Amazing Health Benefits and Uses of Barley Water
Barley is one of the healthiest choices of cereals in breakfast these days. In recent studies, it has been proven that this whole grain barley contains miraculous health benefits.
This cereal grows on plant belonging to the Gramineae grass family. It has a rich nut flavor with a chewy consistency. This whole grain is not just consumed as a cereal by its fermented to be used in beer, used in malt beverages as its rich in maltose as well.
Amongst the usage of barley whole grains as breakfast cereal, drinking barley water possesses greater benefits to the health.
In culinary purposes barley is used in many forms such as barley grass, hulled barley, pearl barley, barley flour, barley green powder and barley water.
Other than its culinary usage this wonderful whole grain is rich in nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants for providing overall health benefits.
Nutritional Content of Barley
Barley is one of the healthiest choices of cereals in breakfast these days. In recent studies, it has been proven that this whole grain barley contains miraculous health benefits.
This cereal grows on plant belonging to the Gramineae grass family. It has a rich nut flavor with a chewy consistency. This whole grain is not just consumed as a cereal by its fermented to be used in beer, used in malt beverages as its rich in maltose as well.
Amongst the usage of barley whole grains as breakfast cereal, drinking barley water possesses greater benefits to the health.
In culinary purposes barley is used in many forms such as barley grass, hulled barley, pearl barley, barley flour, barley green powder and barley water.
Other than its culinary usage this wonderful whole grain is rich in nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants for providing overall health benefits.
Nutritional Content of Barley
- Selenium
- Copper
- Chromium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Iron
- Thiamin
- Folate
- Vitamin B1, B3
- Protein
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Fiber
Now, let’s discuss about the health benefits and uses of barley water to treat various health conditions naturally and easily.
1. Barley Water Recipe
1. Barley Water Recipe
Before we begin discussing about the barley water remedies for treating various health conditions here is a recipe for homemade and preservative free barley water.
This homemade barley water is sugar free and is completely natural so one can incorporate this barley water in any of these home remedies without any side effects.
Things we need
Pearl Barley- 1 Cup
Water- 1 ½ Litre
Strainer
Process
- Firstly rinse the barley well under running water.
- Then soak the barley in ½ litre of water for 4 hours or overnight.
- Later strain the water from soaked barley.
- Add 3 to 4 cups of water to the soaked barley and put it on heat.
- Allow the barley to boil in water for 40 to 60 minutes or until the barley grains are completely cooked.
- Then remove it from heat and allow the barley infused water to cool down to the normal room temperature.
- Strain the cooked barley grains from the water and discard the grains.
- Use this barley water in any of the home remedy recipes mentioned below.
- This barley water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Barley Water for Weight Loss
Barley is a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber. The high volume of fiber called beta glucans in barley makes one feel fuller for longer time so one doesn’t consume additional calories.
Thus this remedy results in a successful weight loss within a limited period of time.
Things we need
- Barley Seeds- 2 tbsp.
- Lemon Juice- ½ tsp
- Salt- 1 Pinch
- Honey (Optional)- ½ tsp
- Water- 2 Litres
Process
- Firstly rinse the barley seeds well with plain water.
- Then add 2 litres of water to the rinsed barley seeds.
- Later put the barley seeds with water on the heat to boil.
- Allow the water to boil for 30 to 45 minutes or until barley seeds look translucent and bloated.
- Later remove from heat and strain the barley water.
- For enhancing the taste of barley water add lemon juice, salt and honey to 1 glass of barley water.
- Stir well and drink this barley water 3 to 4 times a day.
- This process must be followed regularly 3 to 4 times a day for at least 1 month for effective weight loss results.
3. Barley Water for Lowering Cholesterol
Barley is known for its rich source of insoluble fiber which is highly beneficial for the heart health. This insoluble fiber content forms an acid called as propionic acid which helps inhibit enzymes that are responsible for the production of cholesterol by the liver.
The barley fiber provides beta glucans which is required to bind the bile in the digestive tract to cholesterol. Therefore barley is beneficial for flushing out the cholesterol from the body.
Process
For cholesterol lowering benefits drink at least 4 to 5 glasses of barley water through out the day.
4. Barley Water for Urinary Tract Infection
Barley water is a natural diuretic which increases urination to flush out toxins, cystitis and infection causing bacteria. Regular consuming of barley water even helps to cleanse the kidneys effectively.
Process
To treat urinary tract infection one must drink at least 5 to 6 glasses of barley water daily.
5. Barley Water for Kidney Stones
Hard deposit of minerals and acids formed inside the kidney is called kidney stones. In treating kidney stones barley water is considered as one of the best home remedies.
