The drink makes several claims to support healthy digestion, help eliminate toxins from the body, and help with weight loss. Medical research has not yet substantiated some of the health claims made about barley water. Find out if you should think about consuming barley water for health benefits? You will know this by reading this article.
What is barley water?
Barley water is a refreshing drink prepared by simmering barley grains in water. It’s often sweetened and flavored with lemon or other fruits. It’s believed to have health benefits and is enjoyed hot or cold.
Potential health benefits
Barley water consumption can have a remarkable impact on your overall well-being in multiple ways. The advantages of incorporating barley water into your diet encompass:
1. Weight Management
The fiber in unstrained barley water can help you have more regular digestion. it can help you stay satiated for longer durations, preventing any feelings of hunger or cravings. Barley water hydrates you and has a lot of calories but very little fat. These factors can make drinking barley water an effective strategy for preventing hunger and snacking in between meals. Barley water, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can help you lose weight because it digests slowly and keeps you full for longer.
2. Blood Sugar Control
Barley water is extremely beneficial to diabetic patients because it helps regulate blood glucose levels in the body.
Barley contains beta-glucans, which help slow glucose absorption after a meal, reducing the rise in glucose and insulin. As a result, it helps to reduce insulin resistance. It can also help diabetics control their blood glucose levels.
3. Potential Cancer Prevention
Emerging cancer research emphasizes the importance of diet and lifestyle choices in lowering your risk of cancer. The fiber in barley can help protect your colon by expelling toxins that are not eliminated during normal digestion. Beyond the fiber, barley contains ferulic acid, which may inhibit tumor growth. According to the NCBI, the antioxidants found in barley prevented colon cancer cells from reproducing.
4. Improve Skin Health
Drinking barley water removes toxins from the body, resulting in clear, glowing skin. The presence of a compound known as azelaic acid aids in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.
Barley water contains antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce the signs of aging. Furthermore, the selenium in barley promotes skin elasticity and protects against free radical damage. Barley water has been scientifically proven to hydrate the skin while also combating signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
When applied directly to the skin, it brightens it and combats infections. Zinc in barley heals wounds and other skin injuries.
5. Rich in Nutrients
Barley water is not only hydrating but also high in essential nutrients. It contains vitamins such as vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, and vitamin B6, which is essential for brain health and metabolism. Barley water also contains minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, which help with oxygen transport, muscle function, and immune support.
6. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Barley contains phytonutrients like lignans as well as antioxidants like vitamin C and selenium, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the body, which may alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis while also improving overall health and well-being.
7. Promotes Healthy Pregnancy
Barley water is nutrient-dense and an ideal health drink for pregnant women. It is ideal because it improves digestion, prevents constipation, and relieves morning sickness.
Furthermore, its diuretic properties aid in the treatment of pregnancy-related water retention. Eating barley as one of the main whole grains during pregnancy, as consuming fortified cereals may sometimes be insufficient.
8. Reduces cholesterol level
Drinking barley water or barley tea has the potential to impact your cholesterol levels. Barley contains tocols, which are chemicals that have been discovered to inhibit LDL cholesterol and promote improved cardiovascular well-being. Additionally, the antioxidants present in barley water help eliminate free radicals, thereby reducing the oxidative stress that your heart experiences due to toxin exposure.
How to prepare barley water?
Ingredients
- Pearl barley – 1 cup
- Water – 1.5 litres
- Optional: lemon juice, honey or sweetener of choice, herbs (such as mint), or spices (such as cinnamon)
Instructions
- Boil the water with the barley.
- Allow the pot to simmer for 30 minutes before adding the water.
- Strain the concoction.
- Add honey, lemon juice, or ginger to taste.
- You can keep your homemade barley water in the refrigerator for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions (Barley water benefits)
Q1: Is it good to drink barley water daily?
A1: Yes, drinking barley water daily can be beneficial as it provides essential nutrients and hydration.
Q2: Is barley water cool or hot?
A2: The cooling properties of barley water are widely acknowledged for effectively maintaining body temperature and preventing heat-induced disorders in the summer.
Q3: Who should not drink barley water?
A3: Barley water contains gluten, so those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should stay away from it.
Q4: What is the best time to drink barley water?
A4: Drinking barley water in the morning on an empty stomach is considered the optimal time for weight loss.
The Bottom Line
Barley water offers a multitude of advantages that extend beyond measure. It serves as a remedy for nearly all health ailments and acts as a preventive measure against chronic diseases. Not only is barley rich in dietary fiber, but it also boasts a range of vital minerals such as magnesium, manganese, and selenium. By consuming barley water each morning, you can effectively eliminate toxins from your body and enhance your overall well-being.
