5 health benefits of barley that will surprise you

If you drink beer, you already know malt. These grains are an excellent source of easily digestible complex carbohydrates and are widely used in soups and gravies, where their starch is used as a thickener. In addition, barley is also widely used to make bread, which is essential in brewing alcoholic beverages and combines with salads.

Read also: Check out 5 unusual recipes that use beer!

Currently, in Brazil, the southern region is the largest national barley producer, with beer barley being the only product here. Pills also have many health benefits, from aiding weight loss to heart health issues. Here are some of the health benefits of barley!

5 health benefits of barley

1. Reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease

The great advantage of barley is the amount of fiber. It contains the same type of fiber as oats, which lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Its soluble fibers are found throughout grains, so even refined products, such as barley flour, are beneficial. The integrated niacin (vitamin B3) also protects against cardiovascular disease and helps lower cholesterol.

2. Helps maintain a healthy weight

Since insoluble fiber slows the rate at which food is expelled from the stomach, it gives you a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.

3. Helps stabilize blood glucose

Soluble fiber helps stabilize blood glucose, making it a good choice for diabetics.

4. Protects against cell damage

Barley is rich in selenium, an antioxidant that protects cells, and iron necessary for the production of red blood cells, for improving muscle structure and brain function, as well as preventing anemia.

5. Maintains a healthy brain and nervous system

The thiamine (Vitamin B1) found in whole barley helps promote healthy brain activity. The B vitamins are also necessary for proper nerve function and can help speed up the metabolism process.

How to consume barley on a daily basis

Barley can be consumed in a number of ways: in cereals, bran, soluble, tea or even in capsules. Below, we’ve picked out some consumption tips:

• Add soy sauce when making pumpkin soup.
• Put a little of it in brown rice.
• Mix cooked grains in cereal, leaf and dried fruit salads.
• Replace the rice in the risotto of your choice with the spiced and cooked barley as desired.
• Try barley flakes as porridge for breakfast instead of oatmeal.
• Combine barley flour with traditional wheat flour when baking bread and cakes.
• Make a cereal salad with cooked barley, vegetables, and dressings.
• Eat as a side dish instead of rice or quinoa.
• Try drinking barley water.