Barley - composition, useful properties and harm of cereals

Barley is a cereal rich in useful minerals, vitamins, proteins and plant fibers. All these elements have a positive effect on human health. Barley is often included in the diet of athletes. It helps in the recovery of muscle tissue and helps in losing weight. In addition, the cereal is used for cosmetic purposes - it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin of the face, hair and nails.

Chemical composition and calorie content of barley

The chemical composition of grain is saturated with vitamins, fiber, micro- and macroelements, plant compounds useful for the body. The calorie content of barley per 100 g is 281.6 kcal.

Nutritional value of the product per 100 g:

• proteins - 12.6 g;
• fats - 2.4 g;
• carbohydrates - 57.5 g;
• water - 15 g;
• cholesterol 0 g;
• dietary fiber - 14.6 g;
• ash - 2.3 g.

The percentage of BZHU is 14/8/77, respectively. The main amount of calories appears due to the high rate of carbohydrates, however, the use of barley will not be reflected in weight gain (unless, of course, you specifically set a goal), but with a balanced dosage, on the contrary, it will help you lose weight.

Chemical composition of cereals per 100 g in the form of a table:

In addition, the product contains fiber in the amount of 17.41 g, useful omega-6 fatty acids in the amount of 0.99 g, selenium, thiamine and vitamins K, E, and pantothenic acid.

Note. In order for the whole spectrum of useful elements to be better absorbed by the body, it is necessary to eat sprouted or soaked barley. The calorie content of sprouted barley is 300.1 kcal per 100 g.

Health Benefits

The beneficial properties of barley for human health are manifested not only in the general improvement of well-being, but also in helping to lose weight. Grain heals the body, which is almost immediately reflected in the work of internal organs, namely:

1. The work of the digestive tract improves. Due to the rich fiber content in the product, the intestinal microflora is normalized. Eating cereals regularly will help cleanse the intestinal walls and relieve heaviness in the stomach. What's more, barley eliminates the risk of constipation or hemorrhoids. After establishing the work of the digestive tract, the general well-being and performance improves.
2. The feeling of hunger decreases. Due to the rich chemical composition of barley, in particular the presence of dietary fiber in it, the feeling of satiety remains in the stomach for a longer time. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the number of meals, and therefore, to weight loss. Feeling satiated faster with barley, and soluble fiber can help reduce the amount of fat in the lower abdomen, especially if it's associated with hormonal disorders.
3. Discomfort from a disease such as arthritis is reduced. This is due to the copper contained in barley, which affects free radicals, neutralizing them and accelerating the process of cell regeneration. In addition, copper has a positive effect on the production of collagen, on which bone synthesis directly depends. Regular consumption of grains will help to get rid of excessive bone fragility and reduce the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
4. Reduces the risk of tumors. Barley contains a group of phenolic compounds that prevent the development of cancer. The systematic use of cereals is the prevention of breast, colon and prostate cancer. It is useful to drink a decoction of barley grains, and not be limited to one porridge.
5. The immune system is strengthened due to the rich content of vitamins and minerals in the grain. Regular consumption of cereal may reduce the likelihood of developing colds or flu. And thanks to the presence of iron, the development of anemia is prevented. The product will help the body during colds and protect the exhaustion.
6. The risk of developing diabetes is reduced due to the high content of magnesium in cereals - thanks to this element, the level of sugar in the blood decreases.

In addition, barley has the ability to strengthen muscle tissue, which helps athletes build muscle without injuring them. Grain helps to lower blood cholesterol and strengthen the heart, which is especially important during strenuous physical activity and cardio training.

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Sprouted barley has useful properties identical to grains, but to lose weight and speed up metabolism, it is best to eat it (it can be in the form of flour).

Therapeutic effect on the body

Not only broths based on barley have a healing effect on the body, regular use of porridge has the same effect. Let's look at the issue in more detail.

1. Whole grain cereals stabilize hormones in both women and men. The plant is used as a therapy for hormonal disorders, it has a positive effect on the reproductive function of men. The elements contained in porridge help women tolerate premenstrual syndrome and menopause less painfully.
2. Barley broth can be used as a preventive measure to protect against infectious diseases or inflammatory processes of various kinds.
3. Regular use of the product restores visual acuity, serves as the prevention of myopia and hyperopia. It is especially useful to include barley in the diet for people who spend a lot of time in front of a monitor screen.
4. Regular consumption of barley reduces the tendency to allergies.
5. Even the water in which the cereal was soaked has healing properties. Washing the feet with such a liquid slows down the development of a fungal infection, and subsequently completely eliminates it.
6. A proprietary blend helps cure coughs.
7. Diathesis is treated with a decoction of barley. To do this, take oak bark in the amount of 25-30 g, mix with 400 g of grains, grind everything to a state of small crumbs. After that, it is poured with water (up to 8 liters) and boiled for 10-12 minutes. The resulting workpiece is left to infuse for 1 hour so that the liquid thickens a little and becomes viscous. The tincture is added to a hot bath during water procedures.
8. With the help of tincture from cereals, ulcers and gastritis can be cured. This requires pouring 100 g of cereal with a liter of purified water in the evening. In the morning, boil the resulting workpiece for 15-20 minutes (do not drain or change the water). Then strain the liquid and drink before meals three times a day.
9. Tincture of barley is used to treat childhood asthma due to the vitamins E and C, which are part of the composition, thanks to which the decoction of the grain acquires antioxidant properties.

The product is allowed to be used as an additive during artificial feeding of infants.

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Barley as a cosmetic product

Barley is used as a cosmetic product to strengthen hair and improve skin condition. Barley extract is especially effective. It not only softens and moisturizes the skin, but also has a rejuvenating effect.

A noteworthy fact: cosmetic creams based on the product are suitable for all skin types and are widely used even by dermatologists.

Bath with the addition of barley extract:

• reduces inflammation of the skin;
• relieves furunculosis;
• removes the rash;
• cures eczema.

The same extract is added to hair and skin care products, such as:

• masks;
• gels;
• shampoos;
• balms.

Barley extract has the same benefits as whole sprouts and grains. The product is sold in a pharmacy in a liquid or powder form. The liquid solution has a rich aroma and a greenish tint. The powder, in turn, is deep green in color and is made directly from the plant sprouts.

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Contraindications and harm

There are practically no contraindications to eating barley. In most cases, the grain is completely safe and extremely useful, but in order to avoid possible harm, you should not eat this product if you are allergic to cereals or individual intolerances.

Sprouted barley is contraindicated in large quantities:

• during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the risk of food poisoning;
• with gluten intolerance;
• in the presence of diabetes mellitus, it is necessary to discuss in advance with the doctor the permissible rate of consumption of the product

A couple of weeks before surgery, it is necessary to stop eating cereals so that there are no problems with regulating the amount of sugar in the blood after surgery.

Barley sprouts should not be eaten by children under 12 years of age. Sprouts can harm the growing body, causing disorders in the digestive tract. Seedlings should be discarded with flatulence.

Outcome

Barley is an affordable product that is suitable for almost all people and has no significant contraindications for use. Barley grain brings many-sided benefits, because the product contains a huge amount of vitamins, fiber, minerals and protein. Regular consumption of porridge helps to lose weight and improves the condition of the skin and hair. Athletes use the product as a nutritional supplement to build muscle, strengthen the heart, and improve endurance before strength training. In addition, barley decoctions and tinctures have medicinal properties and are widely used in folk medicine.

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