Health Benefits Of Barley

Health Benefits Of Barley

Barley is a healthful addition to the diet. When it comes to good nutrition, this ancient grain packs a powerful punch.

Barley is an excellent source of total dietary fiber, containing both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Unlike many grains, which contain fiber only in the outer bran layer, barley contains fiber throughout the  entire kernel. So even highly processed barley products that are missing the bran yield significant amounts of healthful fiber.

Barley contains more total dietary fiber than other typical grains.  A half-cup serving of cooked pearl barley contains 3 grams total dietary fiber.  In comparison, a half cup of cooked brown long-grain rice contains 1.75 grams total dietary fiber and a half cup of cooked white long-grain  rice  contains  less  than 1 gram of total dietary fiber.

Like all plant products, barley is cholesterol-free and low in fat.

Barley contains antioxidants and a number of important vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. These include niacin, thiamin, selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and copper.

Eating barley can help reduce significant health risks.  
Coronary heart disease
Barley is an excellent source of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber. Studies show that eating barley beta-glucan soluble fiber lowers total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduces the risk for coronary heart disease. In addition, studies show that eating barley helps manage high blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease.

Diabetes
Studies show that barley beta-glucan soluble fiber is effective in maintaining healthful blood sugar levels and in turn, is helpful in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes.

Obesity
Studies show that high-fiber foods such as barley are effective in weight management and protecting against obesity. Fiber-rich foods are processed more slowly in the body, resulting in absorption of important nutrients over a longer period of time.  They also tend to promote satiety or a feeling of fullness which may help reduce overeating.