Barley is one of the oldest cultivated plants globally and has been the primary food of animals and humans. The scientific name of barley is Hordeum vulgare L. It is a cereal plant species in the Hordeum genus and Poaceae family1. Hordeum vulgare, or cultivated barley, is primarily farmed for animal feed, particularly for pigs, malting and brewing in beer production, distillation in whisky production and food2.
Barley comes in several varieties, each having various grains per spike, ranging from summer to winter barley. Due to the poor quality of the grain, winter barley is mainly used in animal feed. The green barley essence is made by dehydrating fresh green barley juice at low temperatures, which keeps the enzymes active. Barley has additional importance as it may have potential properties that may be helpful in various health conditions1.
Did you know?
The nutritional value of barley is:
Various potential properties of the barley plant are listed below.
Barley might have the following potential uses.
Barley grass powder contains a high amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (a brain chemical), calcium, potassium, and tryptophan (amino acid). It is a very good functional food and might also be a sleep promoter. Barley grass powder has a higher gamma-aminobutyric acid, calcium, and potassium concentration than polished rice. Polished rice or wheat flour and barley and their products might be effective foods for better sleep in individuals3. However, more research is required to prove it.
Barley and its extract might scavenge oxygen free radicals and may be helpful for diabetes. Its dietary fibre might help lower fasting blood sugar and blood glucose levels. Flavonoids in barley might help people with diabetes with their post-meal blood glucose levels3.
Fasting blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin might be reduced by barley grass powder. Under stress, polyamines in barley cells may increase and might have an insulin-like effect3. However, conditions like diabetes must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
Literature suggests that whole grains high in viscous soluble fibre, such as barley, are more successful than other grains in decreasing blood lipids. The delayed intestinal absorption of lipids is one of the proposed mechanisms of cholesterol reduction after eating barley. Additionally, cholesterol absorption and reabsorption might be inhibited. The capacity of barley to increase the viscosity of the intestinal contents might be the cause of its potential lipid-lowering effects4.
Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels might be reduced by barley grass powder, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels might increase. Probably by lowering cholesterol production, hexacosanol in barley leaf may enhance cholesterol metabolism3. Fat, polysaccharides, protein, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols are all found in barley sprouts, and they all might have a lipid-lowering effect3.
Green barley may help with atherosclerosis by potentially helping with lipid metabolism and resisting lipid peroxidation3. However, further research is required to ascertain these statements.
Barley grass might help lower blood uric acid and may have several health benefits for humans related to faeces metabolism, lipid metabolism, liver function, and antioxidant system. A fermented barley extract might help reduce the uric acid in the condition of gout (a form of arthritis). A fermented barley extract might boost urine excretion and may help lower the serum uric acid3. However, these claims are yet to be proved by further research.
Additionally, I recommend those who wish to increase their consumption of fibre do so gradually. This is due to the possibility that adding a lot of fibre from barley to the diet all at once may produce short-term digestive issues, such as bloating, while the body adjusts to the dietary change7.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
The polysaccharide content of young barley leaves may be helpful for immunomodulation as well as a macrophage (a type of white blood cell) stimulatory function3. However, these effects need scientific backing. Therefore, kindly do not self-medicate.
The potential liver protective activity of barley sprouts containing abundant flavonoid was tested on an animal model that exhibited inhibition of inflammatory response. In in-vitro and in-vivo experiments, a flavonoid in barley sprouts showed potential liver protective and antioxidant effects against liver injury3. However, conditions related to the liver must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Kindly consult a doctor.
The antidepressant potential of young barley leaf has been studied. It might help regulate the brain levels of nerve growth factors (insulin-like protein, which regulates the growth and development of neurons).
Barley contains vitamins and minerals that might help with stress-related psychiatric problems, maybe even depression. Barley green leaves, rich in vitamins and minerals might show memory-enhancing effect3. More research is required to prove these effects.
By activating the gut system and decreasing the pH, young barley leaf powder with water-insoluble dietary fibre may increase faecal volume and laxative activity. Barley may be helpful for ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, and other gastrointestinal tract problems3.
By stimulating the growth of probiotics, a germinated barley foodstuff might help ulcerative colitis. According to animal studies3, selenium-rich barley might have a positive effect on stomach ulcers. In drug-treated rats, the dietary fibre of germinated barley may help constipation by causing the proliferation of colonic crypts (glands in the colon)3. However, it needs more scientific backing.
The combined effects of high alkalinity, a powerful antioxidant, phytochemicals, flavonoids, and chlorophyll in barley might hinder cancer cell development. The phytochemical combinations of barley might be helpful against breast cancer3.
Green barley extract might exhibit anticancer potential due to its possible antiproliferative and cell-killing effects in human leukaemia (white blood cell cancer), lymphoma (lymphatic system cancer), and breast cancer cells3. Further research is required in this field. Moreover, cancer must be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor.
