The benefits of barley porridge for men. Why barley should be included in your diet

The well-known pearl barley is a kind of greeting from Soviet childhood, when healthy barley porridge was generously served in public canteens and kindergartens, flavored with gravy to enhance palatability. But she enjoyed such popularity not only because of the comparative cheapness, but also because of the many useful substances that are contained in each grain of barley, from which barley is actually made. Is pearl barley useful and why? This will be discussed further.

Useful properties of barley

It turns out that barley is a very ancient culture that was familiar to people several millennia ago. During the time of Peter I barley was a frequent guest on the royal table, and later steamed in a Russian oven and mixed with cream became a favorite delicacy of the royal heirs. Such a love for barley porridge is explained not only by the taste of this dish, but also by the huge range of useful substances that are present in each grain.

Pearl barley

Barley is very useful and has an effect on the entire body. This porridge is simply indispensable for spring beriberi, and it is also recommended for older people whose body is prone to inflammatory processes and is prone to exacerbation of chronic diseases. Barley is no less useful for children, whose growing body requires a variety of vitamins and microelements. And of course, pearl barley is indicated for use by convalescent people and athletes whose body is weakened due to illness or physical exertion.

Barley porridge helps to increase immunity and normalize metabolism, improve the functioning of the nervous system, strengthen the bone skeleton, and is also responsible for the process of skin rejuvenation, the endocrine system, brain activity and oxygenation of the body.

Useful substances of pearl barley

• vitamins of groups A, B, E and D;
• trace elements such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, iodine, potassium and zinc;
• fats, fiber, carbohydrates and proteins.

Barley contains most of the periodic table.

Is pearl barley good for weight loss?

Despite the fact that barley contains carbohydrates, it is indicated for use in weight loss, since its calorie content is only 121 per 100 grams in boiled form. In addition, due to its properties to break down fats, as well as cleanse the body of toxins and other harmful formations, pearl barley helps to reduce weight. Also, do not forget that barley porridge is nutritious, which allows the body to acquire energy for movement and eliminates the feeling of hunger for a long time.

What is harmful barley

Oddly enough, but such a useful product as barley has contraindications for use. For example, this cereal should not be present in the diet of pregnant women and children under three years of age because of the gluten protein, which almost every third person has an individual intolerance to and which threatens to worsen the functioning of many organs from the heart to the brain. It is also not advisable to use barley for people with problems of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular with constipation and increased acidity of the stomach.

How much barley can you eat per day

Since pearl barley is still a low-calorie product, you can use it quite often, but it is recommended that no more than a glass of cereal per day, naturally boiled while following a diet. On a normal day, barley as a porridge or as part of another dish is recommended to be consumed several times a week, this will be quite enough to saturate the body with the necessary trace elements and vitamins.

How to choose pearl barley

When choosing pearl barley, it should be taken into account that there are two types of pearl barley in which it can be on sale - these are actually peeled and polished barley grains and barley groats, that is, crushed barley grains. Whole grains can be stored for a long time, but it is advisable to pour them into glassware after purchase in order to protect them from moisture and insects. The same rules apply to barley groats, but its shelf life does not exceed six months, so you need to carefully read the expiration date on the package.

Barley recipe

Of course, barley porridge is not the most delicious food in the world, but on the contrary, as many people think, especially those who are on barley diets, but maybe you just need to know how to cook it? In order for barley porridge to turn out tender and tasty, you first need to soak it in cold water in a ratio of 1 to 5, that is, 1 glass of cereal and 5 glasses of water, the soaking process should last at least 8 hours.

Then the water must be drained, add 2 cups of boiling water and place in a double boiler for 1.5 hours. In the finished porridge, you need to add cream, as well as a little honey, and serve after 10 minutes. By the way, barley porridge gives off its beneficial properties precisely in a warm form, cold porridge has beneficial properties in a much smaller amount.

