Barley, the benefits and harms of porridge for the human body. About the benefits and harms of pearl barley for our body

This cereal is traditionally one of the cheapest. Partly for this reason, porridge from it is often found on the menu of many state institutions: kindergartens, schools, hospitals, army units. The very dubious fame of pearl barley as a state-owned dish unfairly replaced another, much more noble one, which has a lot of amazing properties.

After all, its calorie content is minimal, and the value for the body is very high! It's time to separate the wheat from the chaff and find out what is the benefit and what is the harm of such a plain-looking, but noticeably health-enhancing barley.

Pearl barley is the result of processing barley grain. It is polished several times, removing the flower film and the shells protecting the seed. At the same time barley loses some properties, but it boils much faster and is better absorbed by the body.

This cereal does not take root in every modern kitchen - which is a pity. It retains many of the qualities of barley, whose health benefits are undeniable. It is very nutritious (it is no coincidence that it was barley porridge that supported the gladiators of Ancient Rome before the battles), while its calorie content certainly cannot be called high. For weight loss - the very first product!

The vitamin and mineral composition cannot be called meager. In pearl barley, vitamins of group B, as well as A, E, D, PP, K, were found almost in full composition. And there are a lot of macro- and microelements. Indispensable for the heart of potassium in 100 g of cereals - 280 mg, and phosphorus - 221 mg.

Therefore, it must be included in the diet of those who, for example, are contraindicated for seafood. A lot of cereals and zinc: 2.13 mg per 100 g barley. So it turns out that barley porridge cooked for breakfast provides a quarter of the body's daily need for this trace element. Other components of cereals include selenium, copper, iron, as well as two dozen amino acids, of which eight are essential.

We study the benefits

Two or three servings of barley porridge per week is enough to nourish the body with a mass of useful substances and arm it in the fight against many ailments. The benefits of such a breakfast or dinner are very tangible.

Judge for yourself:

selenium, a powerful antioxidant, helps to cope with the growth of cancer cells;
lysine has an antiviral effect and is involved in the production of collagen, protecting our skin from the influence of time and the effects of negative external factors;
phosphorus increases mental activity and is involved in metabolic processes;
fiber is the most valuable component of pearl barley. Its benefit is that it absorbs toxins and toxins like a sponge and gently removes them from the body, which has a beneficial effect on liver function;
gordecin, contained in grains, has an antifungal and antibacterial effect;
dietary fiber reduces the level of dangerous cholesterol in the blood and gently cleanses the blood vessels;
silicic acid destroys stones, sand and slag formations in the kidneys, urinary and gallbladder and removes them from the body, to which they cause undoubted harm;
beta-glucan helps maintain blood sugar levels, making barley one of the most recommended foods for diabetics. Its influence is also beneficial because barley's calorie content is minimal;
E, the famous vitamin of youth, improves the condition of the skin, nails, hair, heals the body. Germinated pearl barley is especially rich in it;
Vitamin A is the guardian of eye health;
vitamin D is part of the bone tissue, maintains the strength of the skeleton, strengthens teeth, nails and bones.

Assessing the harm

Of course, a plate of barley for breakfast or dinner will not cause any tangible harm. And its calorie content is such that you should not be afraid for the figure.

increased acidity of the stomach is a sure signal that barley should not be included in the diet;
ardent love for her can cause constipation, so for people suffering from poor bowel function, porridge is more likely to harm than benefit;
Gluten, a component of many grains, can be a strong allergen for some people. Therefore, before including pearl barley dishes on the menu, you should make sure that the body does not react to it;
barley can cause intestinal upset in a future mother;

Everything is good in moderation! Two or three servings of pearl barley dishes are more than enough for it to be useful, and not cause serious harm to the body.

We cook the right barley porridge

Skillfully prepared pearl barley is soft, with a delicate nutty flavor. Recipes from it can be found in any cookbook. Barley is good in a hodgepodge beloved by many, and in cabbage rolls, and as a side dish with spicy vegetable or meat sauce. Sprouted barley is great in salads. But lush and appetizing barley porridge is incomparable with anything. It is both tasty and nutritious, and its benefits are great, and the harm is practically not noticeable, and the calorie content is low, and suitable for weight loss.

Cooking porridge for glory is only at first glance a simple matter. And to be fair, how many hostesses, so many of their own culinary tricks.

