Introduction –
One of the most well-known and healthy diet that is consumed in most part of the world is none other than the good barley. Another thing, that you ought to know about this multi-purpose grain is that it consists of or has a chewy evenness and it is also slightly nutty in taste. Barley or barley flakes are the kind of food that is rich in nutrients and has a lot of health benefits, compared to other kinds of food items. If you eat barley flakes regularly, then you will see that there is enhanced digestion and also, there is weight loss. Plus, it also helps in reducing cholesterol levels and have a healthy heart. To learn more about the benefits of barley flakes and about no sugar added barley flakes, check the link referenced above.
Evidence Based Benefits –
Let’s delve deeper into the evidence-based benefits of barley flakes. The first and the foremost thing, that you need to know is that barley is full of minerals, vitamins and other kinds of plant compounds that are beneficial. It is available in all the forms like ranging from barley grits, to hulled barley to barley flakes to barley flour and so on. The whole grain is used in all forms of barley, except in the case of pearl barley. The pearl barley is polished to remove some or all of the bran layer, outer one including the hull. If you are consuming barley as a whole grain, then you will get the benefits of fibre, selenium, manganese, molybdenum. It also consists of good amounts of magnesium, phosphorous, chromium, vitamin B1, copper and also niacin.
Low Risk of Cancer –
Consuming barley has also been found to lower the risk of cancer and also heart diseases, as barley contains lignans, a group of antioxidants which helps in the reduction of the diseases like the one’s mentioned above. Just like all other kinds of whole grains, barley is not antinutrient, that will alter your body’s digestion and absorption of nutrients. You can also try to soak the grain and sprout the grain to lessen the antinutrient content. These are the methods of preparation which makes barley and its nutrients more absorbable. Plus, when you soak and sprout the barley, it increases the minerals, vitamins, and protein and also the levels of antioxidants. For baking you can use the sprouted barley flour too.
Lose Weight and Reduce the Hunger Pangs –
Another best and the evidence-based benefit of barley is that it helps in reducing the weight and feeling of hunger pangs and keeps your stomach feeling full, which is another good method for losing weight. As barley has high-fibre content, it lessens the hunger pangs. It consists of a soluble fibre known as beta glucan, which assists the body greatly. It is also because this fibre forms a gel like substance in your stomach area, which slows the process of absorption and digestion. And, that in turn stops your appetite and gives you a feeling of full stomach. Well, the stomach is actually full after you have consumed barley in any form.