No wonder our glorious great-grandfathers considered barley porridge to be a royal dish. It has a blood-purifying, diuretic, enveloping effect. Recommended for diseases of the gallbladder, genitourinary system, liver. It normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, prevents oncological ailments, and contributes to an excellent mood.

Compound. The content of vitamins, micro and macro elements in pearl barley

Polished barley grains, which look like pearls, contain a huge range of useful components, which allows them to surpass other cereals in their healing properties for our body. Looking at the numbers, it is easy to understand why it is called the queen of cereals, what is the use of pearl barley for children and adults.

Table No. 1 The content of vitamins in 100 g of pearl barley

Table No. 2 The content of trace elements in 100 g of pearl barley

Table No. 3 The content of macronutrients in 100 g of pearl barley

Calorie content. How many calories in 100 gr. product?

0.1 kg of the most valuable product contains 315 kcal (fats - 9.8 kcal, proteins - 37.2 kcal, carbohydrates - 267.5 kcal).

The benefits and beneficial properties of pearl barley for human health

The huge benefit of barley groats for a child and an adult lies not only in the variety of nutrients, but also in the optimal ratio of protein and digestible carbohydrates, a large amount of fiber and low starch content.

"River pearls" have a number of medicinal properties, incl.

• emollient;
• antibacterial;
• diuretic;
• antispasmodic;
• antiviral;
• antipyretic;
• anthracite;
• enveloping;
• antibacterial.

Porridge is useful for the body with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, since it is able to envelop the stomach, fill cracks, absorb poisons and harmful substances, cleanse the internal intestinal epithelium, and improve the absorption of useful components.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of barley porridge appear during various ailments, especially if the use of pharmaceuticals is not indicated for any reason.

It will help improve:

• with inflammation of the liver of the kidneys;
• with diabetes;
• with fungal, viral and colds infections;
• with prostatitis;
• with hepatitis;
• with arthritis;
• with hemorrhoids;
• with oncological diseases;
• with a runny nose, sore throat, cough.

Nicotinic acid "monitors" the amount of cholesterol in the blood, improves the functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin D is important for the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, takes part in the formation of the skeleton. Pantothenic acid, choline and other B vitamins are able to saturate the body with energy, accelerate the production of hemoglobin, and improve protein metabolism.

The inclusion of barley porridge on the water in your regular diet (especially for breakfast) is a great way to get rid of constipation during pregnancy, increase the body's resistance to colds during breastfeeding.

Miracle barley during breastfeeding helps nursing mothers improve the quality of milk, protect the baby from viral infections, beriberi. In old age, a valuable product improves mood, can slow down the aging process.

Benefits for men

For the strong half, it is important that pearl barley is a rich energy product, since it contains a lot of protein. It is ideal for significant physical exertion, allows athletes to be in great shape, and has been used in the diet of military personnel for many decades.

Doctors note that the unrestrained eating of barley dishes can lower libido in men.

Benefits for women

The benefits of barley porridge for female beauty have long been disclosed by physicians. The lysine contained in barley accelerates the production of collagen, which has a positive effect on the youth and radiance of the skin, as well as on the strength of teeth, strands, and nails.

The substance gordecin endows barley grains with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Vitamin E promotes smoothing of small furrows, skin rejuvenation. A decoction of healing barley is effective for constipation, has a beneficial effect on the health of the mammary glands during breastfeeding.

The phosphorus included in the composition is invaluable for the health of women during menopause. The element allows you to activate and normalize the functioning of the endocrine system, increase metabolism, which alleviates the unpleasant symptoms of this period - excessive sweating, irritability, "hot flashes". Selenium is the most powerful antioxidant.

Advice: Grind barley in a blender, add a few tablespoons of olive and linseed oil. Apply the mixture on rough and cracked heels - they will become soft and smooth.

In Russia, beautiful girls looked after their faces with the help of steamed and pounded barley, seasoned with honey, butter or sour milk. The face received good nutrition, a healthy and gentle blush appeared on the cheeks.

