Pearl barley has been lightly milled to remove part or all of the germ and bra n, leaving just the 'pearl' inside. Organic Pearled Barley is a popular nutritious grain with a mild nutty flavour. It is a good source of fibre, protein and B vitamins. Organic pearled barley cooks faster than unhulled barley grain and is less chewy. It is a delicious alternative to rice, pasta or cous cous. Regular consumption of barley can help stabilize your blood pressure and lower high cholesterol levels in your blood. Barley is rich in soluble fiber, the kind that is helpful in reducing LDL in the blood.
Barley is rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compound.
It's available in many forms, ranging from hulled barley to barley grits, flakes and flour.
Almost all forms of barley utilize the whole grain — except for pearl barley, which has been polished to remove some or all of the outer bran layer along with the hull.
When consumed as a whole grain, barley is a particularly rich source of fiber, molybdenum, manganese and selenium. It also contains good amounts of copper, vitamin B1, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium and niacin .
Additionally, barley packs lignans, a group of antioxidants linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease .
However, like all whole grains, barley does have antinutrients, which impair your body's digestion and nutrient absorption.
Try soaking or sprouting the grain to reduce the antinutrient content. These preparation methods make barley's nutrients more absorbable.
Soaking and sprouting may also increase vitamin, mineral, protein and antioxidant levels.
Barley's fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support a healthy heart. Barley is an excellent source of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease
The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc in barley all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.
A careful balance of phosphate and calcium is necessary for proper bone mineralization. Consuming too much phosphorus with too little calcium intake can result in bone loss.
Bone formation requires the mineral manganese; also, iron and zinc play important roles in the production and maturation of collagen.
Barley is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which assures you good overall health over the long term. A very high fiber content, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, heart health and diabetes protection are just some of the barley nutrition benefits that make it one of the best whole grainchoices.
Heart health. Barley's fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support a healthy heart. Barley is an excellent source of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease. Barley works effectively on TYPE 2 diabetes
Barley is an excellent source of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
In 2007, researchers found that barley intake significantly reduced serum cholesterol and visceral fat, both of which are markers of cardiovascular risk.
The beta glucan fiber found in barley lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol by binding to bile acids and removing them from the body via excretion. An intake of 3 grams of beta-glucans per day can lower blood cholesterol levels by 5 percent.
In one study, those who consumed 4,069 milligrams of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1,000 milligrams per day).
Vitamin B6 and folate, both present in barley, prevent the buildup of a compound known as homocysteine. When excessive amounts of homocysteine accumulate in the body, it can damage blood vessels and lead to heart problems. Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most foods, but it can be found in barley. It plays a role in liver enzyme function and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body.
Additionally, selenium from dietary sources can help prevent inflammation. It may decrease tumor growth rates, and improve immune response to infection by stimulating production of killer T cells.
Fiber intake from plant-based foods is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Some studies have suggested that beta-glucan fiber may stimulate the immune system. As a result, it could help fight cancer cells and prevent tumors from forming. However, more evidence is needed to support this claim.
Barley is commonly found in two forms: hulled and pearled. Hulled barley has undergone minimal processing to remove only the inedible outer shell, leaving the bran and germ intact. Pearled barley has had the layer of bran removed along with the hull.
A cup of hulled barley, weighing 184 grams (g) contains:
- 651 calories
- 22.96 g of protein
- 4.23 g of fat
- 0 g of cholesterol
Key Features
Contains Fiber
Selenium
B vitamins
copper
chromium
phosphorus
magnesium
Niacin & More
Lowers Blood Pressure And Cholesterol
Reduces Your Risk Of Cancer
Reduces Symptoms Of Arthritis
Promotes Healthy Bones And Teeth
Prevents Gallstones
