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Barley is a cereal grain used in bread, beverages, stews, and other dishes. As a whole grain, barley provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients may enhance heart health, help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, and more.

Consuming a diet rich in whole grains may help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other chronic health concerns.

This article looks at barley’s nutritional content and benefits, and it lists some reasons that some people may need to avoid consuming it. It also provides some tips on using and preparing it, as well as some recipes.

Barley grains in a wooden bowl.Share on Pinterest
The vitamins and minerals in barley may help support cardiovascular functions.

Stores usually sell barley in two forms: hulled and pearled.

Hulled barley undergoes minimal processing to remove only the inedible outer shell, leaving the bran and germ intact.

Pearled barley has neither the hull nor the bran.

The table below shows the nutrients per 100 grams (g) of uncooked hulled and pearl barley.

It is important to note that barley will usually expand to three and a half times its volume when cooked. Typically, a person will eat half a cup of cooked barley weighing around 78.5 g.

The table also shows the daily recommended intake of nutrients for adults aged 19 years and above, according to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Individual recommendations will vary according to age, sex, activity levels, overall health status, and other factors.

NutrientHulled barleyPearl barley Recommended adult intake
Energy (calories)3543521,600–3,000
Protein (g)12.59.946–56
Fat (g)2.31.220–35
Carbohydrate (g)73.577.745–65
Fiber (g)17.315.622.4–33.6
Calcium (milligrams [mg])

33291,000–1,200
Iron (mg)3.62.58–18
Magnesium (mg)13379320–420
Phosphorus (mg)264221700
Potassium (mg)4522804,700
Sodium (mg)1292,300
Manganese (mg)1.91.321.8–2.3
Selenium (micrograms [mcg])37.737.755
Folate (mcg)1923400

Barley is also a rich source of B vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). It also contains beta-glucans, a type of fiber that scientists have linked to various health benefits.

Why do dietitians recommend eating more whole grains? Find out here.

The sections below discuss the various health benefits of barley in more detail.

Various nutrients in barley support the cardiovascular system. These include:

Vitamins and minerals

Barley’s potassium, folate, iron, and vitamin B-6 content, together with its lack of cholesterol, all support cardiovascular functions.

For example, research has suggested that consuming a diet rich in vitamin B-6 and folate may help reduce levels of a compound called homocysteine. Having high levels of homocysteine may increase the risk of heart disease.

Other studies have indicated that eating a diet rich in these nutrients may help reduce heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure.

Folate and iron are particularly important for forming red blood cells and oxygenating the blood, which is important for overall heart health.

Niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, folate, iron, magnesium, and selenium all enhance the processes of cell formation, such as carrying oxygen through the blood, and the functioning of the immune system. Barley is a good source of all these nutrients.

Sodium and potassium

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend avoiding foods that are very high in sodium, such as fast foods. Instead, consuming vegetables, fruits, grains, and other potassium-rich foods may help maintain healthy blood pressure.

Fiber

Fiber appears to boost heart health by helping manage blood pressure and controlling cholesterol levels.

More specifically, the beta-glucan fiber present in barley reduces low density lipoprotein, or “bad,” cholesterol by binding to bile acids and removing them from the body via excretion. In fact, according to one 2008 study, consuming 3 g of beta-glucans per day from certain barley products can reduce total cholesterol by 5–8%.

In 2008, researchers found that eating a lot of high beta-glucan pearled barley significantly reduced high serum cholesterol levels and lowered visceral fat in Japanese men. These are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The phosphorus, calcium, copper, magnesium, and zinc in barley all contribute to improved bone structure and strength.

For example, zinc plays a role in bone mineralization and development. Calcium, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus, meanwhile, contribute to bone health and are essential for maintaining a strong skeletal system.

Barley contains selenium. Getting selenium from the diet can help prevent inflammation, according to a study from 2012.

According to the National Cancer Institute, people with some types of chronic inflammation — such as Crohn’s disease — have a higher risk of cancer. This is because persistent inflammation can sometimes trigger the DNA changes that cause cells to divide uncontrollably.

Selenium also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against damage caused by molecules called free radicals. This type of damage may increase the risk of cancer.

A high intake of fiber from plant based foods such as barley may also help lower the risk of colorectal cancer, specifically.

Also, some evidence suggests that beta-glucan fiber may benefit the immune system and have anticancer effects. Some people take it as a supplement, but researchers are examining ways of incorporating it into immunotherapy treatment for cancer.

For this reason, some people believe that consuming foods that contain beta-glucans may help prevent cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this potential health benefit.

How can diet affect cancer? Find out here.

Choline is another nutrient that may help reduce inflammation. Barley contains betaine, which the body can convert to choline.

Choline helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. It also helps maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids the transmission of nerve impulses, and assists in the absorption of fat.

What is an anti-inflammatory diet, and how can it help? Learn more here.

Barley’s fiber content helps prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

Eating fiber-rich foods such as barley may also contribute to weight loss. This is because it functions as a “bulking agent” in the digestive system, making a person feel fuller for longer. This may reduce calorie consumption and promote weight loss.

Effective weight management can also help reduce obesity and related complications, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.

Barley is a versatile grain with a nutty flavor and a chewy, pasta-like texture. People can prepare it in various ways.

In the sections below, we list some preparation methods for different types of barley.

Hulled barley

Hulled barley has a chewier consistency than pearled barley. It needs longer soaking and cooking times due to its outer bran layer.

Soaking will reduce the cooking time and achieve optimal flavor and texture.

To prepare hulled barley:

  1. Put the barley in a pan with twice its volume of water.
  2. Leave it to soak for several hours.
  3. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  4. Add 1 cup of grain to 3 cups of water or broth.
  5. Bring it to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 45 minutes.

Pearled barley

To prepare pearled barley, follow the same process as for hulled barley but without soaking it. Cooked from dry, a cup of barley will need 3 cups of liquid.

Quick tips

Here are some tips for using barley:

  • After cooking, add it to any pot of soup or stew to give it body and flavor.
  • Cook it in broth and add vegetables to make a tasty pilaf or risotto.
  • Toss chilled, cooked barley with diced vegetables and homemade dressing for a quick cold salad.
  • Combine barley with onion, celery, mushrooms, carrots, and green pepper. Add broth to the mixture, bring it to a boil, and then bake for approximately 45 minutes for an easy and healthful barley casserole.

Does barley water have any benefits? Find out here.

Barley contains gluten, so it is not suitable for people with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or a nonceliac gluten sensitivity. Malt, malted beverages such as beer, and several flavorings use barley as a base. As a result, they too contain gluten.

It is also important that people who want to increase their fiber intake do so gradually. This is because suddenly adding lots of fiber to the diet may lead to temporary digestive problems, such as bloating, as the body adjusts to the change.

Drinking plenty of liquids while increasing fiber intake can help prevent constipation.

A range of barley products is available for purchase online.

Q:

I have heard that barley can improve the skin and hair. Is this true?

A:

Currently, there is no scientific evidence directly linking barley intake to improved skin or hair health. However, barley may improve the health of skin and hair because it contains many nutrients that are important for these features.

For example, barley contains an amino acid called lysine. This is necessary for the formation of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen gives skin structure and elasticity. Barley also contains selenium, a mineral that doubles as a powerful antioxidant, which helps protect skin cells from free radical damage. It also contains zinc, B vitamins, and iron, all of which are essential for promoting the health of skin and hair.

Jillian Kubala, MS, RD Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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