Barley has been farmed for millennia, but recently it’s been gaining attention for its numerous health perks. From aiding digestion to supporting heart health and more, barley’s adaptability and nutritional richness make it a great addition to a healthy diet.
In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of barley, and the top reasons why including barley in your meals can support your health.
What is barley?
Barley has been farmed for thousands of years by many different cultures, including the ancient Egyptians and Sumerians. Because of the plant’s resilience and nutritional richness, it’s remained a versatile and widespread staple in modern diets.
Barley is a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, offering many potential health benefits.
Its complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and satiety, contributing to weight management and blood glucose regulation. Meanwhile, minerals like manganese, selenium, phosphorus, and copper support bone health, metabolism, and immune function.
What is barley used for?
Barley serves as a fundamental ingredient in various dishes worldwide, ranging from soups and stews to salads and baked treats. Its hearty texture and nutty flavour enhance the taste and nutritional value of meals, making it an excellent choice for both savoury and sweet recipes.
Barley is also a key ingredient in many drinks, including beer and whiskey, and as a flavour in squash drinks.
In 2023, an innovative new process made it possible to extract high-quality protein from barley leftover from beer brewing. This upcycled ingredient is the foundation of Plant Protein Superblend – a silky smooth protein drink that supports your healthy balanced diet.
Find out more about upcycling and Superblend in this explainer:
Top 9 barley benefits
Here are the top health benefits of barley, exploring its impact on wellbeing, from supporting heart health to aiding digestion and beyond.
1. Heart health
The fibre, antioxidants, and minerals in barley support cardiovascular wellbeing by helping to manage your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. (1)
2. Gut health
Barley’s mix of both soluble and insoluble fibres fosters a healthy digestive system by regulating bowel movements and nurturing a balanced gut microbiome. They also keep you feeling full for longer and assist in weight management (2).
3. Blood sugar control
The unique combination of low glycaemic index and fibre content in barley helps stabilise blood sugar levels, offering a protective effect against insulin resistance (3).
4. Support weight management
Barley’s satiating properties, fuelled by its fibre and protein content, can help with weight management and keeping you fuller for longer (4).
5. Bone health
Barley’s mineral-rich profile, encompassing essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, increases bone density and resilience. These minerals combine to reduce the risk of fractures, protecting long-term bone health (5).
6. Immune system support
Barley is high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and selenium, which all help strengthen the immune system (6).