Barley is a source of gluten, so it is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Still, for many people, it is a nutritious grain worth incorporating into a balanced diet health.
Supports Digestive Health.
Barley is a source of beta-glucans and inulin, two kinds of soluble fiber found only in a few foods.สมัครเลยตอนนี้ที่ UFABET These fibers serve as prebiotics that help the healthy bacteria in your gut grow and thrive. They also have anti-inflammatory effects on the gut and may help prevent colon cancer.
Studies have found that soluble fiber is especially beneficial for the gut microbiome. Since it’s more easily metabolized by microorganisms in the gut to produce beneficial metabolites. This can reduce risk of constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer.
Helps Lower Cholesterol.
Barley’s soluble fiber content—particularly its beta-glucans—can also help lower cholesterol. About 11% of U.S. adults over age 20 have high cholesterol. High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, so it’s important to prevent or manage high cholesterol to maintain health.
Adding more soluble fiber to your diet is one key way to help lower your cholesterol. Studies have found that consuming soluble fiber can reduce low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol by 5–10%.
Research shows that barley beta-glucans can help lower LDL cholesterol without lowering high-density lipoprotein, or HDL (good) cholesterol. They work by increasing the amount of cholesterol you excrete in your stool. A study found that supplementing with 6.5 grams (g) of barley beta-glucans daily for at least four weeks lowered LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels by 7% compared to a control diet.