Recipes for female beauty:

Recipe 1 for smooth skin. Grind 3 tbsp. spoons of barley using a coffee grinder. Add whipped protein and gruel from the mashed pulp of the tomato. Apply to the face for 15 minutes.

Recipe 2 to get rid of blackheads. Rub 2 tbsp. spoons of hot barley porridge with 1 teaspoon of honey, a pinch of sea salt, 3-4 drops of tea tree oil. The duration of the mask is 15-20 minutes.

What are the benefits for children?

What is the use of pearl barley for children? With its help, it is easy to saturate the growing children's body with useful substances that are important for its full development. In winter, barley porridge in meat broth, water or milk will help strengthen the immune system and protect against frequent colds.

The lysine contained in the grains has an antiviral effect in herpes. Selenium eliminates muscle weakness, prevents the occurrence of diathesis, tonsillitis. Zinc is involved in the construction of muscle tissue, protects the children's body from infections, and helps to eliminate toxins. Vitamin A improves memory and vision in children, and is also important for the formation of the skeleton.

Important: For children under the age of three, nutritious barley porridge should be included in the diet after consultation with the pediatrician.

The benefits of pearl barley for weight loss (with a diet)

Barley porridge on the water is a fairly effective way to lose those annoying pounds. It will easily provide the body with useful components without overloading with unnecessary calories.

For seven days of a pearl barley diet, you can easily “lose” 5-7 kilograms. At the same time, the digestion process will improve, the body will be cleansed of poisons and toxins. The skin will become elastic, acquire softness and silkiness.

You will feel energized while studying or working, as slow carbohydrates are digested and absorbed over a long period of time, which allows you to feel full.

Benefits and harms during pregnancy

An inexpensive dietary product allows the female body during pregnancy to get rid of beriberi, to make up for the lack of trace elements.

Important: Barley dishes contain a large amount of zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium and lysine, which is extremely important for the body when carrying a baby.

Expectant mothers may not worry about being overweight, since the fiber contained in it minimizes body fat, perfectly fights toxins and toxins, and effectively helps with constipation.

A significant amount of phosphorus is important for the formation of the bone mass of the child. Vitamin A stands guard over female beauty - it protects teeth from destruction, strengthens strands, and improves the condition of the skin. Vitamin PP is a reliable helper of the body in the fight against "bad" cholesterol.

For the liver

Barley has a positive effect on the cleansing organ, promotes rapid cell regeneration. At the same time, the menu should have a lot of fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, which also help to free the liver from toxins and toxins.

For skin

Nutritionists note the benefits of barley porridge for youth and excellent skin condition, since it is rich in vitamin E. Tocopherol “cleanses” capillaries, protects red blood cells, participates in blood clotting processes, saturates cells with oxygen.

Lack of vitamin E leads to dryness and flaking of the epithelium, the appearance of ugly senile grooves and age spots, acne and pimples.

For heart

The healing properties of the queen of cereals enhance the effect of medicines for various pathologies of the heart muscle. This is due to the presence of potassium and magnesium, which reduce blood viscosity, prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, maintain the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, and also fill the myocardium with energy.

For muscles

With the help of inexpensive pearl barley, you can not only increase strength and endurance, but also build muscle mass. It is able to saturate the body with essential amino acids, proteins. Muscles will be in perfect order if you combine porridge with nuts, dried fruits, butter, milk or cream.

For diseases

With gastritis

A wonderful pearl barley will help improve digestion, get rid of hated pains. With gastritis, doctors are allowed to cook porridge, both in water and in milk. Be sure to consume the product warm.

Advice: For stomach ailments, including gastritis, eat porridge in a liquid and viscous form. They can be brought to the desired consistency with a blender.

With pancreatitis

With an inflammatory-degenerative process in the pancreas, it is important to use boiled porridge (in the form of heat) and barley decoction. They are famous for their tonic, enveloping antibacterial properties.

For diabetes

The daily presence of barley dishes in the diet of diabetics will help regulate blood sugar levels, improve metabolic processes, and reduce dangerous cholesterol.

