The growing compassion for animals has persuaded a whole generation of people to switch their dietary needs from meat to plant-based options. This phenomenon is also reflected in developing medications/treatments that are organic and vegan.
Barley was the first ever cultivated grain in Fertile Crescent (a crescent-shaped region in the Middle East) and was domesticated about 8000 BCE. (1) This ancient grain is more than just a breakfast soup bowl; studies have linked the consumption of barley benefits and side effects to potentially reducing the risk of certain diseases such as cancer.
Barley is low in calories and rich in fiber, it is also packed with vitamins and nutrients. The bran content in hulled barley is incredibly beneficial. Barley also has several health and beauty benefits.
Health Benefits of Barley
1. Excellent First Meal of the day
Barley is nutrient-dense which makes for a satisfactory first meal of the day. It is packed with essential minerals such as selenium (prevents cell damage from factors such as aging etc), copper and tryptophan (regulation of various physiological mechanisms), and manganese (helps regulate blood sugar).
All these good nutrients keep you full and satisfied for the better part of the day. Manganese in the barley also helps calm the nervous system which keeps you happy and energetic.
Several studies have shown consumption of chapati made from barley atta allows individuals to have better control of their sugar level and insulin response (2)
2. Barley helps in weight loss
Per serving of 100 grams contains 354 calories compared to other grains it has a lower calorie level and is a filling and satisfying meal at the same time.
Although it is not just because of its low-calorie content it has several kinds of essential amino acids and its fiber content that help modulate blood sugar levels, when sugar levels peak and drop it is associated with the fat storage process.
Talbina powder (made from barley flour) contains high solvent strands known as beta-glucan (soluble fibers) and is ideal for diminishing food cravings which will help maintain a healthy and desired weight.
Barely rice benefits in weight loss can be observed by its nature of rich fiber that helps in better digestion and reduces hunger and helps in weight loss
3. Barley stabilizes Blood Pressure
A study has shown that whole grains like barley can help reduce blood pressure. (3) High blood pressure is a known cause of cardiovascular disease, and barley water is known to regularize blood pressure and effectively help reduce atherosclerosis (build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances on the artery wall)
Another form of barley in Sattu (a mix of toasted ground barley) is a great option for diabetics. The low glycaemic index helps keep blood sugar levels in control which regulates blood pressure.
(Sattu Calories;100 gms of powder contains 164 kcal)
4. Barley helps reduce Arthritic symptoms
The copper in barley may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammatory disease). The free radicals are disarmed by the copper, hence helping in cell regeneration. The cross-linking of elastin and collagen through copper makes joints and bones more flexible. (4)
5. Barley helps repair and develop body tissues
Barley is rich in phosphorus (a mineral that naturally occurs in the body that helps maintain blood pH within a normal range) which helps aid in cell regeneration.
Phosphorus helps in forming bones and is an essential building block of the genetic code. Chronic deficiency of phosphorous in the body can lead to bone loss, and in cases of severe hypophosphatemia may cause cardiac and respiratory failure. (5)
Barley can be a good source and supplement for phosphorus in daily dietary needs.
6. Barley improves immunity
Barley is rich in plant lignans that possess a steroid-like chemical structure, the attributed health benefits to these lignans include lowered risk of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms, and breast cancer. (6)
These lignans are good for your intestines and support your immunity. Barley is also rich in Vitamin C which helps keep the immune system good
How Barley Uses to fights cancer?
Cancer is one of the most vicious and leading causes of mortality worldwide. There have been decades worth of cancer studies and the development of various anti-cancer therapeutic agents, yet cancer remains dangerous.
Cancer treatments have been known to be tedious and tiring, there has been constant research done on alternative medications such as the use of herbal products to prevent or treat cancer. Patients prefer herbal alternatives and these products have been used historically as medicines in traditional Korean and Chinese medication. (7) thus herbal medicines are considered promising in treating cancer.
Barley grass extract has been used as a food product and its biological effects possess several pharmacological activities such as anticancer activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant activity. There have been arguments that Barley grass helps improve blood flow, digestion, and general detoxification in the body. It is used to treat chronic diseases. (8)
A study revealed that Barley grass extract caused apoptosis (a type of cell death) of leukemia and lymphoma cell lines. (9)
In another study conducted on chemo preventive properties of young barely green extracts and powder from young green, barely juice and it was found that the extracts inhibit the proliferation of colon cancer cells. (10)
How does it work?
Several claims have been made regarding the benefits of barley grass supplements that include treatment of HIV infection, prevention, and cure of cancer, lowering of cholesterol, protection against solar and other radiation, detoxification, and boosting of energy and immunity support. (11)
Barely is one of the oldest annual cereal grasses. It belongs to the family of Ponceau grass (which also includes rice, rye, oats, sugarcane, corn, and various species of wheat). It is also the fourth largest crop after wheat, corn, and rice. The biggest consumers of barley are funnily enough not humans, but 65% of barley production worldwide goes to feeding animal stock. Livestock eats a variety of barely called six-row, which has a higher protein level that is best suited for animal feed.
