The Power of Barley Water Benefits for Health and Vitality

It’s summertime! Your refrigerator is undoubtedly stocked with cool beverages and juices. And for sure, you keep downing one glass after another.

Then you start to think, “Hey, why am I gaining weight and feeling lethargic even though I’m on liquids and juice?” Isn’t that, right? Maybe it’s possible that the juices you’re drinking don’t have the nutrients your body needs. Or perhaps you are unaware of the right drinks to consume while on your path to well-being.

So, stop! We’ll introduce you to one such drink today. It is barely water! You might be surprised that this simple drink has been around for centuries and is loaded with health benefits!

Types of Barley

You must decide what kind of barley you’ll need to prepare the barley water or jau sharbat recipe. This whole grain comes in three main varieties:

• Unhulled Barley
• Hulled Barley
• Pearl Barley

It would be best to use hulled or pearl barley for the barley water preparation. Hulled barley eliminates the grain’s rough outer layers, whereas pearl barley refines the grain even more. Some or all of the bran is removed from the barley during polishing.

These two barley varieties have advantages and disadvantages, so weigh them carefully. The bran removal makes pearl barley less nutrient-dense but cooks significantly faster. Hulled barley is the healthier choice, but cooking will take longer.

How to Make Barley Water

Making barley water is simple. Many people add natural flavourings like lemon to improve barley water’s taste. The following ingredients are needed to prepare 6 cups of lemon barley water:

• ¾ cup of pearl barley
• Two lemons (juice and peel)
• ½ cup of honey
• 6 cups of water
• A pinch of black pepper for digestive benefits
• To make barley water, one may do the following:
• Till the water runs clear, rinse the barley under cold water.
• Soak barley for 3-4 hours; it makes it easy to digest.
• Place the barley in a pot with six cups of water.
• Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for fifteen to thirty minutes.
• Strain the mixture into a heatproof bowl and set the barley aside.
• Add the honey and stir until it melts.
• Transfer into bottles and place in the fridge to cool.
• Keep in mind that adding honey will increase the flavor, but also add sugar.

Health Benefits of Barley Water

1. Barley Water for Cholesterol

Drinking barley water may affect your cholesterol levels. Barley contains substances called tocols that may help lower LDL cholesterol and improve heart health ^[1]. LDL is the bad cholesterol that can build up in the walls of your blood vessels over time, potentially leading to blockages that restrict blood flow.

Thus, the antioxidants in barley water scavenge free radicals, reducing the oxidative stress that exposure to pollutants causes in your heart ^[2]. So sip on the barley water for heart-healthy reasons.

2. Barley Water for Blood Sugar

You may manage blood sugar rises by consuming unsweetened barley water. Soluble fibre in this drink reduces the rate at which glucose enters the system after meals, minimizing sharp rises in blood sugar levels ^[3].

Additionally, barley water’s beta-glucans boost insulin sensitivity, strengthening the body’s capacity to control blood sugar. Over time, consuming barley water regularly may help to stabilize blood sugar levels ^[4].

It may be a refreshing and advantageous option for people trying to maintain healthy blood sugar levels because of its low glycemic index, contributing to its role in diabetes control.

3. Barley Water helps Manage Weight Goals

Unstrained but dehusked barley water’s high fibre content may aid in promoting more regular digestion. Additionally, it may prolong the feeling of fullness.

Because barley water hydrates you, it may be a helpful tool for preventing hunger pangs and preventing you from nibbling between meals ^[5]. Since it digests slowly and keeps you content for longer, it may help with weight management when combined with a good diet and exercise.

Sometimes, it isn’t easy to find the time to plan your meals, and you’re constantly searching for fresh approaches to eating more fibre. However, you are unsure how to go about it.

But there’s no need to panic since Aashirvaad Atta, and a group of expert nutritionists created the My Meal Plan test to calculate your daily fibre consumption and generate a meal plan that meets suggested intake guidelines.

4. Barley Water for Vitamins and Antioxidants

Your barley water is full of vitamins and antioxidants, regardless of whether it is made from hulled or pearl barley. Barley water contains high concentrations of iron, copper, manganese, folate (a B vitamin), and other minerals ^[6].

Barley water’s numerous other health benefits are attributed to its antioxidant content, which promotes healthy cell growth and eliminates free radicals that harm your organs through oxidative stress ^[7].