Some prefer the classic recipes for how to cook it: a glass of cereal washed in several waters is poured with three glasses of water, brought to a boil, and left to sweat for 6–7 minutes. Then the porridge is washed again under running water, poured with two glasses of water and boiled over low heat for about half an hour.

Manipulations with water can be minimized: pour a glass of barley with three glasses of water and let it come up for 50-60 minutes over low heat. Do not forget to stir the contents of the saucepan periodically so that the porridge turns out crumbly and does not burn to the bottom.

Well-known and, perhaps, one of the fastest ways to treat loved ones with porridge piping hot. To do this, pour a glass of cereal with five glasses of water, let it boil, reduce the heat to a minimum and cook for 45 minutes. After the water is drained, add a piece of butter and, wrapping, let the porridge reach for another 10-15 minutes.

However, no matter how you decide to cook this most healthy and amazingly tasty dish, it is important to remember a few rules. Firstly, this cereal boils for a very long time, so it is best to soak it in advance in water - several hours, ideally - all night. Barley oil is a must.

Moreover, if your menu includes sweet porridge with sugar and fruits, it is better to add a piece of cream. Would you like a barley side dish with meat or vegetables for dinner? Pour in a couple of tablespoons of vegetable. The calorie content of porridge will increase slightly, but the value will also increase.

Learning to choose cereals

This complex matter has its own subtleties.

Remember, that:

high-quality groats - a delicate golden brown hue. And no black spots!
grains should not stick together: grains sticking together in a lump are a sure sign of improper storage, non-compliance with all required rules. You can’t eat it for anything: one harm from it, not good;
you should always pay attention to the barley production date stamped on the package and the indicated expiration date. Usually cereals are stored for a short time, only a few months;
if you buy cereals by weight, sniff them: there should be no sourness or rancidity in the aroma! This is evidence that they are trying to sell you a stale product.

Each pearl barley contains a great benefit inherent in it by nature itself. It would be unwise to ignore her gifts!

Greetings, readers! Today, rarely in which family can they boast that they often cook dishes from pearl barley. Barley is considered by many to be tasteless, and men who served in the army often call it “shrapnel” “tarpaulin porridge” due to the fact that army cooks rarely boiled porridge until fully cooked, and since cereals were cheap, they often fed them. Pearl barley is one of the most affordable, but at the same time undeservedly bypassed by the attention of housewives these days.

Many are simply unaware of the benefits for the body lurking in this simple and inexpensive cereal.

Let's start with a little history.

The word "barley" began to be called barley groats in Russia because of its resemblance to river pearls, which were called "pearls". And to get groats, the outer shell was peeled from barley grains.
The first mention that barley grains can be eaten is more than four and a half thousand years old. In ancient Egypt, barley was often used in brewing.

Someone calls this porridge "man's rice", although in ancient times barley was considered a food worthy of exclusively noble persons. It was this porridge that was one of the favorite dishes of Peter I. Of course, porridge was prepared for him differently than for soldiers in the army, but we will tell you later how to cook barley porridge so that it was impossible to drag the eaters by the ears.
And now a little about the properties of this cereal, as well as about what benefits it can have and when its use can be harmful.

Useful properties of barley

First of all, the benefits of barley is that it is a strong antioxidant. That is, the substances contained in cereals have the ability to stop cascades of free radical oxidation reactions. Pearl barley contains several times more selenium than rice. In addition, pearl barley contains B vitamins, vegetable protein and a complex of minerals.

Barley protein consists of several amino acids, including essential ones. That is, those that are not synthesized by the body. They can come exclusively from outside, along with food. And already from them the body synthesizes the necessary amino acids. In particular, the benefit of this cereal is that it is rich in lysine, an amino acid that has a beneficial effect on the body's defenses. In addition, lysine is actively involved in the production of collagen, which slows down the formation of wrinkles, and the skin retains its youthful appearance.

Lysine is required for growth and normal repair of damaged tissues and keeps the lens of the eye healthy. The level of this amino acid in pearl barley is sufficient to ensure the prevention of diseases of many organs.

Barley is rich in vitamins A, B, PP, E and rightfully occupies one of the first places in terms of phosphorus content, on which the absorption of calcium and the regulation of brain activity depend. In addition to vitamins and phosphorus, pearl barley contains a whole range of microelements necessary for the body, such as chromium, strontium, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, nickel, bromine and cobalt.

