In the temperate climates, a member of grass family could be seen growing and this is barley. It is amazing to mention here that barley was one of the first cultivated grains. Apart from finding its usage in health foods, barley is also used a source of animal fodder, used as a source of fermentable material for beer etc. Barley was ranked fourth among grains in quantity produced after maize, rice and wheat in the year 2016 is known. It must be noted that in Latin barley is called as Hordeum Viulrae. Barley has got many ingredients like fibre, molybdenum, manganese, magnesium, selenium, copper, phosphorus, chromium, calcium etc in it.
These are some of the health benefits of intake of barley.
Helps in weight loss:
The presence of soluble fibre like beta-glucan in barley could form a gel like substance in the gut. This causes digestion and absorption of nutrients etc to slow down. Intake of barley makes us feel full and we won’t feel hungry. Loss of weight is possible.
Good for digestion:
It is said that the presence of insoluble fibre in barley helps in good digestion. Information is these fibres add to the bulk of the stool, accelerates the movement of intestines.
Lowers cholesterol:
Many of us have high cholesterol levels and it is said that intake of barley could reduce the bad or LDL cholesterol in us. The presence of beta -glucagan plays an important role here.
Reduces risk of heart diseases:
Intake of barley not only lowers the bad cholesterol levels in us but also they bring the BP down. This reduces the risk of getting heart diseases etc and our heart is protected well.
Prevents colon cancer:
These days we could see many people getting affected with colon cancer. Also called as colorectal or bowel cancer, persons having this colon cancer show symptoms like blood in the stools, weight loss, change in the bowel movements etc. The presence of fibres and other beneficial compounds in barley helps us to fight colon cancer.
Reduces symptoms of arthritis:
Issues like arthritis affect us when we grow older and people with this issue find their daily lives tough. Intake of high fibre diet like barley could decrease inflammation in us.
Good for teeth health:
The presence of ingredients like calcium, magnesium, copper and phosphorus etc in barley plays a huge part in maintaining healthy teeth. Not many know that barley juice has got more calcium than milk and our overall health is maintained well.