Barley is rich in many nutrinets and packs some impressive health benefits ranging from omproved digestion to weight loss to lower chlesterol and a healthier heart. Barley is a wonderfully versatile cereal grain. Barley’s dietary fiber provides food for the friendly bacteria in the gut. Apart from this, barley has amazing cooling properties and nutritional profile. Barley is the fourth most produced grain in the world after wheat, rice and maize.
Nutritional profile
| Uncooked pearl barley | Cooked pearl barley | |
| Calories | 354 | 123 |
| Carbs | 73 g | 28 g |
| Protein | 12 g | 3.2 g |
| Fibre | 17.3 g | 4 g |
| Fat | 2.3 g | 0.4 g |
Facts about barley
- High in antioxidants, photochemicals and flavonoids
- High in fibre both soluble and insoluble
- Barley in also rich in manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, folate and vitamin B6
Benefis of consuming barley
- Helps in removing toxins hence great for detoxification
- Helps protect against heart diseases
- May help reduce cholesterol
- Reduces risk of high BP
- Barley is good for joints and bones
- Helps control blood sugar and prevents diabetes
- Great for kidney health and prevents gallstones
- Prevents asthama in kids
- Improves intestinal health
- Reduces inflammation
- Selenium in barley is great for skin elasticity
- Boosts immunity and metabolism
- Used as a remedy for hair growth
- High in nitric acid which makes it great for reproductive health of men and women
- Great for women health
- May aid in reducing visceral fat
Ayurvedic properties
- Natural coolant
- Taste : sweet
- Potency : cool
- Nature : heavy to digest
- Pacify : pitta and kapha
- May increase vaat
- Gives strength like ragi
Ways to consume barley
- Pearl barley (whole)
- Broken barley (dalia)
- Barley flour (atta)
- Barley sattu
- Barley flakes
- Barley grass (juice or powder)
- Barley water
- Helps improve digestion
- Supports immunity
- Helps in weight loss
- May increase breast milk production in nursing
Side effects of excess consumption
- May cause indigestion and bloating
- Constipation
- Pregnant and nursing women should eat in smaller amounts
- It contains gluten, so be aware of allergies and sensitivity
- Increase your water consumption while consuming barley