Also, this cereal has enough fiber, which removes toxins from the body and contains substances that prevent the formation of fatty deposits.

A decoction of pearl barley can be used in the nutrition of patients who have inflammatory processes in the stomach. Its benefits are especially noticeable for the speedy recovery of patients after abdominal operations. At the same time, the benefits of such a pearl barley broth will be the same regardless of whether it is prepared with water or milk.

The undoubted benefit of pearl barley also lies in the polysaccharides contained in it. So, b-glucan, contained in this cereal in a significant amount, has a cholesterol-lowering effect. Therefore, regular consumption of barley can remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, which harms blood vessels and eventually completely normalizes its level.

100 g of barley porridge contains about 1.2 micrograms of pure retinol (provitamin A), which is necessary to maintain the level of the body's immune system. This substance helps to increase the protective functions of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, preventing the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into them.

Silicic acid, also contained in barley in large quantities, prevents the deposition of toxins in the body and the formation, as well as the gall and bladder. And although silicic acid does not have a strong effect, the introduction of barley porridge into the diet can have a beneficial effect on the condition of patients diagnosed with stones in these organs.

The high protein and fiber content will be useful for those who want to adjust their weight.

Now I regularly include this wonderful cereal in my diet. Here is one of my recipes

Recipe for delicious pearl barley porridge with milk

The first stage of preparation takes 10-12 hours. Scared? In vain. In order to wash the cereal and pour it with cold water, you will need about 5 minutes at the most. It is most convenient to do this at night, before going to bed. Then in the morning you can simply drain the barley, throwing it into a colander - and it will be ready for cooking.

An important point: 1 two-hundred-gram glass of barley should be soaked in 1 liter of water.

The second stage begins with heating the milk. We need 2 liters of it.

Remembering the required number of products is quite simple:

1 glass of cereals;
1 liter of water for soaking;
2 liters of milk for cooking.

Milk must be heated to 40 degrees, then put the cereal in it and continue to cook over an open fire until it boils. It will be necessary to boil the porridge for another 5 minutes after the milk boils in it.
Then the pot with porridge must be rearranged into a large pot of water and continue to cook in a water bath. A water bath is needed so that the milk does not run away, and the porridge does not burn. Also, so there will be no need to stand over it. In a water bath, porridge should be cooked for 6 hours.
For a long time? In time, yes. Starting to cook porridge in the evening, you can serve it on the table only for dinner the next day. But the result is worth it. Each barley grain will double during cooking and acquire a noble fawn shade. And the porridge itself will have the aroma and taste of baked milk and literally melt in your mouth. It would never occur to anyone to call her "shrapnel".

And now for those who consider this cooking method inapplicable due to the fact that it takes a lot of time, we will tell you how much time you actually spend on it:

rinse the cereal and pour it with water - 5 minutes;
pour milk into a saucepan and heat - 7-10 minutes;
drain the cereal and put in milk - 1 minute;
bring to a boil and boil - another 10 minutes, during which we prepare a large saucepan for a water bath;
rearrange the pan with porridge in a water bath - 5 seconds;
once every half hour, go to the stove and check the water level in the water bath, if necessary, add it - 1 minute every half hour.

At the same time, not even you can do the latter, but a retired dad or a schoolboy son who is at home.

The rest of the time, the porridge does not need your participation at all, it cooks perfectly by itself. It is soaked, soaked in milk and puffed in a water bath. And if you have a slow cooker in your arsenal, the time of direct cooking of porridge is reduced to about an hour.

And how do you cook pearl barley, write in the comments, I will be interested!

Contraindications and harm

So, pearl barley is not recommended for people with high acidity of the stomach, as well as those prone to flatulence. The high content of gluten in cereals is to blame for this.
In addition, the use of barley can bring harm during pregnancy. If gluten does not harm a child in the womb, then barley can cause intestinal disorders in a future mother, whose body is actively rebuilding.
Barley can also harm small children. Still, this cereal is difficult to digest, so it is recommended to introduce it into the diet of children older than three years of age.
For the same reason, it is not recommended to use it too often. In large quantities, it can harm the digestive process.
Also, in rare cases, this cereal can harm people with hypersensitivity to certain allergens.
And now - the promised recipe for barley porridge. This method of cooking is rather extended in time, although it requires very little real effort and attention.

