India is a land where pulses, grains, and cereals are grown in abundance. In fact, they are said to be the staple foods of the Indian states, differing from one to the other though. But the fact remains the same that these grains are extremely for the health in various ways.
One such grain is barley, grown along the Doab region of Northern India. Some of the Indian states consume barley as their staple food while the other uses the same in some specific dishes. Barley is actually a whole grain with an enhanced amount of dietary fibers that make it best for a healthy gut.
This whole grain is of two types. One is the pearled barley, which is processed and refined and hence easier to cook. However, the other one is unprocessed known as dehulled barley. It takes huge time to be cooked considerably.
No matter, which one you are considering, the taste will remain the same once it is cooked. You will have a nut flavor and due to the fiber, you will actually have to chew it. No matter what, the benefits of consuming barley are non-negotiable and no one can ignore the fact that it helps a lot in maintaining a proper balance.
All the questions regarding the benefits of this whole grain are answered here. So let’s have a look at them!
Helps in maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol level
Barley in Hindi is known as ‘Jö’ and it is one of the famous vegetarian Indian dishes. Frequent consumption of barley reduces the level of triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol to a significant level. This further improves the health of the heart. Also, the high fiber content reduces the risks of any cardiac problems.
Helps in losing weight
Barley contains dietary fiber, which is soluble. This prevents the absorption of fatty acids and cholesterol by the blood. This reduces the obesity as more calories are burnt. Either you can consume barley as a cooked dish or you can add barley powder to a glass of water and drink it.
Have anti-carcinogenic effect
Vitamin B complex and the high fiber content prevents the development of any carcinogenic cells in the body. Research has proved that the crop has anti-mutation effects, which reduce the chances of developing cancers.
Helps in reducing arthritis
Arthritis is a condition where the connective tissue, mainly bones, and cartilages, gets inflamed. Barley makes the nutrient absorption rate faster and hence reduces the inflammation by providing your body with the required nutrients.
Increases bone’s health
Barley contains important minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and calcium. These are the nutrients required for maintaining a proper bone’s health. Calcium and phosphorus maintain the strength of the bones. Magnesium helps in the calcium pump in our body.
Helps fighting diabetes
Barley is rich in magnesium. Studies have shown that magnesium tends to reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes. Daily consumption of barley will help you to gain a control over diabetes. Also, the rich fiber content helps in maintaining the glucose level in the blood.
Boosts the immunity
The two main immunity boosters in barley are beta-glucan and Vitamin C. The former is an anti-oxidant, which prevents the generation of free radicals in the blood. The later boost the immunity to an enhanced level.