Barley for good health and weight loss

Barley was an important cereal grain in ancient civilizations. It was also an important food grain among working-class people in Europe until the end of the 19th century, when other grains such as wheat, rye and oats became more abundant, replacing barley in the diet.

As a high-fiber, low-fat, whole-grain food, barley has a low energy density that aligns well with recommendations for weight control.

Barley is an excellent source of β-glucan soluble fiber, which play a pivotal role as nutraceutical food in preventing cardiovascular diseases, controlling diabetes mellitus, regulating cholesterol level in body.

The functional claims associated with barley β-glucan with respect to polyphenol and antioxidant properties might be depends upon the isolation method and its level of purity.

Insoluble fiber provides bulkiness in the intestines, thereby satiety. decreased appetite. It promotes intestinal movements relieving constipation, cleansing colonic harmful bacteria and reduced incidence of colonic cancer. It is a good source of niacin, reducing LDL levels and increasing HDL levels.

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that a daily intake of approximately three servings of whole grains is associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and a reduction in central adiposity.

Thus, whole-grain intake may also protect against metabolic syndrome, which is defined as a cluster of metabolic abnormalities for which central obesity is a primary criterion for diagnosis.
Barley for good health and weight loss