By Ivana Dragica |
Barley – universal remedy for all sorts of inflammations |
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Barley (Latin name Hordeum Vulgare), also commonly known and available as barley broth, barley porridge and pearl barley, is usually associated with - beer production.
However, this edible annual grass in the family Poaceae was one of the first cultivated grains, originating in the Middle East.
Its long and distinguished history dates back to the Neolithic Age and it used to give crispy quality to the foods.
Roman gladiators were known as 'hordearii', which means "eaters of barley or barley men", since their diet relied on barley.
Indic Veda scriptures mentioned barley and rice as ''two immortal sons of heaven''.
Today, it is grown in temperate regions worldwide and is the fourth most widely cultivated crop, after corn, rice and wheat.
This is due to its wide use in the production of bread, malt, beer, alcoholic beverages, coffee substitutes, animal fodder and other foods.
An abundance of vitamins and minerals
There are 354 calories in 100 grams of barley. It is high in unsaturated fats (fatty acids).
Barley contains vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and good amounts of vitamin B12 (otherwise rare in plants).
It is also a good source of minerals: potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, cobalt, fluorine and iodine.
Barley is also rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which is essential for the formation of red blood cells and sex hormones. In addition, vitamin B5 may speed wound healing and help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Stimulates digestion and cleanses the body
Barley's curative properties boast numerous health benefits and allow for its wide use in oral and local treatment of various conditions.
This grain is easily digestible and especially rich in soluble fiber.
Barley stimulates digestion and helps the body maintain regular bowel function.
It keeps your body warm during winter, and helps cleanse is it of toxins in spring.
Barley lowers cholesterol
Dutch researchers have found that barley contains up to 35% of unsaturated fats, which reduce blood cholesterol, more than any other grain.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a health claim for barley betafiber related to soluble fiber and reduced risk of heart disease.
Barley is also an excellent source of niacin (B3 vitamin), a B vitamin that protects the heart and blood vessels.
Protects against breast and prostate cancer
German researchers have confirmed the barley's ability to reduce the risk of cancer, due to its phytonutrients known as lignans.
Their study found that pre-menstrual women eating lignan-rich foods had a remarkable 62 percent lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
Men may similarly benefit from increasing their dietary intake of lignans. Research has shown that regular consumption of lignan-rich foods reduces a man's risk of developing prostate cancer by 82 percent.
Barley water –a universal anti-inflammatory remedy
There are a number of nutritional benefits of barley water that help treat and prevent a variety of inflammatory diseases and disorders.
Drinking barley water is especially beneficial in treating respiratory difficulties, urinary tract infections or digestive tract problems.
It helps alleviate nausea and vomiting.
Barley water recipe
Combine the water and cleaned (hulled) barley in a liter of cold water.
Bring it to a boil and leave over high heat for about ten minutes.
Use natural water, if possible. Drain the barley with a piece of gauze and drink the liquid warm, two times a day.
To soothe a sore throat, you may add a teaspoon of honey and the juice of 1 lemon to barley water.
By adding a teaspoon of Himalayan Crystal salt to barley water, you got yourself an excellent throat disinfectant, perfect for gargling.
Barley grass rejuvenates the entire body
Barley grass is a wonderful natural detoxifier.
It lowers blood sugar levels, reduces cholesterol and helps prevent atherosclerosis.
Additionally, it slows the aging process and helps the body to regenerate.
It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which plays a vital role in strengthening immune function.
You may buy barley grass online at Alternativa Webshop.
Nutritious mask for wrinkles
Barley may also be used to make a wonderfully nutritious barley deep cleansing mask for skin care and wrinkles.
Instructions:
Add 20 grams of barley grains to a litre of water and cook until it becomes completely tender.
Crush the barley to form a paste and squeeze through a piece of gauze.
Use the paste as a face mask. Apply it to the skin and leave there for 20 minutes. Remove it and replace with the compresses obtained from the drained barley liquid, keeping them on your face for 10 minutes.
In addition, drink a cup of warm barley tea (the remaining liquid).
For best results, repeat the procedure three times a week.
You may also use barley compresses to relieve arthritis and muscle pain.
Regular consumption of barley:
- lowers cholesterol
- protects against cancer
- controls glucose levels
- provides the body with vitamin E
- treats inflammation
- detoxifies the body
- rejuvenates and maintains healthy and youthful skin, prevents the signs of aging
- promotes weight loss
Barley cooking tips
Barley is a delicious whole grain that can be prepared in a number of ways: it is used in soups and stews, it can be sauteéd, made into risotto or spice up as a salad.
This whole grain may be combined with beans, French beans, leek, vegetables, pickled cabbage, turnip or mushrooms.
To prepare the classic barley porridge, combine 1 cup barley with 3 cups water and cook for about an hour.
Ground roasted barley is an excellent coffee substitute.
You can use barley flour as a substitute for part of the white and wheat flour in baked goods.
Barley and Bean Salad
Ingredients:
- 200 grams cooked barley
- 300 grams cooked beans
- pickled cucumbers, sliced
- fresh cooked corn
- 1 red onion
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil
- apple vinegar
Stir in all the ingredients in a large bowl and dress the salad as desired. Enjoy your meal!
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