. It helps to shed calories by preventing the build-up of fat and increasing the rate of metabolism.

7. Prevents Gallstones:

Being rich in insoluble fiber, barley helps in reducing bile acids secretion, thus increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing the levels of triglycerides. Hence, barley can help women to avoid gallstones effectively.

8. Improves Immunity:

Barley contains twice the amount of vitamin C than that in oranges which supports your immune system by reducing the chances of cold and flu. Iron enhances the blood volume, thus preventing anemia and fatigue. It facilitates proper kidney functioning and development of body cells. The manganese enables you to feel good and energetic which in turn benefits the nervous system and immune system.

9. Prevents Osteoporosis:

Barley grass contains phosphorus and copper which are good for the overall health of bones. Phosphorus is effective in curing bone and tooth ailments. Barley grass juice has eleven times more calcium than milk. Manganese is needed for normal bone production and also in iron deficiency. Thus, barley can be a natural remedy for osteoporosis.

10. Prevents Atherosclerosis:

The thickening of artery walls due to coagulation of fatty materials such as cholesterol is known as atherosclerosis. Niacin or B vitamin complex contained in this food grain reduces the overall cholesterol and lipoprotein levels, thereby lowering the cardiovascular risk factors. Having barley is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women having high blood pressure, high cholesterol or cardiovascular diseases.

11. Protects the Body Organs:

Barley protects important organs like heart, pancreas and liver by keeping the dangerous diseases like heart diseases, colon and breast cancers and prostate problems at bay. The phosphorus in this grain helps to keep the bones and teeth healthy and aids in the functioning of kidneys and heart muscles.

12. Antidote Properties:

According to the research studies, barley possesses antidote properties due to which it can prevent the spread of poison in the body.

What is Barley

Barley is a wonderfully versatile cereal grain with a rich nutlike flavor and an appealing chewy, pasta-like consistency. Its appearance resembles wheat berries, although it is slightly lighter in color. Sprouted barley is naturally high in maltose, a sugar that serves as the basis for both malt syrup sweetener. When fermented, barley is used as an ingredient in beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), a member of the grass family is a major cereal grain. It was one of the first cultivated and is now grown widely. Barley grains is a staple in Tibetan cuisine and was eaten by peasants in Medieval Europe. Barley has also used as animal fodder, as source of fermentable for beer and certain distilled beverages and as components of various health foods. It us used in soups and stew and in barley bread of various cultures. Barley grains are commonly made in malt in a traditional and ancient method of preparation.