10 Best Barley Benefits

If you are having a difficult time suffering from medical conditions like hypertension, arthritis, asthma, impotence, skin problems, anemia, obesity, constipation, diabetes, kidney problems or heart disease, perhaps it’s time for you to learn about the health benefits of barley. The benefits are mostly attributed to the eight essential amino acids which it contains, meaning that it represents the complete protein requirement in our diet. Recent research says that consuming whole grain barley also regulates blood sugar to a great extent.

There are so many rampant ailments occurring in recent years, which prove that even our regular diet lacks important nutrients. One of the most important nutrients that we often tend to neglect is fiber. Barley is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which assures you good overall health over the long term.

Before we move on to the health benefits, you will be pleased to know that you can consume it in many kinds of preparations like salads, soups, stew, and even with chicken, mutton or in the tandoori style. Therefore, it does not add value just to your health but also to your palate.

Health Benefits Of Barley


Barley is used for skin care, boosting immunity, and preventing disorders such as osteoporosis, gallstones, and diabetes. Let us look at the common benefits in detail:


Keeps Intestine Healthy


Barley, being an excellent source of fiber, keeps your body toxin-free. Its grass, which is rich in dietary fiber, acts as a fuel source to the friendly bacteria in our large intestine. These bacteria help in fermenting the fiber content of barley, thereby forming butyric acid, which is the primary fuel for intestinal cells. It is greatly effective in maintaining a healthy colon. By keeping the intestine in proper health, it helps you decrease the movement time of feces and keep your stomach clean. It greatly reduces the chances of colon cancer and hemorrhoids as well.


Protects against Gallstones


Barley effectively helps women to avoid developing gallstones. Since it is rich in insoluble fiber, it actually helps you reduce bile acid secretion, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering the levels of triglycerides. An article in the American Journal of Gastroenterology says that women consuming a fibrous diet have 17% lower risk of gallstones as compared to other women.


Prevents Osteoporosis


The phosphorus and copper content in barley grass guarantees an overall health of bones. If you have osteoporosis, it can be your natural remedy. Its juice is known to have 11x greater calcium content than milk. Calcium, as we know, is one of the key components in protecting bone health. We need manganese for normal bone production, as well as in cases of iron deficiency anemia. The manganese content found in barley works in association with B-complex vitamins; thereby, keeping the overall health intact.


Boosts Immune System


Being highly nutritious, barley is particularly helpful as it strengthens your immune system and reduces the chances of cold and flu. Iron improves the blood volume and prevents anemia and fatigue. It aids in proper kidney functioning and the development of body cells. Furthermore, it contains copper, which forms hemoglobin and red blood cells.


Skin Care


Barley is a good source of selenium, which helps to preserve skin elasticity, thereby protecting it against free radical damage and loosening. Moreover, it also improves our heart, pancreas, and immune system functioning. A deficiency of selenium can lead to cancers of the skin, colon, prostate, liver, stomach, and breast.


Controls Cholesterol Levels


Barley’s insoluble fiber yields propionic acid that helps keep the blood cholesterol levels low. It being an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibers, is also specifically recommended by doctors for its naturally low-fat content and zero cholesterol properties.


Helps Manage Diabetes


Barley effectively helps control Type 2 diabetes. However, one can prevent this type of diabetes by losing weight, getting involved in a vigorous physical activity, and including abundant whole grains in the diet. Therefore, high fiber foods should be included in the daily diet of diabetic patients. Its grain has all the essential vitamins and minerals, particularly beta-glucan soluble fiber that slows down glucose absorption. The December 2006 edition of Nutrition Research has proved that insulin-resistant men who consumed barley beta-glucan soluble fiber had significantly reduced glucose and insulin levels as compared to other test subjects.


Prevents Cancer


Barley contains certain types of phytonutrients known as plant lignans, which are transformed by friendly flora in our intestines into mammalian lignans. One of these new lignans is called enterolactone, which helps to prevent breast and other hormonal cancers as well as coronary heart diseases.


Protects Heart Health


Atherosclerosis is a condition when the artery walls thicken due to the coagulation or deposition of fatty materials like cholesterol. Barley contains niacin (a B vitamin complex) that reduces the overall cholesterol and lipoprotein levels and minimizes cardiovascular risk factors. Postmenopausal women having high blood pressure, high cholesterol or cardiovascular diseases are specifically recommended to have it at least 6 times a week.


Prevents Asthma

14.5 kDa is a barley endosperm protein and a major allergen in baker’s asthma disease. This is an airborne occupational ailment, mostly prevalent in confectioneries and bakeries. It proves to be a very effective preventive measure for such kinds of major wheat-flour allergens.


SOURCE: ORGANICFACTS.NET