Short answer
Barley is highly nutritional and great for most people. Barley does, however, contain gluten, and anyone allergic to cereal grains or with Celiac disease should avoid eating it.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Barley, a cereal grain, is excellent for your health. Barley is probably most recognizable for the role it plays in the production of many beers, but can also be eaten as a grain. While it does contain gluten and is bad for people allergic to cereal grains or who have Celiac's disease, for everyone else, barley provides some amazing health benefits. Full of nutrients, barley has been shown by studies to reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and to help control blood sugar levels. It can also reduce blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as possibly reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
The ingredient most responsible for all of these benefits is dietary fiber. In a 1/2 cup serving of barley, there are about 16 grams of dietary fiber- about 40% of the recommended daily intake for most people. Fiber helps rid the body of LDL and triglycerides while leaving HDL (good) cholesterol relatively untouched. LDL is also reduced due to the presence of niacin, which may also be active in halting the oxidation of LDL.
The minerals found most abundantly in barley are molybdenum and manganese. Molybdenum is especially important for people sensitive to sulfites, as it is a necessary cofactor of sulfite oxidase. Molybdenum also has a role as a cofactor of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for the production of uric acid. Manganese is necessary for strong bones and healthy skin.
Due to barley's propensity for lowering bad cholesterol levels, people who eat barley regularly are at a reduced risk for a variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis, heart disease, and heart attack. Some research even suggests that barley, like other cereal grains, may be instrumental in preventing childhood asthma.
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- reduces ldl cholesterol levels
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helps prevent oxidation of ldl cholesterol
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may help prevent stomach cancer
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aids in digestion
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aids in uric acid production
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Bob's Red Mill Pearl Barley
- High in fiber
- Heart-healthy grain
- Versatile ingredient
- Non-GMO
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-28-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-28-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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