| Barley |
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OVERVIEW & BENEFITS |
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| For many centuries humans have used barley plant (both the seeds and leaves) as food and medicine. A source for the B vitamins, vitamin E, and folic acid, barley seeds are also ground into flour for baking or processed for use as a cereal. Malt sugar, another common derivative of barley is made and used as a natural laxative. Many people associate barley with the making beer, but in other parts of the world it is a primary grain for food. In Asia, barley seeds are fermented and added to soybeans, salt, and seaweed for flavoring food. For medical use barley being research for it ability to treat diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. Some evidence suggests that barley seed products in the diet may improve blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes -- possibly because the fiber in barley seeds delays stomach emptying and slows down the absorption of carbohydrates from foods. Like oatmeal, barley seeds contain both soluble and insoluble types of fiber that may help to lower cholesterol. Studies have shown that individual with barley in their diet experienced reductions in their total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the “bad cholesterol), or triglyceride levels. Additionally, barley may assist in weight loss in that acts as an apetite supresant making people feel like they have eaten more than they really have. Barley seeds may also protect against colon cancer. [PayPal Button Here] | ||