The benefits and harms of pearl barley are not subject to heated debate. Most of us treat this product, to put it mildly, cool, and consider it more as part of a diet. But few people know how much really valuable is hidden in this cereal.

Types of pearl barley

Whole - the grains are cleaned of shells, after which they are sifted from debris and packed in packages. This cereal is ideal for adding to the first and second courses, toppings, cereals.

Crushed - finely ground pearl barley does not pass grinding. Croup is a whole list of useful elements. More often, porridges are prepared on its basis with the addition of fruits or pieces of meat (an alternative to pilaf).

Good nutrition is the key to beauty and health. In order to maintain a radiant appearance: strong bones and teeth, shiny hair, toned skin and a cheerful spirit, you need to consume a huge amount of useful elements daily.

Pearl barley is a complete product containing many substances necessary for the female body.

It satisfies part of the need for B vitamins, which are needed for normal hematopoiesis and regular renewal of epidermal cells.

The condition of the skin, digestive organs and nervous system depend on the timely intake of nicotinic acid. Only 100 grams of pearl barley provide this need by 18%.

Pearl barley contains the necessary phosphorus, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum and chromium. Minerals strengthen bones and teeth. Their presence ensures the normal functioning of the nervous system and heart. Trace elements are responsible for the functioning of the reproductive system, the production of sex hormones and normal fat metabolism.

Pearl barley contains most of the essential fatty acids. It is a complete source of nutrition, therefore it often serves as the basis for a mono-diet. On a diet of pearl barley, the body is least of all deficient in any substances.

Regular use of pearl barley promotes cleansing. Among grains, pearl barley is the leader in fiber content. Vegetable fibers not only remove all excess from the intestines, but also create favorable conditions for the development of beneficial bacteria.

In folk medicine, an infusion of barley is used as a remedy for chest tightness. A decoction of the cereal itself is considered a strong milk extractor. It is useful to drink it after childbirth to establish lactation.

Benefits and harms during pregnancy

What is the benefit of barley for pregnant women? Women in her position can be taken as a vitamin supplement.

Despite the not very pleasant taste, pearl barley is one of the richest in terms of the content of trace elements and amino acids. It contains all the trace elements, vitamins and fatty acids necessary for the normal development of the fetus.

Concerns about the inclusion of barley in the menu can only be associated with its high content of vegetable protein - gluten.

True intolerance to this substance occurs in no more than 1% of the world's population. If a pregnant woman is not one of these persons, then barley dishes will not pose any danger to her.

The attitude towards gluten in the world at the moment is not unambiguous. Some scientists believe that eating this vegetable protein increases the likelihood of developing joint and heart diseases in the future. Others, on the contrary, note that against the background of the exclusion of gluten from the diet, immunity decreases and the balance of the intestinal flora is disturbed.

Barley is an ideal product for weight loss. It contains a minimum of fats and easily digestible sugars.

The splitting of one polysaccharide molecule requires more energy than is released after its decomposition.

Pearl barley diet promotes rapid and effective weight loss. Its advantage is that it does not deprive the body of the main useful elements. On a pearl barley diet, you can easily get rid of a few kilograms without sacrificing the beauty of the skin and the strength of the bones.

Barley diet

There are two ways to lose weight with pearl barley. The first one is very difficult. This is a mono diet. It must be observed within 5-7 days. There is only barley porridge without salt, butter, sugar and any seasonings.

Boiled cereals should be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the evening, it is soaked in cold water. In the morning, drain, add water again and boil for half an hour.

Boiled barley replaces the entire diet. In addition to it, you can drink weak green tea and clean water.

The drinking regime must be observed. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day. The liquid, together with fiber, cleanses the intestines from accumulated decay products. Helps to remove toxins and normalize metabolism.

Maintaining such a diet is not easy. But the effort you put in will surely pay off with good results. With the help of a mono-diet, you can correct the figure, get rid of the stomach and “ears” on the hips, say goodbye to swelling and tighten the oval of the face.

A less strict diet allows you to include unsweetened fruits, lean meat and fish (chicken, beef, cod), low-fat dairy products, vegetables, nuts, and eggs in the menu. Meat and other ingredients must be boiled, baked or steamed, without the use of oil and salt. Allows seasoning food with spices and balsamic vinegar.

