8 benefits of barley water

Barley water, a refreshing and nutritious beverage made from boiling barley grains in water, has been consumed for centuries in many cultures around the world. Not only is barley water a tasty alternative to sugary sodas and juices, but it also offers a range of potential health benefits. From aiding weight loss to improving digestion, barley water has been praised for its numerous health benefits. In this write up, you will explore eight potential health benefits of barley water and acquire a simple recipe on how to make it at home. So, grab a glass and let’s dive into the world of barley water!

Barley Water: Health Benefits

Barley water is a good source of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Consuming barley water can be very beneficial. The barley water health benefits include:

1. Weight loss

   Barley water, in its unstrained form, contains fibre, which can aid in digestion and reduce appetite. This water is a little high in calories and low in fat.
   Due to its hydrating properties, it can be used as a powerful tool in order to prevent snacking between meals. When this water is consumed alongside a healthy diet and exercise regimen, this water tends to slow digestion and increase satiety, which can contribute to weight loss.

2. Reduces cholesterol

   The consumption of barley water may have an effect on your cholesterol levels. According to a 2010 research analysis, chemicals found in barley have been demonstrated to lower the level of  low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol), thus reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Regulates blood sugar levels

   Barley water has been researched for its ability to regulate blood sugar. Due to its low glycaemic index (GI), it helps with insulin and blood glucose level management.
   Thus, consuming barley water without sugar could assist in regulating blood sugar spikes.

4. Promotes digestion

   Digestive fibre is abundant in cereal grains such as barley. Digestive fibre is required by your body to transport food through the stomach and to the end of the intestines.
   When you consume barley water (unstrained), you add hydration to this high fibre concentration. This increases the body’s ability to cleanse toxins and eliminate water weight.

5. Helps reduce the risk of cancer

   New cancer studies point to the role of lifestyle and diet choices in reducing the risk of developing cancer. The fibre present in barley may help in protecting your colon through the elimination of toxins that are not cleared during regular digestion.
   Moreover, one study showed that the antioxidants present in barley can prevent colon cancer cells from multiplying.

6. Promotes gut bacteria balance

   Maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria is crucial for overall well-being.
   Consuming barley-based meals has been found to reduce the number of bacteroides in the stomach. While these bacteria are rarely dangerous, they are the most prevalent species detected during anaerobic infections, that may develop after trauma or injury.

7. Good for infections of the urinary tract

   For treating urinary tract infections, barley water is an excellent drink. It acts as a diuretic, increasing urination and flushing out toxins from the body. Barley water is also a great remedy for stones in the kidneys and cysts.

8. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants

   Barley water is high in antioxidants and vitamins. Barley water has high levels of folate, copper, iron, and manganese. The antioxidants found in barley water add to its numerous other health advantages by promoting healthy cell development and removing free radicals that create oxidative stress on the organs in your body.

How to make barley water?

Making barley water is simple. To improve the taste of barley water, many people add natural flavourings such as lemon.
You will need the following ingredients to produce six cups of barley water with lemon:

• 3 quarters of pearl barley
• Water: 6 cups
• Honey: ½ cup
• Lemons: 2

To make barley water, simply follow the procedures below:

• Rinse the barley well in cold water till the water runs clear.
• In a saucepan, combine the barley, six cups of water, and lemon juice.
• Over medium heat, bring the contents to a boil.
• Turn down the heat and then simmer for 15 to 30 minutes.
• In a bowl, strain all the contents and keep them aside.
• Then, mix the honey until it dissolves.
• Transfer the water to a bottle and refrigerate.

It is important to note that although the honey may increase the flavour, it will also add sugar. People who want to minimise their sugar intake may use a sprinkle of stevia instead of honey.

Takeaway

Barley water is a tasty, easy-to-make, and refreshing way to get vitamins, fibre, and minerals. While drinking too much barley water might strain your digestive system, doing so a few times a week may help you shed some weight while avoiding cardiovascular disease and diabetes.