Barley is a wonderfully versatile cereal grain with a rich nutlike flavor and an appealing chewy, pasta-like consistency. Its appearance resembles wheat berries, although it is slightly lighter in color. Sprouted barley is naturally high in maltose, a sugar that serves as the basis for both malt syrup sweetener.
In scientific studies, barley has been shown to reduce the risk of many diseases, and to provide important health benefits. Barley offers many of the same healthy vitamins and minerals as other whole grains, but many think its special health benefits stem from the high levels of soluble beta-glucan fiber found in this grain.
Barley, like all whole grains, reduces blood pressure.
Eating barley has been shown to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol and may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Barley may help you feel full longer, and thereby help you control your weight.
Barley – even pearl barley – may help reduce visceral fat and waist circumference.
|