You can drink water and green tea. Be sure to consume at least 2 liters of fluid per day.

Allowed fruits such as apples, grapefruits, kiwi. From more sugary: strawberries, peaches and melons should refrain. It is necessary to completely eliminate salt, sugar and any confectionery. It is allowed to eat a small piece of dark chocolate once a day.

The barley diet menu might look like this:

breakfast - fat-free cottage cheese and a handful of prunes;
afternoon snack - banana and 5 walnuts;
lunch - barley porridge, 100 grams of steamed fish, vegetable salad: cabbage, cucumber, carrots;
dinner - barley porridge with an apple and a glass of fat-free kefir.

You can achieve the maximum effect on the pearl barley diet in 7-10 days. However, nutritionists do not see anything reprehensible in observing it for longer.

Unloading day on pearl barley

Unloading day is the mildest version of the diet. It was invented just in order to instantly get rid of everything superfluous, quickly cleanse the body. Give him a little break so he can get back to full-fledged work.

Unloading days on pearl barley are arranged no more than 1-2 times a month. At this time, only boiled cereals are eaten without spices, salt and oil. Food should only satisfy hunger. Don't go overboard with quantity. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to drink barley decoction.

A glass of cereal is poured with 1.5 liters of boiling water. This mixture is infused over low heat for 20 minutes. The broth is filtered and consumed throughout the day as the main drink.

The value of any food cereal is that, regardless of the method of preparation, it retains the maximum benefit. Despite the long heat treatment, pearl barley does not lose its basic properties. No matter how much it is cooked, most of the valuable elements will still remain in the cereal.

Barley is best soaked overnight in cold water, and cooked in the morning. So that some of the substances are not lost along with the broth, the cereal can be baked. To do this, it must be filled with water in a ratio of 1: 3 and placed directly in a heat-resistant pan in the oven.

At 160˚С, the porridge will languish for about an hour and a half. It will turn out very crumbly. It can be served as a great side dish for lean stews and fresh vegetables.

Contraindications

There are no strict contraindications to the use of pearl barley dishes. In rare cases, this product may cause an allergic reaction. Worldwide, only one person in a hundred suffers from gluten intolerance. These people are forced to adhere to a special diet and refuse cereals containing a contraindicated protein.

Barley stimulates digestion by irritating the chemoreceptors of the digestive tract. Therefore, it should not be abused by people suffering from high acidity of the stomach. Also, due to the high fiber content against the background of problems with intestinal motility, barley porridge can cause gas formation and constipation.

Barley groats are definitely needed by the female body. Cereals preserve youth and beauty. They keep the reproductive system in good shape. Slow carbohydrates and fiber cleanse the body and help to correct the figure.

The best barley dishes

In ancient times, "pearls" were called barley grains, in a polished form resembling miniature pearls. People gave the highest rating not only to the brilliant appearance of the grains, but also to the unique nutritional qualities of the cereal crop.

Barley dishes were hearty and rich soups, both simple meals and wonderful holiday dishes were prepared from cereals.

The first dishes from pearl barley

Adding barley grains to the first dishes not only gives the dish an exquisite flavor, but also thickens the food to the desired consistency. Achieving this effect is possible with proper heat treatment of cereals.

Grocery list:

bulb;
beef - 500 g;
pickled cucumbers - 5 pcs.;
meat broth - 2.5 l;
tomato puree - 30 g;
potatoes - 5 pcs.;
brine - 200 ml;
barley - 100 g;
onion feather - a small bunch;
salt, spices.

Cooking method:

For a delicious pickle, firstly, you need a strong broth. To do this, put the beef in a saucepan, pour in 2 liters of water. After the start of an active boil, we filter the liquid, return the piece of meat to the broth. Add some carrots, a small onion with husks, a few sprigs of herbs, peppercorns and a bay leaf. Cook for up to two hours on a quiet fire.
Secondly, the cereal must be soaked in advance (overnight). Perlovkas with meat harmonizes perfectly in the first courses only if the grains are ready to receive the flavor bouquet of the meat component.
We extract all the products from the broth, place the cereal, a little salt. We take into account that the brine is included in the composition of the soup.
Cut the onion and carrot into cubes, divide the potatoes into large pieces. Finely chop the cucumbers, lower them into the pan, continue cooking for another 20 minutes.
At the end of the process, pour in the brine, add tomato puree, season the first dish with salt, pepper, spices, chopped onion feathers.