Caution should be taken with the product if there is:

• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• tendency to constipation, flatulence;
• individual intolerance.

Want to know how to make a quick, healthy porridge for type 2 diabetes? Soak pearl barley in yogurt (kefir) for 2-3 hours - a liter of liquid is required for 1 glass of pearl barley. You can easily see that even barley, which is not loved by many, can be very tasty.

Harm and contraindication of barley for humans

The most useful barley can be harmful if used in excessive quantities. The problem lies in a special component of gluten, which in large doses provokes calcium leaching from the body. This can provoke the development of rickets in young children, fragility and fragility of bones after 50 years.

Doctors recommend careful use of pearl barley with a tendency to frequent constipation, flatulence. The portion should also be reduced during exacerbation of peptic ulcer, since coarse fiber creates an additional burden on the stomach.

With individual intolerance, barley porridge should be excluded from the diet.

Answers to popular questions

What is the best way to consume the product?

Pearl barley is unusually tasty and nutritious in pickles, cereals, soups, puddings. It is added to flour products and jelly. As a side dish, it goes well with mushroom, meat and fish dishes. By adding pearl barley to goulash, you can not only give it a delicate aroma, but also thicken it.

Remarkable cereals can easily replace rice during the preparation of cabbage rolls. Since pearl barley perfectly holds water, the minced meat will not spread. For kids, barley porridge in milk with the addition of apples, quince, raisins, dried apricots is perfect. Easy and delicious recipes are easy to find on the web.

Advice: Pre-soak the cereal (at least 12 hours) before cooking various dishes - they will become more tender and juicy, you will save time on the cooking process.

How to cook a quick and tasty porridge for kids? Even picky children themselves will like barley porridge in milk, if you add apples, plums, cherry or cranberry juice, a couple of teaspoons of honey when cooking. Juice will give the porridge a pleasant sourness, and honey and fruits will complement the rich taste, fill it with aroma.

Rules for the use of pearl barley in food

Let's sum up the benefits of pearl barley

Barley has a beneficial effect on various body systems, including the process of hematopoiesis, hormonal levels, the heart muscle, and the nervous system. Doctors recommend using barley during breastfeeding, to strengthen bone tissue and increase visual acuity.

Dishes from "pearl" cereals strengthen the immune system, strengthen the nervous system, are an excellent natural product for the prevention of cancer, and activate the brain.

Strengthen your health every day - include healthy, high-quality and right foods in your diet. "Beauty porridge" will allow you to feel cheerful and energetic, for many years to please loved ones with youth, beautiful appearance.

Since childhood, we have been hearing about proper and healthy nutrition, the main component of which should be cereals as a source of essential carbohydrates. Barley porridge is considered one of the most useful and nutritious. In the article we will talk about how barley is useful for the body, and what it can carry for him harm.

Barley is called groats from round grains of barley and porridge from this groats. The grains are processed by a special method, cleaned of awn, and polished. They are medium in size, light gray in color with a dark brown stripe in the center. Porridges, soups are prepared from them, they are used for fillings of some dishes.

Did you know? The name of pearl barley comes from the word "pearl" because of the external similarity of its boiled grains with the precious mother-of-pearl gifts of the rivers.

Porridge after cooking has a slight aftertaste. Grains during cooking become moderately elastic, but not soft. This is one of the cereals that take a particularly long time to cook.

Useful and nutritious properties of barley porridge have been known for a long time - a few centuries ago, noble nobles and merchants loved to use it. However, it was often on the tables of poor peasants.

Calories, vitamins and minerals

Let's look at the nutritional value of barley grains, and what useful elements are included in their composition.

100 grams of pearl barley have a fairly high calorie content - 320 kcal, boiled (on water) - 121 kcal. When compared with other cereals, then, for example, the calorie content is 343 kcal in raw form and 110 in boiled form - 350/88, rice - 358/116, corn grits - 337/86.

