The benefits of any cereals for the human body are undeniable, but not all cereals are equally popular for cooking. Among these, not often eaten porridge, belongs to barley. But if you look more closely at all the useful properties of this product, then the opinion can be changed dramatically.

The composition of barley groats

The glycemic index of this cereal, according to the international database, varies from 22 to 50 - depending on the country of origin:

• domestic - 22;
• Canadian - up to 27;
• Indian - up to 48;
• Tunisian - up to 50.

The composition of barley groats includes:

More than 65% of barley cereals are complex carbohydrates.

Nutritional value and beneficial properties

Calorie content of 100 g of cereal a little more than 320 kcal.

The mentioned number of grains contains:

• 10.4 g of protein;
• 1.3 g of fat;
• 66.3 g of carbohydrates.

Barley groats have many properties that can qualitatively improve the condition of the human body and strengthen its health. Cereals are valuable for adults and children, for the elderly and pregnant women. But, like any product, barley porridge can be beneficial if it is properly cooked, eaten in a regulated amount, taking into account all contraindications.

Important! There is an opinion that the smaller the grains of crushed barley, the more useful they are.

General health benefits

• The main positive characteristics of barley porridge are that it:
• helps to lower cholesterol, strengthen immunity;
• prevents the occurrence and progression of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and blood vessels;
• due to the significant saturation of cereals with complex carbohydrates, its use in food helps to cleanse the body of toxic substances, slag and other decay elements;
• makes it possible to maintain a feeling of satiety for a long time, which is useful if you want to lose weight;
• indispensable when you need to stay on diet food;
• improves the endocrine system;
• has antispasmodic, diuretic, enveloping, anti-inflammatory effects on the body;
• improves vision;
• reduces allergic manifestations;
• helps to stabilize the mood and functioning of the nervous system as a whole, strengthen stress resistance;
• helps to produce collagen, positively affecting the condition of the skin;
• prevents obesity and constipation.

The water in which the barley grains were soaked is saturated with gordecin, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

For children

Low-cost, but very useful and nutritious barley groats can have a beneficial effect on a growing children's body. The presence of a significant amount of protein and carbohydrates becomes an excellent energy support for him.

The structural composition of the product is optimal for the gastrointestinal tract of the child and does not exert any unnecessary load on it. Porridge from barley will help with constipation, normalizes the digestive tract of the child, will become an obstacle to the development of rickets. Phosphorus in its composition promotes the absorption of calcium and the correct formation of the children's skeleton.

Important! Pediatricians recommend starting eating barley porridge with a year and a half age. For preschool children, it will undoubtedly be useful.

But when feeding a child with barley porridge, one should adhere to some instructions:

• it is better to start with the preparation of just one teaspoon of cereal;
• for the first feedings, cook sparse porridge;
• until it becomes clear that the product is quite suitable for the body, do not add other components to it;
• after the first dose, observe the reaction of the child’s body during the day;
• increase portions gradually.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is no secret that expectant mothers need a diet characterized by maximum benefits and balance. Barley porridge belongs to such products. It practically does not cause allergic reactions, helps maintain the energy balance of the body and does not gain excess weight, favorably affects the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, and prevents the formation of edema.

But with all the positive aspects, barley porridge should be used with caution, not abused, it is best to consult a doctor first.

Indeed, because of the possibility of a diuretic and antispasmodic effect on the body of a pregnant woman, the risk of premature termination of pregnancy cannot be ruled out. The simultaneous ingestion of barley porridge and protein products can also have a negative effect on the body, provoking bloating, flatulence.

Dishes from barley groats help a woman recover after childbirth, saturate her body with useful substances, which makes breastfeeding better. Therefore, cereals from barley in the diet of a nursing woman have a beneficial effect not only on the mother, but also on her child and have practically no contraindications.

Did you know? In ancient times, barley grain was used as a measure of length and weight. The length of three unrefined grains is equal to 1 English inch (2.54 cm), and the mass of five peeled grains was equal to the Arabic carat (0.2232 g).

