The incredible benefits of barley for the human body

Barley is a nutritious grain that is beneficial to health and wellness. The oldest finds of this culture date back to the early Neolithic period. In the modern world, cereal grow for the production of pearl barley and barley croupas a raw material for the brewing industry and as a feed crop for animals.

What is barley for, what are its medicinal properties and contraindications for use - read on.

Nutritional value, chemical composition and calorie content of barley

Corn barley is divided into two types: unpeeled (whole) and peeled from the shell and sprout. Manufacturers also produce it in the form of barley grits, flour and flakes. Whole grain, or pearl barley, has the greatest value because it contains the most vitamins and fiber.

Vitamin content per 100 g of product:

• A - 13 μg;
• E - 0.57 μg;
• K - 2.2 μg;
• B1 - 0.646 μg;
• B2 - 0.285 mcg;
• B3 - 4.604 mcg;
• B5 - 0.282 mcg;
• B6 - 0.318 mcg;
• B9 - 19 mcg.

Mineral content per 100 g of product:

• potassium - 452 mg;
• calcium - 33 mg;
• magnesium - 133 mg;
• phosphorus - 264 mg;
• sodium - 12 mg;
• copper - 498 mg;
• iron - 3.6 mg;
• manganese - 1.943 mg;
• zinc 2.77 mg;
• selenium - 37.7 mcg.

The percentage of BJU in 100 g of the product:

• proteins - 14%;
• fats - 8%;
• carbohydrates - 77%.

Caloric content is 281.6 kcal per 100 g.

The benefits of barley for women

Sprouted barley grains, if introduced into the diet on an ongoing basis, have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system. The indications are breast diseases, as well as thrush, inflammatory processes in the ovaries, fibroids and endometriosis.

Breastfeeding mothers with a shortage of breast milk are advised to include barley dishes, infusions and decoctions in the diet.The cereal contains lignans - phenolic compounds that prevent the development of hormone-dependent breast cancer.

In cosmetology, barley is used as a source of vitamin E. It protects cells from lack of oxygen and activates the production of collagen, which is so important for the beauty of skin, hair and nails.

Baths with the addition of barley broth nourish the epidermis, relieve inflammation, reduce wrinkles, restore elasticity and smoothness. Regular treatments help fight age-related changes.

The benefits of barley for men

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the cereal is used in the treatment of prostatitis and prostate adenoma.... Barley is indicated for people who are actively involved in sports and keep fit. A variety of foods made from grains, malts and flours increase stamina and energy.

Muscle building and faster reactions are the result of the constant presence of barley on the menu. Phosphorus and B vitamins help a man stay strong and lead a fulfilling life even in adulthood.

Recommendations for the elderly

Due to its balanced composition, barley grain strengthens bones well... This is very important in adulthood when they become brittle and the cartilage in the joints wears out.Decoctions of barley are recommended to be applied externally as lotions on the joints and inward to improve mobility.

Sprouted barley restores the strength of weakened and seriously ill people. It is completely absorbed and does not burden the digestive tract. Low calorie content helps control weight. A grain of barley contains magnesium and potassium, which are necessary for the heart muscle, as well as silicon, chromium and manganese, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Barley in the children's diet

Barley porridge is an excellent source of energy for a growing body. Natural immune stimulants protect against infections and influenza viruses. Highly digestible fiber normalizes digestion and prevents allergies.

Important! If the doctor has recommended a gluten-free diet for the child, barley is excluded from the diet.

Barley infusions and lotions with them help mothers to treat children's diathesis, dermatitis, urticaria. The condition is relieved with such serious diseases as fungus and psoriasis. Herpes also responds to treatment faster if you take baths with barley water. In childhood asthma, barley meals are included in the menu as an additional source of vitamins and minerals.

Useful and medicinal properties for the body

Barley is a medicinal plant. The competent application of traditional medicine recipes and a properly formulated diet help in solving many health problems. Let us analyze how barley is useful and harmful.

Weight loss

Chem. the composition of the cereal is rich in healthy substances. The amino acid lysine stimulates collagen production, fiber reduces appetite and restores digestion.

Plant protein maintains energy balance and is easily and completely absorbed by the body. The calorie content of barley is low. Barley broth normalizes blood sugar levels and lowers bad cholesterol.

Digestive tract

Barley is rich in vegetable fiber. It is an important source of dietary fiber which helps you satiety quickly and prevents overeating. Fiber is also needed to maintain intestinal microflora.

The synthesis of essential substances and the digestion of food are improved, which also has a positive effect on the functioning of the intestines, preventing constipation and diarrhea. Barley is used in the treatment of ulcerative inflammation and the restoration of the intestinal mucosa.

Colon Cancer Prevention

Barley contains natural antioxidants and is therefore useful in the prevention of colon cancer. These substances support and strengthen the immune system, helping to successfully cope with atypical cells.

Vegetable fiber in barley normalizes the digestive tract, removes toxins and toxins, and prevents constipation - one of the main causes of colon cancer.

Arthritis and arthrosis

Barley contains the entire spectrum of B vitamins, calcium, selenium, copper, manganese and phosphorus. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health, especially for strengthening bones and joints.