Turn off the fire, serve pickle with pearl barley and hot pickles with sour cream.

Mushroom soup

The result of the unusual combination of barley grains and spores is not only the wonderful aroma of the combined ingredients, but also the nutritional value of the cooked dish.

Required products:

dried mushrooms - 500 g;
onion turnip - 1 pc.;
pearl barley - 100 g;
carrot;
vegetable oil;
potatoes - 5 pcs.;
salt, herbs, spices.

Meal preparation:

Rinse the dried mushrooms thoroughly, pour boiling water over them so that they open and swell.
It is advisable to pre-soak the grits, then boil in a separate bowl. The correct ratio of grain and liquid is 1: 2. We observe this condition for the best preparation of cereals.
We fill the pan with meat broth (2 l) or filtered water. Pour the liquid from the bowl with mushrooms, place the product in a container, cook for up to half an hour.
Finely chop the onions and carrots, cut the potato tubers into cubes, dip the vegetables into the soup. Season the food with salt, cook for another 10 minutes over low heat.
Supplementing the food with spices and spices, we do it in small quantities so as not to interrupt the taste and aroma of the main components of the dish. At the end of the process, we place the greens.

Vegetarian barley cutlets

Pleasant in taste, tender and very lush lenten products are a worthy replacement for meat food.

Products for the dish:

potatoes - 3 pcs.;
pearl barley - 230 g;
garlic cloves - 2 pcs.;
baking soda - 6 g;
salt, pepper, oregano, paprika.

Cooking healthy meatballs:

Boil the grains until soft, rinse thoroughly with running water.
Peeled raw potatoes, along with garlic, chop with a blender or meat grinder, squeeze well, put in a bowl. If the mass is too liquid, add a little starch or cornmeal.
We combine barley porridge with potato composition, season with salt, pepper and oregano. For splendor, add soda. A beautiful yellow color of the finished products will provide the addition of a pinch of paprika.
We knead the resulting mass, form cutlets, fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Product List:

sweet pepper, onion, tomato - 1 pc.;
dry barley - 250 g;
vegetable oil - 50 g;
salt, herbs.

Cooking technology:

Pour clean cereals with water, salt, boil until ready, put in a colander.
We heat vegetable oil in a saucepan, fry finely chopped vegetables. Add the tomato sliced into slices along with chopped herbs. Simmer for 2 minutes, after which we attach the finished cereal, mix the food well.

Barley with vegetables looks so appetizing that we immediately serve the dish on the table.

Unusual pilaf with chicken

Composition of components:

onion turnip - 3 pcs.;
poultry meat - 500 g;
carrots - 2 pcs.;
vegetable oil;
pearl barley - 500 g;
salt, spices, spices.

Step by step preparation:

Boil the grains until half cooked.
We separate the meat and fat of the bird, heat the oil in a cauldron. We spread the chicken pieces in a container, fry over low heat, stirring occasionally after the formation of a pink crust.
We clean the vegetables, finely chop, continue the heat treatment of the products.
After 5 minutes, add the cereal, chopped garlic, salt and spices. Next, pour in 250 ml of water, mix, cook for 30 minutes in a closed form.

Barley pilaf with chicken has found interesting flavor notes.

Cereals with meat in a slow cooker

Kitchen appliances present their pleasant surprises. It is worth loading the combine once so that barley dishes in the multicooker begin to appear on our table more often.

Required products:

pork - 300 g;
sweet pepper, onion, carrot;
pearl barley - 250 g;
oil (sunflower or olive) - 50 g;
salt, spices, spices.

Cooking process:

We clean the vegetables, finely cut into cubes. Pour oil into the bowl of the unit, lay out the vegetables. Select the "Frying" mode, set the cooking time to 20 minutes. It remains to click on "Start".
We divide the pork into small pieces, add to the vegetables in the middle of the current cycle, not forgetting to mix everything with a wooden spatula.
At the end of the specified program, we attach a well-washed barley, pour in 1.5 liters of water, season the products with salt, spices and spices. We continue cooking for 1 hour in the “Rice / Cereals” mode. After 30 minutes, stir the food again, at the same time checking for a sufficient amount of liquid.