For weight loss

A diet based on porridge from barley is the best option for those who want to lose weight. Such a diet is easily tolerated, does not cause discomfort, fermentation or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. In addition, it fills the body with nutrients and nutrients, so necessary during the period of weight loss.

Barley porridge helps to cleanse the blood, reduce the effect of "bad" cholesterol, while reducing fatty layers. It is recommended to follow the diet for about a week, after which take a break. After a while, the course can be repeated again.

For the elderly

Barley porridge is extremely useful for people in old age.. It includes potassium, calcium, manganese, iron and other components that help improve brain activity, normalize metabolic processes, strengthen the nervous system and heart muscle, stabilize visual functions, cleanse blood vessels and increase their elasticity.

Did you know? Plato also proclaimed barley and wheat as the main components in the diet of citizens of his "ideal state".

Possible harm and contraindications

Barley porridge, like any product, if abused, can cause some discomfort in the work of the human body. Gluten protein, which is part of the cereal, can provoke bloating. Dishes based on barley grains are recommended to be eaten no more than two to three times a week.

Also, improperly prepared cereal from cereals can have a harmful effect on the body. If you cook porridge with fat milk and sugar when dieting to get rid of extra pounds, then this will not only not bring the expected results, but will make it possible to gain extra weight.

• Contraindications include:
• gluten intolerance;
• exacerbated or chronic forms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the possibility of eating dishes from barley groats should be consulted with your doctor;
• children's age up to 1.5 years.

Barley porridge recipes

Of this cereal, cereals are most often prepared in water or milk. They work great both on the stove and in the slow cooker. The croup should be thoroughly washed beforehand using a sieve, and larger foreign particles should be removed manually.

Did you know? Orzotto is the equivalent of barley risotto, popular in northern Italy. Also based on barley produce the most delicious beer.

Important! The volume of cereals from barley during cooking can increase by almost 5 times.

Medical use

Barley groats often become a good helper for medical purposes. Due to the presence of coarse fiber, it can significantly help with constipation. With regular use of food, cereal product helps to cleanse the intestinal walls, improve its motility, and normalize microflora.

Doctors recommend for medicinal purposes to eat porridge from barley in the morning on an empty stomach. Barley is recognized in folk medicine as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for colds, coughs, urolithiasis, and even diabetes. All of its medicinal properties related to the medical aspect are described above.

Use in cosmetology

Amino acids that make up barley cereals are involved in collagen production. This substance helps to improve skin elasticity, smooth and prevent wrinkles. Barley is rich in mineral and vitamin components that help keep nails and hair healthy.

• Also, this product helps in eliminating decay products from the body, which favorably affects the elimination of skin problems:
• acne reduction;
• obstruction in the occurrence of sebaceous plugs and contamination of pores.

Facial masks are made from gruel of raw crushed cereals. It is added to the bathtubs for the purpose of healing and treatment, in order to soothe and tone the skin, improve their condition. Barley is really able to take an active part in the extension of youth.

Did you know? Well-known barley is barley. Its name comes from the word "pearl".

Rules for the selection and storage of barley groats

To get the maximum benefit from barley groats, you should learn how to choose and store it correctly.

When choosing, consider the following:

• shelf life;
• grains should be dry, without mold and an unpleasant odor, as uniform as possible in size, easy to sprinkle;
• the packaging must be intact, without damage and stains.

In order for the cereal to retain its quality characteristics longer, during storage should:

• to determine it in a dry and warm place, it is better if it is a lockable insulated cabinet;
• Do not place near smelling foods;
• pour into sealed containers or bags on a woven basis;
• once a month you need to check the cereals;
• on the jar or bag where the cereal is stored, you must specify the expiration date if the original packaging is not preserved.

Did you know? The ancient Roman gladiators had the concept of "those who eat barley," thanks to which they were able to gain muscle mass in a short time.

High nutritional value, saturation with useful vitamins and minerals bring barley groats to a number of products that are sometimes vital for everyone to include in their diet. Older people, considered long-livers, did not always have the opportunity to read about the benefits of this product, they just regularly used it for food, feeling on themselves that it fills the body with strength and energy.