Barley water has multiple effects for treating kidney stones. Barley water creates required pressure on the bladder to help eliminate kidney stones easily.Barley water maintains the required pH balance in the body to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Barley water is a great remedy to nourish the kidneys and maintain it in the best condition. Barley water is rich in dietary fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B6. The nutrient content decreases the emission of calcium through urine and even breaks down the calcium oxalates in kidneys.
Drinking barley water regularly prevents recurrence of kidney stone.
Things we need
Barley Water- 1 Glass
Lemon Juice- 1 tsp
Honey- 1 tbsp
Process
- Take a glass of homemade barley water and add in lemon juice.
- Then add in honey and mix barley water well.
- Drink this barley water with lemon juice and honey through out the day.
- This process must be repeated regularly 5 to 6 times a day until the kidney stone is flushed out of the body.
6. Barley Water for Digestion
Barley water contains alkalinity and fiber which aids in digestion and improves the intestinal function. Barley water is even a great drink to restore the electrolytes levels and combat dehydration.
Process
- Drink plenty of barley water before meals.
- This process can be repeated through out the day for maintaining a healthy digestive system and absorb food better.
7. Barley Water for Healthy Heart
Barley water is one of the most natural and inexpensive remedies to maintain a healthy heart. As barley water helps to prevent atherosclerosis, a condition which thickens the arterial walls due to coagulation or deposition of cholesterol.
Barley water is a good source of vitamin B niacin which is rich in anti-inflammatory and lipid altering properties. These properties help in delaying the development of atherosclerosis. Moreover barley water is even beneficial for lowering high blood pressure.
Process
- To improve the heart’s functioning and avoid cardiac complications drink a glass of barley water daily.
- 8. Barley Water for Diabetes
- Barley water is a wonderful remedy to stabilize the blood sugar levels as the beta glucans in barley slows down the absorption of glucose. Many studies have even proven that beta glucans is beneficial in improving glucose control and insulin resistance.
Moreover, barley water’s low glycemic index and phytochemicals even prevents obesity which is one of the primary causes of type 2 diabetes.
9. Barley, Wheat Flour, Gum, Onion Seeds and Water Remedy
The combination of barley, wheat flour, gum and onion seeds are proven to be beneficial in stabilizing the blood sugar levels.
Wheat flour is a good source of magnesium which is responsible for activating the enzymes to balance out the insulin production and glucose levels in the body.
Gum also called as acacia gum is beneficial for weight management which is one of the main causes for type 2 diabetes.
Onion Seeds also called as Black Seeds contains thymoquinone which helps to prevent the development of diabetes.
Things we need
- Barley Seeds- 100 Grams
- Wheat Flour- 100 Grams
- Gum or Acacia Gum- 100 Grams
- Onion Seeds or Black Seeds- 100 Grams
- Water- 5 Cups
- Strainer
- Glass Jar
Process
- Take a large saucepan and add 5 cups of water.
- Then add barley, wheat flour, gum, onion seeds and stir well.
- Allow the water to boil on high heat for 10 minutes.
- Later remove from heat and allow the solution to cool down to room temperature.
- Then strain the seeds and pour the solution into a glass jar.
- For consumption, drink 1 small cup of this barley water solution early morning on empty stomach.
- This process must be continued regularly for 7 days.
- Then the next week consume this drink on alternative days for 2 weeks again for significant improvement in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
10. Barley Water for Anaemia
Barley water is nutrient dense and the top most health beneficial nutrients are copper and iron. These nutrients are very beneficial for treating anaemia.
The copper content in barley water aids in formation of haemoglobin and iron is beneficial for increasing the red blood count.
Process
Drink a glass of barley water daily regularly for at least 1 month to treat and prevent anaemia.
11. Barley Water for Osteoporosis
Barley water is considered as the healthiest drinks for people suffering from osteoporosis. This wonderful grain infused water is a good source of phosphorous, copper and manganese which is essential for maintaining healthy bones.
According to research barley water contains 10% more calcium relatively to a glass of milk. Thus it’s an excellent drink to strengthen the bones and cure osteoporosis.
Process
Replace aerated drinks, colas and water with this homemade barley water for strengthening the bones and treating osteoporosis.
Consume at least 4 to 5 glasses of barley water daily for best results.
12. Barley Water for Pregnancy
Barley water is known to be immensely beneficial for pregnant women. This amazingly potent barley water works on various pregnancy concerns effectively.
Barley water eases indigestion in pregnant women by stimulating the production of digestive juices. Barley water helps to ease the morning sickness experienced by pregnant women.
