{"id":14962,"date":"2015-06-04T07:46:25","date_gmt":"2015-06-04T05:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.radioislam.org.za\/wordpress\/2015\/06\/04\/health-benefits-of-barley-04-06-15\/"},"modified":"2015-06-04T07:46:25","modified_gmt":"2015-06-04T05:46:25","slug":"health-benefits-of-barley-04-06-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/health-benefits-of-barley-04-06-15\/","title":{"rendered":"Health benefits of barley (04.06.15)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Barley is a cereal plant that grows annually and belongs to the Gramineae (grass) family. It is one of the popular ingredients used in many breakfast foods these days. You can prepare barley water by boiling pearl barley, straining it, and then pouring the hot water over the rind. This is a popular traditional British soft drink. Some of the nutritional information and facts about barley water are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Barley water is a good source of dietary fiber and adding it to your daily diet will help you get the recommended daily dosage of fiber.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022\u00a0 It is a rich source of phosphorous that is required for cell production and repair in the body.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 It contains a good amount of copper and is therefore beneficial to people suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Ancient civilizations believed that barley water was a good remedy for improving complexion and reducing the signs of aging.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 It is a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and vitamin E.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022It is also a good source of minerals like selenium, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">There are a number of nutritional benefits of barley water that help treat and prevent a variety of diseases and disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">There are so many rampant ailments in recent years, which proves even more that our regular diets lack 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Before we move on to the health benefits of barley, you will be pleased to know that you can consume barley in many kinds of preparations like salads, soups, stew, and even with chicken, mutton or in the tandoori style. Therefore, it will not add value just to your health but also to your palate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Barley Grass is the seedling of the barley plant. This grass is usually harvested about 200 days after germination, while the shoots are not even a foot tall. People consume barley in this form because the young leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. Although barley grains have much more dietary fiber in comparison, the grass has high levels of chlorophyll that detoxifies your body from harmful toxins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Hulled Barley is also known as covered barley and is usually eaten after removing the inedible, fibrous outer hull. Once the hull is removed, it\u2019s known as dehulled barley, pot barley or scotch barley. Hulled barley is a great source of healthy nutrients. Hulled barley takes a long time to soak when used in regular cooking. However, the time is worth it, considering the utility of dehulled barley when you\u2019re finished. Dehulled barley is commercially popular as pearl barley, and is a very marketable product. The process of removing the bran and polishing is known as \u201cpearling\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Pearl Barley is easily available in the grocery stores and probably one of the most common ingredients for breakfast and snacks recipes all over the world. These are actually hulled barley that is processed and the bran is removed. This is processed into a host of barley products like flours and flakes, which resemble oatmeal or grits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Barley Green Powder is well known for its medicinal benefits. It is actually the powder form of barley grass, sometimes mixed with additional vitamins and minerals. Today, many companies sell barley powder that comes from pure barley grass. These grasses are found in a variety of flavors and have superior solubility. Therefore, you can also consume them as barley juice.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Barley Flour is often used alternatively as wheat flour or cake flour. The flour found from whole barley is richer in nutrition than pearl barley flour since the bran in the former form remains undamaged. This non-wheat flour is obtained from grinding whole barley. It contains some gluten and has been very popular in confectioneries that tend to experiment with alternate kinds of flours. It has a mild, nutty flavor, and this flour has comparatively lower rates of calories and higher levels of fiber.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Barley Water is effective when your kidneys need rest from excessive stress. People suffering from kidney and bladder ailments can take barley water for therapeutic uses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Barley is widely available as a commercial product all over the world in various forms. You need to know the exact form that will cater best to your needs. The pearled, flaked and hulled forms have different utilities, so decide what you want to make before making the purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Barley is found both in bulk containers and packaged form; ensure its freshness before taking it home. If you buy barley in containers, check the date and also be sure that it\u2019s sealed properly. Even a small amount of moisture content in packaged barley can spoil the cereal, so be careful if buying it in containers. Store barley in clean, glass containers having air tight covers and place it in a cool, dry place. During the summer, it\u2019s advisable to keep barley in the refrigerator.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Benefits of Barley:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Being a great source of nutrients, antioxidants and minerals, barley is loaded with amazing health benefits which are given below.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Lowers Cholesterol Levels:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0Aids in Weight Loss:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Protection Against Cancer:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0Checks Diabetes:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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\u2019s absorption of carbohydrates from foods, leading to a reduction in glucose and insulin levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Beneficial in Anemia:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0Aids in Digestion:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Prevents Gallstones:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0Improves Immunity:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0<strong>Prevents Osteoporosis:<\/strong><\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0Prevents Atherosclerosis:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0<strong>Protects the Body Organs:<\/strong><\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0<strong>Antidote Properties:<\/strong><\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">According to the research studies, barley possesses antidote properties due to which it can prevent the spread of poison in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0Healthy Bowel Functioning:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">It also helps to maintain healthy bowel functions due to its rich fiber content. This helps in preventing constipation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0Diuretic Property:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">It is a powerful diuretic and keeps the urinary tract healthy by preventing Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Cools Down the Body:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">It is the perfect summer drink as it brings down the heat content from the body. This is why it is generally given to people with high temperatures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u00a0Benefits Pregnancy:<\/span><\/strong><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">Barley water has specific benefits for pregnant women. I have listed them here.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022It helps prevent yeast and UTI during pregnancy.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022It helps ease the common problems like morning sickness and nausea.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022It regulates blood sugar levels and thus helps in prevention of gestational diabetes.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022It also prevents edema (swollen ankle and feet) by improving circulation and preventing high BP.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 It prevents constipation and haemorrhoids.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Barley is a cereal plant that grows annually and belongs to the Gramineae (grass) family. It is one of the popular ingredients used in many breakfast foods these days. You can prepare barley water by boiling pearl barley, straining it, and then pouring the hot water over the rind. This is a popular traditional British [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pc0QIf-3Tk","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-21 18:25:59","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14962"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14962\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}