Barley is one of the most stress-tolerant crops producing tocopherol, glutathione, and succinate in its flag leaf. Flavonoids found in barley grass have potent antioxidant properties that might help diseases induced by oxidative stress, such as inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular disease3.
Barley leaves extracted with methanol and ethanol could be alternative synthetic antioxidants in the food industry3.
Antioxidants present in barley may help with cardiovascular ailments. Barley may help avoid thrombosis (blocking of blood vessels due to blood clots) and cardiovascular disease by improving blood viscosity and flow3. Kindly consult a doctor as the diseases of the heart must be properly diagnosed and treated by a specialist.
Flavones found in barley might have anti-hypoxia (deficient oxygen supply to tissues) and anti-fatigue properties in humans. According to animal studies3, the barley seedling might positively affect fatigue in mice, particularly during tiring swimming and anti-anoxic time (total oxygen level depletion), reducing blood glucose and stomach ulcers. More human research is required.
Fermented barley extract and gamma-aminobutyric acid combination may have some positive effects on atopic dermatitis (red and itchy skin). Possibly by regulating the lymphocyte balance in an animal model3. However, more research is required.
In health and disease, calcium homeostasis is critical for physiological and pathophysiological reasons. Osteoporosis might be positively affected by barley due to its higher calcium content3.
Though there are studies that show the potential uses of barley in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of barley on human health.
Barley Grass is incredibly alkalizing, strong in vital vitamins and minerals, and a great source of chlorophyll, a substance that helps plants turn sunlight into energy. Chlorophyll has the potential to bind to and wash out hazardous compounds and heavy metals. When it is consumed, it may release a flow of oxygen into circulation, detoxifying the body of damaging poisons and impurities. With the ability to regenerate damaged cells and tissues, barley grass may protect against radiation and cellular harm. Since it is such a strong cleaner, I advise beginning gradually to avoid the side effects from the detox including headaches, rashes, and nausea. This is a typical occurence and brought on by the tissue’s and cell’s discharge of poisons.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Barley can be used as:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Also Read: Galangal: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
Barley might have side effects which need to be further explored by more research. Therefore, do not use it without an Ayurvedic physician’s advice.
The safety of barley in pregnant and breastfeeding women has not been studied. Therefore, it should only be taken under the supervision and advice of a physician. Likewise, no research has been done on the safety of barley in children.
There is not much information available on how barley interacts with other medications. Hence, one should consult a doctor before taking barley if they take any other drug or supplement.
Also Read: Shilajit: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
It might be helpful for diabetes. The dietary fibre and flavonoids in barley might help lower the fasting blood sugar and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients3. Please consult a doctor. Do not self-medicate.
Barley can be eaten in various forms like barley grass powder, barley biscuits, barley bread,barley water,barley tea, barley flour,and barley broth5,6.
Barley might be helpful for weight loss. Fats, polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols are all found in barley sprouts and it might have a lipid-lowering effect3.
Barley might be helpful for anaemia, cystitis, rheumatism, diarrhoea, cough, haemorrhoids, flu, depression, dermatological conditions, inflammation, nausea, mouth sores, digestive problems, elevated blood sugar levels, low immunity, acne, cancer, elevated lipid levels, gout, hyperuricemia, fatigue, hypoxia, and constipation1,3. However, more research is required to prove the potential uses of barley for human health. Please consult a doctor before using it.
Water is usually added to the barley grains, and the entire mixture is boiled at a high temperature. The water is collected from the combination when it has cooled. This is known as barley water5.
No, gluten is a protein absent in barley4.
A by-product of the barley crop is barley tea. It comprises roasted kernels soaked in hot or cold beverages and then consumed as water with or without food. It has a delicious flavour and is very nutritious for humans5.
Barley grass might have properties like sleep-promoting, antidiabetic, blood pressure- lowering, immunity enhancing, liver-protecting, anti-acne, antidepressant, improving gastrointestinal function, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, antigout, hypoxia preventing. It is also used for managing cardiovascular diseases, fatigue, constipation, atopic dermatitis, and improving cognition3. However, more research is required. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
19 
0In today’s stressful environment, staying healthy is a top priority for everyone. Despite our best efforts, we may still fall short on key nutrients, making us more vulnerable to illness. Although nutritional supplements are widely used to meet our nutrient needs, it is important to focus on natural food sources. Barley is one such food grain that can help you meet your nutrient requirements naturally.
Barley is a wonderfully versatile food grain with a rich, nutty flavour and a chewy, pasta-like texture. It is an essential ingredient for making breads, soups, stews, and various health products. Barley is often used to produce malt, which plays a key role in brewing beer and other alcoholic drinks. Scientifically known as Hordeum vulgare, this cereal plant belongs to the grass family, Poaceae and is widely grown across Western Asia and North Africa1.
