Rich in fiber, barley is counted under the category of whole grains like oats and whole wheat. Barley is quite healthy and is considered good when you are on a weight-loss mission.
Nutritional value:
Barley is a major cereal grain and is a nutritional powerhouse. Half a cup of cooked barley contains:
Calories: 96
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrate: 22 g
Protein: 2 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 2 mg
Manganese: 1 mg
Barley water and weight loss
It is true that barley water is high in calories, but very low in fat content. The fiber content in the barley water helps in easy digestion. It can make you fuller for a longer period and prevent you from getting indulged in unhealthy snacking, which is necessary when you are watching your weight.
Other health benefits of barley water
1. Lowers cholesterol
Drinking barley water every day helps to keep your cholesterol level in control. The antioxidant properties of barley water help to get rid of free radicals from the body, which keeps you healthy.
2. Controls blood sugar level
Barley water can also control your blood sugar level. This drink is quite beneficial for people suffering from diabetes.
3 Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
Barley water is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that enable healthy cell growth. It is packed with folate, iron, copper, and manganese.
How to prepare barley water
Ingredients:
Barley pearls -1 cup
Water -1.5 litres
Lemon juice -2 tablespoon
Honey -1 tablespoon
Cinnamon stick -1
Method:
Step 1: Add half cup Barley pearls in a pan. Now add 1.5 litres water and cinnamon stick in it and then let it boil.
Step 2: Let the pan be on simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Turn the gas off and let the barley water cool for a while.
Step 4: Strain this concoction and add lemon juice and honey in it for flavour. Your Barely water is ready.
You can make it in large quantity and store in your refrigerator.
How to have it
To reap maximum benefits, drink barley water at least two times a day. You can have this drink anytime.