The same amount of cereal contains:

• proteins - 9.3 g (12%);
• fat - 1.1 g (3%);
• carbohydrates - 73.7 g (85%).

• A (0.014 mg/100 g);
• B1 (0.12 mg);
• B2 (0.006 mg);
• B3 (4.4 mg);
• B5 (0.5 mg);
• B6 (0.36 mg);
• B9 (24 mcg);
• E (3.7 mg);
• K (0.003 µg);
• PP (3.7 mg).

• phosphorus (323 mg/100 g);
• zinc (0.92 mg);
• potassium (172 mg);
• calcium (38 mg);
• magnesium (40 mg).

Did you know? Pearl barley contains twice as much phosphorus as any other cereal crop.

In addition to all of the above components, cereals also contain about 20 amino acids, of which eight are essential.

And due to the presence of a sufficiently large amount of fiber, pearl barley is considered a powerful antioxidant and body cleanser. In terms of fiber content, pearl barley overtakes wheat.

Varieties of pearl barley

Depending on the processing method, pearl barley includes the following varieties:

Benefits for the human body

If you look at the composition of pearl barley, it becomes obvious that due to the content vitamin A she is capable strengthen vision, immune system and improve metabolism.

Vitamin B in porridge stabilizes the nervous system, strengthens hair, cleanses the skin.

for rejuvenation and beautiful looking skin in reply vitamin E.

By eating porridge only twice a week, you can ensure that your hair, nails and skin will be in excellent healthy condition.

Barley has a positive effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract, brain activity. It is prescribed in diets for ulcers and those who suffer from colitis, pancreatitis, or simply want to lose weight.

In addition, barley porridge can affect blood purification, envelop the gastric mucosa, has a diuretic effect, lowers bad cholesterol and increases the necessary hemoglobin, and slows down the aging process. It is recommended to be introduced into the menu for people suffering from diseases of such significant organs as the liver, genitourinary system, and gallbladder.

Silicic acid, contained in barley groats, is able to naturally break down sand and stones in the kidneys, gall bladder and bladder. With problems of this nature, it is advised not to use cereals, but decoctions.

But the presence of hordecin gives the cereal an antifungal and antibacterial effect.

Experts argue about barley properties such as reducing the body's susceptibility to adverse external factors that are accompanied by allergies.

For men

Men will be interested to know that the presence of a high content of phosphorus in cereals affects the intensity and speed of muscle contraction. Therefore, it should be in the diet of those people who lead an active lifestyle, visit gyms, go in for sports, bodybuilding.

For women

Perhaps the main thing that barley is useful for women is the presence of lysine in it. After all, it is he who forms collagen - a substance that is responsible for the condition of the skin and the youth of the body.

And, of course, this porridge should be consumed by those who follow their figure and are worried about having extra pounds. Barley is able to remove the feeling of hunger for a long time and at the same time not be deposited with fat in problem areas on the body, and also clean the intestines. Often, barley porridge can be found as part of unloading and therapeutic diets, and it is also part of a variety of face masks.

For kids

The presence of barley porridge in the children's menu will provide the growing body with the required vitamins and minerals. Children who regularly use it have strong immunity, are more likely to tolerate colds more easily and less often, are active and energetic.

Porridge, due to the presence of phosphorus, has a great effect on the condition of bones, brain activity and the functioning of the endocrine system. Fiber, which enters the children's body with barley, will allow the gastrointestinal tract to function normally.

As we have already indicated, in cooking, barley groats are used in cereals, soups and fillings.

Barley porridge is not very popular and is not included in the menu of ordinary families as often as, for example, other porridges. This is most likely due to the fact that it takes much longer to cook, and many do not even know how to properly carry out this process. Therefore, it comes out of them slimy, hard and, as a result, tasteless.

If you are also unable to achieve a good-tasting barley, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the recommendations on how to cook it.

So there are two ways: on the stove and in the slow cooker. Let's consider both.

