Barley - Health Benefits

Barley is extremely rich in amino acids. It contains a large amount of lysine, which is important for the processing of collagen, acting to slow down the process of wrinkles and helping the skin to remain smooth and elastic.

Barley is rich in vitamins and trace elements. It contains a large amount of potassium, calcium, iron. Also: copper, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, strontium, iodine, chromium, bromine, phosphorus and an enviable complex of vitamins. Barley porridge (as well as oatmeal) is rich enough in vitamins B and A, D, E, PP.

Thanks to the presence of B vitamins, this porridge strengthens the nervous system, takes care of the freshness of the skin and the beauty of the hair. With the help of vitamin D, the product strengthens bones and teeth.

Useful properties of barley (in the form of porridge)

Barley porridge is a powerful antioxidant. It contains three times more selenium than rice. It also contains natural antibacterial substances. Boiled barley broth has healing properties and is an excellent sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent.

In ancient times with the help of barley were treated diseases of the mammary glands, constipation, obesity, cough and colds.

To get the most out of the beneficial properties of barley grain, it is good to soak it for a few hours in water. In this way you will facilitate digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients.

Barley can help with weight loss. Much of it is soluble beta-glucan fiber, which is very useful. They slow down digestion and create a feeling of satiety. Research has found that this type of fiber leads to the greatest reduction in appetite.

Barley also contains insoluble fiber, which is the main means of combating constipation. They stimulate the work of the intestines and improve their function. These fibers also feed the intestinal bacteria, which are very important for the good health of the body.

To the benefits of fiber we add the fact that they reduce the risk of gallstones, which usually do not cause any symptoms, but it is possible to damage the bile duct, which causes severe pain and requires surgical treatment.

Fiber also has a beneficial effect on cholesterol. Thanks to regular consumption of whole grains, you can achieve about 7% reduction in bad cholesterol in a few weeks. Barley also helps raise good cholesterol and lower triglycerides.

Lower levels of bad cholesterol and more fiber also lead to improved heart health, because the most common cause of heart disease is bad cholesterol. In addition, adding fiber to the diet lowers blood pressure.

When you eat barley and foods rich in fiber, you maintain constant blood sugar levels, which improves insulin secretion.

The magnesium in barley helps in the production and insulin and absorption of sugar by the body.

Fiber slows down the absorption of food, thus protecting the body from a sharp rise in blood sugar.

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers. A diet rich in whole grains significantly reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. Insoluble fiber helps with bowel function, which is essential for the health of the colon as well.

Other compounds found in barley are antioxidants, phytic acid, phenolic acids and saponins - they further help prevent cancer or slow its development.

If you are convinced of the benefits of barley, you can easily add it to your diet. Due to the high fiber content, it is an option to consume it as a snack instead of ready-made muesli mixes. You can also serve it as a side dish instead of rice, as well as add it in the preparation of bread, stews, soups, various pastries.

Remember that if you want to make the most of the beneficial properties of barley, you need to choose whole grains.