Barley water - effect and application

Barley water - effect and application /

The healing effects of barley water

Barley water was already known in ancient times. Weak and sick people were treated with it. The barley was then boiled with water, the grains were strained and the remaining liquid was drunk. Today, for example, barley water is even sold in the UK as a finished product in the supermarket. In addition it is reported that with the Royals the barley water comes almost daily on the table.


contents

  • The healing effects of barley water
  • Strengthening water
  • The health effects of barley
  • Improves the cholesterol level
  • Good for digestion
  • Supports losing weight
  • Healing for the stomach and intestines
  • Good for the heart
  • Reduces diabetes risk
  • Has a cooling effect on the body
  • Preparation of barley water
  • Allow everyone to drink barley water?
  • Recipe: barley water with ginger and figs

Strengthening water

In ancient Egypt, barley was one of the staple foods. At that time it was already known that this grain is not only filling, but also has a healing effect. Thus, a decoction of barley grains was given as a drink for strengthening during and after illnesses. Barley water was also used in ancient Greece for strengthening. The poet Homer called a dish prepared from barley, as a "mark of men," as a fortifying agent.

The barley water contains numerous healthy ingredients of the grain. (Image: TwilightArtPictures / fotolia.com)

The barley water is rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Especially magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin E, silicic acid and B vitamins are included. For example, 100 grams of peeled barley contains about four times more magnesium than 100 grams of banana. The barley water is a healthy source of protein, is wholesome, regulates the blood sugar level, lasts long and reduces food cravings.

The health effects of barley

In the following lines you will learn more about the positive health aspects of barley water.

Improves the cholesterol level

The European Food Safety Authority has found that regular consumption of barley acts as a natural cholesterol-lowering drug. Responsible is the contained therein beta-glucan (a vegetable fiber). This binds bile acids, which are then excreted through the digestive tract. So the "bad" cholesterol - the LDL - is intercepted, bound and transported away from the body. The "good" cholesterol, the HDL, however, remains unaffected.

Good for digestion

Barley water is alkaline and therefore good for digestion and also for the whole organism. Furthermore, this home remedy contains a large amount of insoluble fiber, which is important for a healthy colon. The barley water helps with constipation as well as diarrhea, supports a hemorrhoid therapy and does the stomach well. It also prevents the formation of gallstones.

Supports losing weight

Since barley water, as already mentioned, has a positive effect on the intestinal flora, this indirectly boosts the metabolism. This can also be useful when losing weight. A positive effect is also that the water has a satiating effect and reduces food cravings.

Barley water can also help with weight loss as it has a filling effect, prevents food cravings and positively influences the intestinal flora. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com)

Healing for the stomach and intestines

The slimy consistency of the barley water has a very positive effect on the mucous membranes in the stomach and intestine. For gastric mucosa or intestinal inflammation drinking this healing drink is recommended.

Good for the heart

It is known that a fiber-rich diet can also have a positive effect on the heart. Since, as already mentioned several times, the barley water contains fiber, this also does our vessels well and thus slightly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reduces diabetes risk

How important a healthy gut is for us is becoming more and more clear. In the meantime, relationships between a diabetes II disease and a bad intestinal flora are also being discussed. The barley water ensures a healthy environment in the intestine and regulates the blood sugar level. This reduces the risk of diabetes.

Has a cooling effect on the body

Especially in summer, on hot days, the British use the barley water, called "Barley Water", to refresh themselves. This cooling effect on the organism can also be used in fever. By the way, the body is also strengthened. The fever-lowering effect can be assisted by the addition of elderflower syrup or linden flower tea.

Preparation of barley water

For the preparation of barley water, the barley should first be soaked for a few hours (80 to 100g of barley, preferably from certified organic farming, in two liters of water). Then the whole thing is brought to a boil and then should simmer for one or two hours. The barley should be cooked really soft, the liquid reduced to one liter. Then everything is siphoned off through a sieve and the healing water is ready. The barley grains remain and can be eaten, for example, as an addition to the salad.

The barley grains remain after the preparation of the barley water and can be consumed, for example, as an addition to the salad. (Image: TwilightArtPictures / fotolia.com)

If you want, you are welcome to refine the flavor of the barley water or enhance the effect with the addition of spices. We recommend cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, lemon peel, cloves and, for example, raisins or figs, which are simply boiled. Depending on the taste, the gifts are left in the water for a shorter time or until the very end. Once the barley water is ready, drink it straight, mixed with lemon, orange or apple juice or sweetened with honey or sugar. In the refrigerator, the barley water holds a maximum of three days and can be drunk both cold and warm.

Effect of added spices:
Cinnamon is helpful in diabetes, ginger helps the stomach and intestines, cloves stimulate the metabolism, lemon contains vitamin C, raisins and figs are good for the intestines and sweeten the barley water in a natural way.

Allow everyone to drink barley water?

Even children and pregnant women are allowed to drink barley water. Some midwives recommend this water to mothers for milk production. For this purpose, 50 g of barley are boiled in two liters of water for about one to two hours, strained and finally refined with honey and a dash of lemon juice. For one to two days it is always drunk a sip. However, persons suffering from gluten intolerance (celiac disease) should avoid barley in any form.

Recipe: barley water with ginger and figs

For this you need:

  • Two dried figs,
  • 80 g barley,
  • 20 g peeled ginger,
  • a pinch of salt,
  • the juice of a lemon
  • and two liters of water.

The figs and ginger are cut into small pieces and boiled together with the barley, the pinch of salt and the water. Then simmer for about one to two hours - until only about a liter of liquid is available. After straining the barley grains, add the lemon juice. Not only does this drink taste good, it also supports any diet and can occasionally replace a meal. (Sw)