On the stove. The secret to making delicious and crumbly porridge is to thoroughly rinse it. Pour and drain the water several times so that the grits are cleared of gray plaque. Next, three glasses of cold water should be poured into the cereal, placed on the stove and boiled. After that, boil for another six to seven minutes and put it in a colander, let it drain well. In the meantime, pour two glasses of water into the pan and wait until it boils, then pour in the semi-cooked cereals. Salt, put a small amount of butter (vegetable) oil. The duration of cooking is 30-40 minutes. From time to time it is necessary to mix the porridge.

Important! In order for the porridge to become especially tender, and the cooking process to go faster, it is advised to hold it in water for 12 hours or over steam for 20 minutes before cooking.

In a multicooker. Place one glass of washed cereal in a multicooker bowl. Pour 2.5-3 glasses of water. Cook by setting the timer for 1.5 hours and the "Extinguishing" mode. Add liquid as needed.

You can cook such porridge not only on water, but also on milk and meat broth. It goes well with mushrooms. It will become especially unusual in taste when greens, herbal spices, are added to it.

It goes well with meat dishes, fish, salads, fresh and

Barley is a cereal that is obtained from whole barley grains that have undergone primary processing, in which the outer shell, the bran, is removed from it. The high content of nutritional properties and relatively cheap cost make it one of the most popular and sought-after cereals among the people. Porridge is prepared from it, added to soups, used to make kissels and sweets, as well as other original dishes.

Japanese scientists conducted studies, as a result of which it turned out that the benefits of pearl barley are very high. Barley is a healthy and very healing natural product, which is enriched with nutrients necessary for the growth and functioning of the body. Pearl barley contains vitamins, and is also a source of various trace elements and amino acids.

Barley porridge is the best option at the beginning of the day.

The content of vitamins and minerals in 100 g of pearl barley

The benefits of pearl barley

For health barley is a real treasure. It contains a little less valuable vegetable protein than soy, and barley surpasses even rice in its nutritional qualities.

Nutritional value of barley:

• Carbohydrates - 66.9 g;
• Starch - 65.7 g;
• Water - 14 g;
• Proteins - 9.3 g;
• Dietary fiber - 7.8 g;
• Fats - 1.1 g;
• Unsaturated fatty acids - 0.49 g;
• Mono- and disaccharides - 0.9 g;
• Ash - 0.9 g;
• Saturated fatty acids - 0.3 g.

100 g of pearl barley contains 315 kcal.

The shortest way to beauty and health is the use of barley porridge. It contains lysine, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, and it in turn creates elasticity for the skin. Thanks to it, you can also maintain heart health and prevent the occurrence of colds.

Barley porridge contains vitamins of the group, B, which help the formation of hemoglobin, and phosphorus, which the body needs primarily for the normal functioning of the nervous system. It regulates the functioning of the brain, which prevents neurosis, depression and panic attacks. Barley helps to cleanse the body, as it contains fiber, which, once in the body, is not digested, passing through the gastrointestinal tract, thereby contributing to the cleansing.

• An ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, in an acute form;
• pancreatitis;
• chronic colitis;
• Overweight.

The benefits of barley decoction

A decoction of pearl barley, you can treat the following diseases:

• Digestive organs, since the decoction has an enveloping and softening effect;
• Diseases of the genitourinary system;
• Liver disease;
• Gallbladder.

It is good to use a decoction for oncological diseases, as it helps to slow down the growth of malignant tumors. Its use as an expectorant and diuretic action gives an effective result. It also has a strengthening effect on the body.

It is useful to use it for women during breastfeeding, because it increases milk production. You can even drink water in which cereals have been soaked, it contains hordecin, a substance that has antibiotic properties. This substance helps well in the treatment of fungal skin diseases.

How to choose pearl barley?

Barley is an amazing porridge, but for some reason no one likes it. This is because many do not know how to simply choose it. The correct groats are prepared according to GOST 5784-60, and they are distinguished by numbers, from 1 to 5, the larger the number, the finer the grains. It is better to buy cereals under No. 2 - it is well polished, white in color, with a slight yellow tinge of cereals. Its grains are more whole and ripe. It's perfect for soup.