Humans consume the lower protein, higher sugar type of two-row barley. Barley can work to benefit all the listed goodness by including it in the diet as foods in form of bread, soups, tea, and salads or as supplements
Barley seeds also work as a natural sweetener and are an ingredient in making beer and alcoholic beverages.
Barely Side Effects
- Intestinal Gas: barley is rich in fiber that may cause intestinal gas that is caused by the beneficial bacteria found in the colon. Limited intake of barely water Uses to prevent gas issues.(12)
- Upset Stomach: Excessive intake of barley water may lead to an upset stomach. If consumed while taking certain medications it may react to them and cause irritation as well as major or minor symptoms such as cramps, pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Constipation: excessive consumption can also lead to a reverse reaction of chronic constipation. In case of emergencies such as this consult your primary caregiver.
- Rectal bleeding: Chronic cases of constipation may lead to the experience of rectal bleeding along with acute pain. It is advised to avoid the intake of natural laxatives in bulk.
- Fungal infection: from time-to-time barley water can lead to fungal contamination. These contaminated toxins can take a toll on the bones by breaking them down.
- Allergic reaction: It is not uncommon for individuals to be allergic to barely water,if you have experienced hypersensitivity to allergy in the past it is best to avoid barley or it may lead to symptoms like inflammation, rashes, hives, irritation, etc.
- Bakers’ asthma: More prone to bakery workers, as they are exposed to lots of barley flour while preparing barley water they experience a serious respiratory allergy called bakers asthma.
- Celiac disease: the gluten in barley can flare up people with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
Special Precautions and warnings
There are two ways to administer barley:
- By mouth: While it is safe for most people, it might cause intestinal gas, bloating and a feeling of fullness in some. Over time your body gets accustomed to this, however, people that show symptoms of allergy should consult their physician before continuing the use.
- Applying to skin: While there isn’t a reliable study highlighting the safety of barley but for some, it may cause allergies when applied to the skin. They may experience rashes and difficulty breathing
Can we give Barley to kidney patients?
Proteinuria refers to the presence of relatively small amounts of albumin or protein in the urine that are an early indication of kidney diseases, and it is also a strong predictor of an increased risk for CVD mortality and morbidity in certain high-risk groups present within the population.
The presence of proteinuria accelerates the possibility of kidney disease progression to end-stage renal failure which has been backed by several experimental and clinical studies.
Studies conducted on barley leaves have high antioxidant activities that are possibly useful in metabolic syndrome prevention or therapy, as well as diseases caused by oxidative stress damage. This antioxidant is actively found in young green barley leaves.
Through several clinical studies, it has been found that barley is a kidney-friendly and diabetic-friendly food. It can help control kidney damage and diabetes.(13)
Can Barley be given to Pregnant women?
Just like for every healthy food, a recommended moderate intake is safe, however, excessive amounts will result in sickness and especially a weak immune system and gluten allergy for pregnant women
Barley water can be consumed to help ease indigestion, regulate blood sugar levels and prevent water retention.
Some of the benefits of consuming barley for pregnant women are as follows:
- Gastrointestinal issues: the rich dietary fiber in barley is believed to ease bowel movements and help with constipation and hemorrhoids.
- Preventing Neutral tube defects: lack of folic acid in pregnant women may cause neural tube defects in the baby, barley contains nearly 200mcg of folic per 100g.
- Excess fluid build-up: the diuretic properties of barley water are said to flush out the excess fluids from the body and relief water retention in the face, legs, etc.
- Inflammation: several studies have found the anti-inflammatory properties of barley that could provide relief from the burning sensation in the stomach and help flush out toxins from the body.
- CVD: the soluble fibers that are found in barley aid in decreasing blood cholesterol levels, hence reducing the risk of heart diseases.
- Blood sugar: the low glycemic index of barley can help maintain blood sugar levels when taken in moderation when experiencing gestational diabetes.
What do I expect as an effect of barley if I am a healthy person?
Barley over centuries by many cultures has been used by mixing the grain into the water, they believed it to be the elixir for health that can treat UTIs, kidney problems, and digestive pain. Over time, modern science through several experimental studies supported traditional claims and found many other potential benefits of drinking barley water
Barley has a nutty flavor and a chewy, pasta-like texture. It is just as beneficial for a healthy person as for a person with ailments. It will help prevent and protect from several illnesses and may also help in healing underlying diseases in the process.
It can be prepared in various ways; the following is one such method to prepare hulled barley that can safely be consumed by a healthy person.
Steps to prepare the hulled barley:
- Add barley as per your need in a pan and twice the water
- Let it soak for a few hours
- Drain out the water and rinse it thoroughly before cooking
- Add 3 cups of water/broth to 1 cup of grain
- Bring it to a boil
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes
This water can be consumed in a moderation, any excessive intake can lead to side effects, and it is recommended that you consult your doctor if you recognize any symptoms listed in the side effects section.
A plant-based alternative is a safe and guilt-free option. A lot of good brands with high-quality barley are easily accessible in the market or you might just find it in your pantry!
1 Comment
Great topic, please keep it up I really enjoy reading these type articles.