Calcium is the main bone mineral. Copper is involved in the synthesis of collagen, the lack of which weakens the skeleton. Barley helps to avoid fragility and fragility of bones, improves regeneration processes in the body.

To maintain the health of the joints, an infusion of barley malt is used, both externally and internally. Soothing barley baths speed up healing and relieve joint pain.

Skin, beauty and youth

The beneficial properties of barley are very useful for people who look after their appearance.... Barley flour masks cleanse problem skin, have a soothing effect, relieve inflammation and irritation.

Barley extract, used in cosmetology, moisturizes and refreshes the skin. The natural collagen contained in the cereal protects it from wilting. It gets denser and gets UV protection.

Endocrine system

Barley is also useful for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. The beneficial properties of culture will balance nutrition and maintain a stable body weight. A competent menu helps to completely eliminate the risk of diabetes.

But if the disease has already been diagnosed, fiber combined with beta-glucan lowers blood glucose and insulin levels. A therapeutic diet, selected by a specialist, will make life easier even for a seriously ill person.

Anti-inflammatory qualities

Decoctions and infusions of barley are well suited to relieve inflammation in the respiratory organs. A dry cough and sore throat are effectively treated with a decoction of barley mixed with hot milk. As an additional therapy, barley infusions are used for bronchitis, tuberculosis and pneumonia. They have a general strengthening effect and support the immune system.

Infusion of barley is also used as an external agent. Sulfur and silicon in combination with B vitamins have anti-inflammatory effects. Barley teas and infusions promote faster wound healing.

Immunity

Barley is high in beta-glucan, a special polysaccharide that activates white blood cells... Their task is to remove foreign proteins from the body. Beta-glucan enhances them, helps to get to the inflammation faster and fight infection.

The regular presence of cereals on the menu significantly strengthens the immune system. This effect is achieved due to the record amount of vitamins and minerals, natural antioxidants and amino acids, a harmonious combination of proteins and starch. Multivitamins and fiber help to recover in the postoperative period.

The cardiovascular system

For people suffering from hypertension, barley-based kvass will help. Drink lowers blood pressure, and vitamins A, D and E maintain normal blood clotting and saturate it with oxygen. The risk of blood clots, which means heart attacks and strokes, is reduced.

Iron and B vitamins help prevent anemia. Sprouted barley improves the condition of patients with varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Harm and contraindications

Weak and seriously ill people with problems of the gastrointestinal tract are contraindicated to eat raw or whole grains. In dietetic health food there are specialized recipes for mashed cereals, soups and broths that support strength and heal internal ulcers.

The problems with flatulence and diarrhea also require careful use of barley. In this case, decoctions and infusions are useful. Honey and vinegar are considered unsuitable for barley dishes. For people with intolerances gluten the use of barley is excluded.

Barley recipes

Cooking and traditional medicine have developed hundreds of delicious and healthy recipes based on barley. Whole and refined grains are used, cereals made from it, flour and malt... We offer several recipes for health improvement, dietary menu and beauty.

Barley infusion for joints

One of the pressing problems, especially in adulthood, is joint diseases. As part of complex therapy, barley infusion is used.

For malt:

• 1 tbsp. l. barley grains;
• 1 tbsp. water.

Preparation:

1. Boil clean beans with hot water.
2. Insist for 2 hours.
3. Topically apply the infusion as a compress.
4. Inside, take 1 tsp. 2 times a day.

Barley bath water

Therapeutic baths are good for relieving aching pain in the joints, have a relaxing effect, and relieve skin irritation.

Ingredients:

• 5 tbsp. l. pure grain;
• 3 l. water.

Preparation:

1. Pour cold water over the grains.
2. Boil for 15 minutes.
3. Cool the broth.
4. Strain thoroughly into the bath.
5. Take a bath for no more than half an hour.

Salad "Barley mix"

If you follow the principles of a healthy diet, diversify your menu with barley dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. boiled barley grits .;
• 50-100 g of boiled shrimp;
• 1 pc. fresh cucumber, tomato, bell pepper;
• 1-2 tbsp. l. sunflower or olive oil;
• salt, curry.

Preparation:

1. Cut vegetables into small cubes.
2. Add grits and diced shrimps.
3. Season with salt and curry to taste.
4. Pour in oil and mix gently.

Barley flour mask

Barley mask is indicated for problem skin prone to inflammation, irritation, acne and high oil content.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tsp barley flour;
• 1-2 tbsp. l. hot water;
• 0.5 tsp softened avocado or olive oil;
• 1 tsp honey.

Preparation:

1. Pour the flour with hot water and bring to the consistency of sour cream.
2. Let it brew for 5 minutes.
3. Add honey and avocado or oil.
4. Stir thoroughly until smooth.
5. Apply to cleansed skin.
6. Keep under a paper towel for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the mask with a napkin or cotton pad, rinse off the remains with water.
8. Give your skin a little rest and apply the cream.
9. The procedure is repeated 2 times a week.

Conclusion

Barley is a unique cereal used by mankind in different areas of life and culture. Cereals, flour and bread are made from grain. The nutritional and medicinal qualities of barley are invaluable: it helps to maintain good shape, maintain youth, strengthen the cardiovascular and digestive systems.

The constant presence of barley in the menu protects against many chronic diseases. This is a widespread and affordable product with practically no contraindications.