Drinking barley water helps to prevent gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Barley water helps to prevent UTI and yeast infections in pregnant women. Barley water even prevents the formation of gallstones in pregnancy.
How to Use Barley Water for Pregnancy Related Concerns
13. Barley Water and Fennel Seeds
Barley water and fennel seeds are an excellent combination for treating various concerns in pregnancy.
Fennel seeds aide in relieving nausea, stimulates appetite and relieves indigestion concerns effectively.
Things we need
Barley Water- 1 Glass
Fennel Seeds- 1 tsp
Strainer
Process
- Firstly boil 1 glass of barley water.
- Pour this boiling barley water on 1 tsp of fennel seeds.
- Cover the vessel and let the fennel seeds steep in barley water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Later remove the lid and strain the fennel seeds.
- Then drink this warm fennel seeds infused barley water immediately.
- This process must be repeated 2 to 3 times a day to treat various concerns related to pregnancy.
14. Barley Water for Gallstones
Obesity, diabetes, genetics and sometimes cholesterol lowering drugs aggravate the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. This can cause nausea, upper back pain, upper abdomen pain and indigestion as well.
To treat these symptoms of gallstones barley water is considered as one of most effective home remedies. As barley water contains insoluble fiber which aids in lowering the stimulation of bile acids by moving the food from the intestines faster.
Process
Drinking a glass of barley water daily once is beneficial for preventing the formation of gallstones.
15. Barley Water for Hair
Barley water is enriched with micronutrients such as niacin, thiamin and procyanidin B3 which aides in promoting hair growth. The high copper and iron content in barley water improves the red blood cells and helps to restores the dark color of the hair.
Barley water is even beneficial for controlling hair loss due to underlying concerns like anaemia.
Process
Drinking 2 to 3 cups of barley water in a day regularly for at least 1 month will provide significant improvement in hair fall, texture and color.
16. Barley Water for Healthy Skin
Amongst the several health benefits and uses of barley water, this barley water even possesses miraculous benefits for skin. As barley water contains a skin friendly compound called azelaic.
Barley water is even a rich source of antioxidants which helps to fight free radicals to prevent signs of aging and maintain the elasticity of the skin.
Enjoy this powerful anti aging barley water drink daily for maintaining a youthful and clear glowing skin.
17. Barley Water Face Mask
Things we need
Barley Water- 1 tbsp
Process
- Firstly take 1 tbsp. of homemade barley water.
- Apply this barley water all over the face and neck.
- Allow the application to dry for 10 minutes.
- Then rinse off the face with plain water and pat the skin dry.
- This process must be repeated daily once to maintain blemish free and glowing skin.
Barley water contains natural cooling properties to protect the body from the summer heat and beat dehydration. This amazingly cooling drink replenishes the body’s lost nutrients and improves the blood circulation.
18. Barley water, Lemon Juice and Rock Sugar
The combination of barley water, lemon juice and rock sugar is extremely beneficial for curing summer heat and provides a cooling relief.
Lemon Juice, reduces the body temperature and quenches thirst.
Rock Sugar provides instant energy in glucose form for beating the summer heat.
Things we need
Barley Water- 1 Glass
Lemon Juice- 1 tsp
Rock Sugar- As required
Process
- Take a glass of barley water and add in rock sugar.
- Stir well until the rock sugar is well dissolved.
- Then later add lemon juice in barley water and mix again.
- Serve this barley water drink chilled for replenishing the body’s lost nutrients and glucose levels.
This process can be repeated daily once or as and when required.
Here are few more health benefits and uses of barley water:
- Barley water protects children from respiratory disorders like asthma.
- Barley water prevents the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer and coronary diseases as it contains phytonutrients known as enterolactone.
- Barley water contains good source of zinc which helps to heal the body faster.
- Barley water is a rich source of vitamin C and manganese which aides to improve the immunity of the body.
- Barley water helps to revitalize the body by assisting in cellular regeneration and restores the body powers.
Important Tips to Remember before trying Barley Water Remedies:
- Don’t drink more than 6 glasses of barley water as its diuretic.
- People with gluten intolerance must avoid barley water as it contains gluten.
- Avoid consuming barley water before any surgery to avoid any surgical complications as it can decrease the blood glucose levels.
- All these barley water remedies are natural and completely safe.
- So, next time don’t ignore the benefits of barley water and maintain optimal health and clear glowing skin naturally.
If at all any health condition doesn’t improve after a long period of time even after the consumption of barley water then you must always make sure to consult a specialist.
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