Barley Tea: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024Table of Contents
Barley tea is well-loved in East Asia. Japan, South Korea, and China. Its taste is nutty due to roasting. This tea is said to contain antioxidants. It may also hold back cholesterol and blood sugar.
In this article, we’ll take you in-depth into this topic. We’ll look at why it is a healthy choice and discuss its nutrients. We’ll delve into possible risks as well. Then we’ll guide you on how to navigate these risks. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Did you know?
Barley tea owes its charm to roasted barley grains. Toss in some corn and you get a sweet twist. Barley is full of fiber as well as vitamins and minerals.
Here’s how one brews barley tea.
Roasting is a key part. Heat raw barley till it turns deep brown. This draws out its full flavour. It also reduces the acrylamide in the tea.
Steeping comes next. You steep the roasted grains in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Once done, pour out the tea and enjoy it hot or cold.
It’s not packed with carbohydrates or calories. However, it’s full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The low-calorie content is a salient feature of barley tea. The exact number depends on how it’s brewed. Yet it is a solid pick if you want to keep control on sugar intake.
Barley has plenty of fiber and carbohydrates. Keep in mind, when brewing, most of these nutrients stay in the grains. They don’t leach into the tea.
The tea boasts a mix of B vitamins, iron, zinc, and manganese. One thing we still don’t know exactly is how much seeps into the tea during brewing.
Antioxidants are a big deal in barley tea. They shield cells from the harms of free radicals. Some of these key antioxidants are chlorogenic and vanillic acids, and quercetin.
Drinking barley tea often is good for you. The antioxidants may lower the risk of certain health issues. It may help to rein in cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Besides that, it could play a role in weight loss as well.
One huge benefit of barley tea is that it’s loaded with antioxidants. They work hard to combat harmful radicals. They shield our cells from damage, which could help to boost immunity.
In some studies, certain substances in barley tea showed anti-cancer effects. Still, we need more studies to confirm this. It’s exciting to know that eating whole grains like barley may potentially reduce cancer. These include ferulic acid and quercetin. They are proposed to block tumours from growing and stop cancer cells from spreading.
There’s something in barley called tocols. They might reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This means healthier hearts. The antioxidants in barley tea also help keep our hearts well.
Some studies point to barley reducing cholesterol levels. For example, a review of trials found that barley did lower total and LDL cholesterol. But things varied amongst the trials. Therefore, more research is required in this aspect.
Unsweetened barley tea may help control blood sugar. Barley is said to increase levels of a gut bacteria called prevotella. This microbe can lead to better blood sugar control.
Review studies found that barley foods may reduce blood sugar spikes after meals. Also, having antioxidants may aid in improving how well people cope with diabetes, but further studies are needed in regard.
Barley tea’s lack of calories and fiber content may aid weight loss. Feeling full is key to fighting off hunger. Barley, is said to make you feel full longer.
One study found that barley reduces body weight and fat. This may be probably due to its high fiber content and slow digestion.
Sadly, there are some risks linked to barley tea.
Some could be allergic to barley. This could lead to skin rashes, upset stomach, or headaches.
Barley tea might react with some medications. It’s always wise to ask your doctor when starting any new food or supplement.
As the saying goes, “too much of a good thing can be bad”. Too much tea could lead to stomach issues. Remember, the fiber content is high. So, watch your intake.
Start with raw barley. Heat it on medium heat till it turns deep brown. Roasting also reduces acrylamide.
Use 3 to 5 tablespoons of roasted barley. Add it to 8 cups of water. Brew for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and serve hot or cold.
People who are short on time opt for prepackaged barley tea. You’ll find them at specialty stores, Asian grocers, or online.
Check the labels when you’re buying pre-packaged barley teas. Avoid the ones high in sweeteners. Make sure no allergens are listed. And finally, pick those with deeply roasted barley.
Barley tea has a lovely flavour. Its potential health benefits are antioxidant properties, aiding in managing cholesterol, and controlling blood sugar. It’s also light on calories. Of course, there are risks. But these are minor if you drink wisely and make sure to keep your doctor in the loop before incorporating it into your daily routine. Whichever way you go, homemade or store-bought barley tea may be a healthy addition to your day-to-day drinks.
Also Read: Garlic Tea: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More!
Yes, that’s usually okay. Barley tea has no calories and is rich in potentially good substances. That makes it a great daily drink. But keep an eye on how much you drink and watch for any side effects. Also, it is advisable to run it by your doctor before incorporating it.
Barley tea’s great taste and potential health benefits make it a hit in Asia. Long ago, people tapped into its possible benefits. Now, science has found many of these claims to be true although more studies are still required to corroborate these beneficial findings.
Barley tea might cause allergies in some individuals. Too much tea could mess up your stomach and it could react with some medications. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any health concerns.
Sure, you can drink barley tea anytime. As a caffeine-free drink, it won’t disrupt your sleep patterns and with its warm, soothing flavour, it’s a pretty good bedtime drink.
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