Barley water is often seen as the most beneficial way to consume barley, as it is easy to digest and helps keep the body hydrated. The ancient Greeks consumed kykeon, a drink made of water, barley, and naturally occurring ingredients. The Indian version of barley water, known as ”sattu,” is extremely popular in Punjab. It is rich in various nutrients that help remove toxins from your body by improving your metabolism.
Barley water is a drink made from water cooked with barley. Here is a simple recipe to make homemade barley water.
1 cup pearl barley, 7-8 cups of water, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon honey (optional), cinnamon stick, root ginger.
Wash the barley in water and strain. Repeat the process multiple times. Boil the barley and 7-8 cups of water along with a cinnamon stick and ginger. Let the pot simmer for at least 30 minutes until the grains are mushy. Let the water cool down; then strain it. You can mix lemon juice and honey (optional) for flavour while serving barley water.
Barley water can also be flavoured with other natural ingredients like lemon juice and lemon rind.
From my knowledge, barley water might be an aid in anaemia and fatigue. Barley is known as a rich source of iron. I recently read an article which suggests that iron helps to enhance blood volume11.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Barley and its water are a rich source of the following essential nutrients2:
Drinking barley water can do wonders for your health. The health benefits of barley water include:
Since barley is a rich source of fibre, barley water can help keep your digestion and metabolism balanced. Barley water can help in weight loss as it digests slowly, can make you feel fuller for a longer period of time, and reduce cravings3. Although barley water contains a lot of calories, it has very little fat and hydrates you very well. Barley water may also stimulate fat metabolism.
Barley water may have a diuretic effect that increases urination and flushes out toxins from the body4. Thus, it can help in the management of urinary tract infections, kidney stones and cysts. Children and adults can have it daily until the urine infection subsides. Barley water benefits include its ability to cleanse the kidneys and help manage health issues like high creatinine and cystitis.
Traditionally, barley water has been used as a natural remedy to support digestion and soothe stomach discomfort. It is light and easy on the stomach, contains essential minerals, and aids in various body processes. According to Ayurveda5, it is considered a digestive tonic that helps in facilitating the process of digestion. The high amount of fibre in barley helps regulate bowel movements and ease constipation.
Barley water also helps when harmful bacteria known as Bacteroides affect the stomach and other organs of the body6. As barley water is high in dietary fibre, it also reduces the propensity of developing intestinal issues like constipation2.
Barley water may also help lower blood sugar levels for several hours. Drinking unsweetened barley water can give you the benefits of controlling blood sugar spikes and helping in overall blood sugar management7. It also contains antioxidants, which may contribute to overall health.
Barley is naturally rich in fibre and antioxidants, which may support heart health by helping to manage LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and contribute to better overall cardiovascular health8. Including barley water in your diet, along with other heart-friendly foods, can be a step toward better cardiovascular wellness.
Not many people know that drinking barley water is good for your skin9. Barley water is hydrating and contains antioxidants that may help support overall skin wellness. It also contains a compound called azelaic that can help treat mild-to-moderate acne2. When included as part of a healthy lifestyle, it can contribute to clearer, healthier, and fresher-looking skin.
High blood pressure has often been known to be one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease called atherosclerosis. As barley water helps lower and regularise blood pressure, it can effectively help slow down the onset of atherosclerosis2.
Barley water is rich in fibre and may help support digestion and hydration, which can be beneficial during pregnancy10. It can help manage constipation and even morning sickness. Most importantly, barley water has diuretic properties, which means it can reduce water retention during pregnancy. Pregnant women should speak to their doctor before adding new foods or drinks to their daily diet.
Let me tell you a secret! Barley may aid in gallstones. Yes, you read it right. I recently read an article that suggests that by promoting the body’s bile and cholesterol metabolism, barley fibre potentially dissolves gallstones. From my perspective, because bile and cholesterol are the substances that cause gallstones to develop, barley fibre may work to inhibit the production of gallstones by metabolising these two substances12.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
While barley water contains a lot of fibre, vitamins, and minerals and has several potential health benefits, it’s important to consume it in moderation. Some recipes may include added sugars or sweeteners that can reduce its nutritional value and health benefits. Because barley contains gluten and is high in fibre, it may not be suitable for people with gluten intolerance or those prone to digestive issues like bloating or constipation.
For ages, barley proved beneficial for constipation. But did you know it may aid in diarrhoea as well? From my perspective, the total fibre included in barley has the potential to create bulk in the digestive tract and control bowel movements that may aid in preventing diarrhoea and constipation12.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Barley water may be a refreshing and nutritious addition to a balanced lifestyle. When consumed as part of a varied diet, it can support overall well-being. As with any dietary change, it’s best to consult a doctor, especially during pregnancy or if you have specific health concerns.
Also Read: 11 Incredible Health Benefits of Coconut Water
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
364
12