Barley at numbers 3, 4 and 5 is good for cereals, it can be recognized by its rounded shape. In any case, regardless of the number, you should look at both. The grains in the package differ in color and size, and there may also be many broken grains, such a product most likely contains mycotoxins, which lead to a general deterioration in well-being, and can also cause indigestion and even poisoning. They accumulate in the liver and negatively affect it.

If you find a bag of cereals, the grains of which are similar to each other like twins, you should not buy it, very often, such cereals deteriorate during storage. In no case should you clog the container in which the cereal is stored to the top, there must be a space between the cereal and the lid so that the cereal lies freely.

Barley for beauty

Harm of pearl barley

Barley porridge cannot do much harm. But there are some contraindications in its use. It should not be used for:

• Increased acidity of the stomach;
• Frequent constipation;
• Pregnancy.

Barley porridge should not be abused by men, since its excessive use can disrupt digestive functions and lead to a decrease in libido. Barley is a porridge of health, but, like all products, it should be consumed in moderation.

A rather ambiguous attitude has developed towards pearl barley. Some people like it, and some people can't stand it. However, it should be noted that this is one of the most useful. In this article, we will take a closer look at the nutritional value and how barley is useful for ours.

What kind of grain is barley made from

Barley is made from barley. Whole barley grain is processed by grinding.

If the barley is crushed, then it is barley groats, it is not polished, it has an angular shape. Depending on the size and shape of the grain, pearl barley can be large, oval, small and round.

Did you know? There are several varieties of this cereal. The Dutch is considered the most delicious. Its grains are small, round, milky in color. This variety is the fastest to prepare.

What it contains: calorie content and chemical composition

Now let's take a closer look at what is contained in barley.

100 g of cereal consists of:

• 10 g;
• 10 g;
• 1.16 g;
• 62.12 g;
• 15.6 g;
• 11.1 g of ash.

Representatives of the stronger sex, of course, are interested in what barley is useful for. Firstly, it is very nutritious, contributes to the rapid replenishment of energy costs. Secondly, a decoction of barley grains is useful to drink with prostatitis, as it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

Thanks to vitamin E and collagen, barley and a decoction of it are very useful for, help to strengthen them, give a healthy shine, prevent brittleness, split ends.

Barley in dietetics

Cereal is an indispensable product in terms of nutrition. This is explained by such cereal properties:

• contains a lot of protein, accelerates;
• helps cleanse the body of toxins;
• improves digestion;
• improves bowel function;
• normalizes hormonal metabolism;
• saturates the body with essential vitamins and elements, which is a prerequisite for any diet.

How to choose and store pearl barley

Good groats, depending on the variety, have a light brown or milky white hue. It should not contain black grains, their presence indicates a violation of the storage of the product. Also, the grains should not stick together. Such a defect indicates that the product was stored in conditions of high humidity.

Important! If you buy cereal by weight, be sure to check it for smell. No rash or mold should be felt.

Groats are recommended to be stored for no more than a year in well-closed containers. glass or tin cans. The place for it should be dry, darkened and periodically ventilated. Storage temperature - from +15 to +22°C.

How to cook and what is combined with

Before cooking pearl barley should soak at least 3-4 hours, and preferably at night, and rinse well. Then it will be softer and cook faster. Basically, it takes about 50 minutes to cook, the Dutch - 35-40 minutes. Porridge is cooked on the basis of two glasses of water for one glass of cereal. You may need to add water during the process. During cooking, you need to remove the foam. Butter is added to the finished porridge.

Contraindications

Despite all its usefulness, barley porridge has some contraindications to use. These include:

• frequent constipation;
• flatulence;
• increased stomach acid;
• individual intolerance.

So, contrary to many beliefs, barley porridge can be cooked deliciously. And the appetite will increase even more if you remember its beneficial properties.