5. Barley Water for Digestion and Gut Health

Soluble fiber, found in barley water, aids in regulating bowel movements and promoting digestive health. Thus, the fiber in it can add bulk to stools, making them easier to pass and preventing constipation. 

Barley has 17.3 g of fiber per 100 g. You will require nearly 45 grams of barley to make one glass of water, meaning one glass will give you roughly 8-9 g of fibre. In addition, it is a light drink that is easy on the stomach and has antimicrobial properties. 

It functions as a probiotic, encouraging the development of beneficial gut bacteria ^[8]. This means that your body’s ability to process toxins and get rid of water weight is supercharged.

 Your digestive quotient may occasionally cause you to feel perplexed. Aashirvaad Digestive Quotient does, however, make things easier to manage.

 The Digestion Quotient test, created by Aashirvaad Atta and Multigrains with the assistance of a panel of knowledgeable nutritionists, rates your digestion level from 100 to 1.

 Take this two-minute test to check your digestive quotient and see how well you’re on your path to a happy tummy. Then, use your scorecard to plan your meals accurately.

Pro Tip: You can consume barley water with a pinch of ginger powder to relieve repeated bloating!

6. Barley Water for Immune System

Besides its ability to combat free radicals and its vitamin and mineral content, drinking barley water has another significant benefit for your immune system. By adding citrus flavors to barley water, such as orange or lemon, you may boost the vitamin C content of the beverage and increase its health benefits.

It is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, iron, and zinc, which support a more robust immune system and prevent infections. Moreover, the iron present in barley increases blood volume and addresses problems such as poor hemoglobin and anemia ^[9].

7. Barley Water for Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnant women should drink barley water because it may be a nutrient-rich beverage. It is perfect since it may ease morning sickness, prevent constipation, and aid digestion ^[10].

Barley water may help keep the body hydrated, which is essential during pregnancy to support overall health and ensure the proper functioning of bodily systems. However, please consult your ganaecologist to avoid the chances of any adverse effects!

8. Barley Water for Glowing Skin

Drinking barley water may promote clear, radiant skin by eliminating pollutants from the body. The presence of a compound called azelaic acid may help manage mild-to-moderate acne ^[11].

Barley water’s antioxidants might aid in the battle against free radicals and lessen the appearance of aging. Additionally, it may protect the skin from free radical damage and give it the right amount of suppleness.

It might prevent infections and illuminate the skin when applied straight to the skin. Barley’s zinc content may help to repair wounds and other skin damage.

9. Barley Water as a Natural Coolant

Barley sattu or Jau ka sattu can easily lure you in during summer because of its “cooool” factor. 

During the hot summer, staying hydrated is essential, and barley water can efficiently quench your thirst. It is a revitalizing beverage that keeps you hydrated and restores vital electrolytes lost through sweat because of its moderate flavor and ease of stomach absorption. 

In addition, drinking barley water increases your fluid intake, which supports your body’s cooling processes and helps you stay refreshed.

How Much Barley Water Can You Drink In A Day?

Although there isn’t a fixed amount of barley water to drink daily, having 1-2 medium-sized glasses is generally recommended. It goes without saying that each person has varied hydration requirements based on their age, sex, weight, and degree of exercise, so it’s wise to pay attention to your body’s signals and replenish your fluid intake as needed.

If you’re physically active or live in a hot climate, you may need to drink more barley water to replenish fluids lost through sweat. Although barley water is not a miracle treatment for any particular illness, it may be a beneficial supplement to an active lifestyle and a well-balanced diet.

Side Effects and Risks

Although there isn’t a fixed amount of barley water to drink daily, having 1-2 medium-sized glasses is generally recommended. It goes without saying that each person has varied hydration requirements based on their age, sex, weight, and degree of exercise, so it’s wise to pay attention to your body’s signals and replenish your fluid intake as needed.

If you’re physically active or live in a hot climate, you may need to drink more barley water to replenish fluids lost through sweat. Although barley water is not a miracle treatment for any particular illness, it may be a beneficial supplement to an active lifestyle and a well-balanced diet.

The Last Say

Folks, there you have it! In addition to being a cool approach to combat the heat, drinking barley water is a great way to strengthen your immune system and general well-being. Given all of its excellent advantages, it makes sense why our grandmothers and moms used to swear by it!

Try barley water if you’re searching for a natural solution to maintain weight and solve digestion issues. But remember that barley water alone won’t make you thin or solve every health issue. As a result, consume it in moderation and see your doctor if you have any health problems or allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions