Barley has made a significant comeback in our lives. Known by another name, “jau”, this grain was widely utilized in Indian cuisine by our grandmothers and was quite popular in the past. Although its use has decreased over time, we have just lately begun to include it again in our diet. Why not? One of the many amazing advantages of barley is that it helps control blood sugar levels. 

Nowadays, most people believe that barely can only be used in place of refined grains like all-purpose flour or white rice. This is accurate, but barley water is an additional method of consumption that is especially beneficial for managing diabetes.

Barley water is made from boiled water and barley grains. The barley grains are occasionally squeezed out. To create a beverage resembling lemonade, they are occasionally only blended with fruit juice or a sweetener. Some civilizations drink barley water for its health benefits.

The lemon rind or lemon juice is frequently used to flavor barley water. The beverage promises to help you lose weight, eliminate toxins, maintain a healthy digestive system, and more. A medical study has not yet substantiated some of the health claims of barley water. Learn more about the relationship between diabetes and barley water.

Diabetes and Barley Water

Is barley water good for diabetics?

Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants

Barley water, whether prepared from pearl or hulled barley, is high in vitamins and antioxidants. Barley water contains high levels of iron, copper, manganese, and folate (a B vitamin). By promoting healthy cell growth and eliminating free radicals that put your organs under oxidative stress, barley water’s antioxidants help explain its many other health advantages.

Regulates Blood Glucose Levels

Research suggests that drinking barley water can help control blood sugar levels. Due to its high soluble fiber content, whole-grain barley in particular has been demonstrated to be successful in accomplishing this in Indian cuisine. 

This keeps blood sugar levels from abruptly rising or falling. According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, three hours after consuming barley, type 2 diabetic individuals’ blood glucose levels were noticeably lower than those of those who ingested white rice.

Lowers Cholesterol

Consuming barley tea or water may have an impact on your cholesterol levels. Tocols, which are chemicals contained in barley, has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health in general. Additionally, barley water’s antioxidants scavenge free radicals, reducing the oxidative stress that exposure to pollutants causes in your heart.

Enhances Insulin Production

Proper insulin levels are essential for diabetic management. Our pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which enables our body to use sugar. According to many studies, drinking barley water may enhance the synthesis of insulin. This controls blood sugar levels overall and aids in its efficient utilization by our body.

Enhances Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin resistance is another problem that diabetics deal with. This happens when our cells lose their ability to respond to insulin. One of the popular, high-fiber foods in India is barley. Additionally, barley includes several bioactive substances that may improve our body’s reaction to insulin.

Improves Digestion

Digestive fiber is abundant in cereal grains like barley. For food to pass through your stomach and out of your intestines, your body needs digestive fiber. You’re adding hydration to this high fiber content when you drink unstrained barley water. This implies that your body has an enhanced capacity to eliminate water weight and process poisons. 

Supports the Immune System

Apart from barley’s ability to combat free radicals and its vitamins and minerals, barley water also has another significant benefit for your immune system. Adding citrus flavors to barley water, such as lemon or orange peel, boosts the vitamin C content of the beverage, making it even more healthful.

How To Make Barley Water?

• All you have to do is boil one tablespoon of barley with two glasses of water to make barley water. 
• Boil again for 30 minutes after adding salt to taste. After finishing, filter the water and sip.
• To enhance flavor, you can also add fennel seeds or pour in some lemon juice.
• Drink this water first thing in the morning, straight before bed, or before meals. 

Best Time to Drink Barley Water

The best thing about barley water is that it can be made in bulk and kept in the fridge.  It can be consumed whenever you like, and drinking it twice a day will maximize the benefits of barley water. 

Side Effects and Risks

You shouldn’t drink a lot of barley water just because it has so many health advantages. A lot of artificial sugars or sweeteners are used in some barley water recipes.

Before consuming processed or packaged barley water, always read the ingredients. Because barley water contains a lot of fiber, consuming large amounts of it when you are not used to it can result in loose stools or constipation.

Additionally, one serving of barley water has the same number of calories as a full meal, so avoid consuming too much at once. Additionally, because it contains gluten, people who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid it.

Conclusion

Diabetes and barley water go hand in hand, so it is a tasty, easy, and refreshing method to receive a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals is to drink unstrained barley water. Drinking barley water a few times a week can help you lose weight and prevent diabetes and heart disease, but consuming too much of it might strain your digestive system.

For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.

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