The word " pearl” in the old days they called pearls. Accordingly, pearl barley obtained from barley is “pearl” groats: expensive not by price, but by nutritional value and taste. Yes, and outwardly polished grains slightly resemble untreated pearls due to a light mother-of-pearl coating.

Barley has been known to mankind since ancient times, it has been used as food for more than 20 thousand years ago, and from about the 10th millennium BC. started to cultivate. Barley quickly became a "home" crop, as it is not afraid of temperature changes, is undemanding to the soil, and almost always gives a rich harvest.

People have learned to cook porridge, main dishes, soups from pearl barley. Groats were used for commodity exchange, sometimes its quantity served as a measure of the security of the clan.

O barley benefits Pythagoras also wrote for the human body: according to him, the product improves memory, stimulates intelligence, and energizes. No wonder the gladiators before the fight in the arena were fed barley to increase their endurance. In Russia, cereals were called "royal" and were served at the table not only on weekdays, but also on solemn occasions.

Barley was a staple food for soldiers and hospital patients, as it helps to restore strength. Since that time, barley porridge has received the unflattering name " shrapnel» - cooked by the cooks of the field kitchen on the water and in a hurry, the dish caused digestive problems.

Nutritionists assure that barley is considered tasteless only by those who do not know how to cook it. The taste of the right porridge is delicate, with caramel notes, the texture is delicate. And it’s hard to overestimate the useful qualities of the dish.

Nutritional value of the product

Pearl barley has a high calorie content - 320 cal/100 g. Barley cooked on water has an energy value of 106 Kcal / 100 g, a glycemic index of 20-30 units. These figures will grow with the addition of milk, sugar, honey, fruits.

Barley grains are rich chemical composition, including many useful substances for the human body:

vitamins A, B, E, RR. Necessary for the normal functioning of the circulatory system, proper breakdown and absorption of substances, maintenance and prevention of nervous disorders;
trace elements. They participate in the work of all body systems, maintain the health of blood vessels (potassium, magnesium, sodium), water-salt balance and oxygen metabolism (nickel, molybdenum, zinc), stimulate muscle and mental activity. These components are necessary to maintain reproductive health, normal hormonal levels and blood composition;
acids Omega-3, Omega-6, oleic, linoleic. Keep the skin youthful, normalize the work of the heart, increase the body's resistance to viruses;
Starch. Reduces the level of harmful, removes excess fluid, relieves inflammation of the digestive tract, reduces the acidity of the stomach;
tryptophan. An amino acid necessary for the production of serotonin, the "hormone";
. An element without which the normal activity of the thyroid gland is impossible. Iodine deficiency leads to hormonal disorders.

Regular use of pearl barley will provide a charge of vivacity, good health, high efficiency and concentration. In addition, cereals have antioxidant properties, helping to preserve beauty and youth for many years.

Why barley is useful

On sale you can find three types of pearl barley: whole polished barley, deep-worked dutch, finely crushed barley. The dishes prepared from them will differ in taste, and the usual unprocessed pearl barley will bring maximum benefit.

For kids

The child's body needs vitamins and microelements for the proper formation of the skeleton and tissue growth, and pearl barley is a rich source of many essential substances. Especially often during the period of growing up, there is a deficiency of vitamin E, and the use of barley porridge will help to avoid it.

Many children attend sports sections and various hobby groups at the same time. Barley will quickly restore strength, support the nervous system, which is especially important for teenagers. For babies suffering from allergic reactions of various kinds, barley groats will help reduce the severity of unpleasant symptoms.

Important! Ordinary barley can be included in the menu of children over 3 years old, as it is difficult to digest. For kids, there are porridges made from specially processed barley groats on sale.

For adults

Women value pearl barley for its ability to maintain beauty: strengthen hair and nails, give elasticity to the skin and maintain a healthy complexion. Men know that this product promotes muscle building, increased stamina and sexual performance.

With a tedious work schedule and the impossibility of regular nutrition, the use of pearl barley serves as a preventive measure for the development of other gastrointestinal diseases. The product supports brain activity, work, the endocrine system, removes toxins, is indicated for cholelithiasis and diabetes, inflammation and tumors.

Even the water in which barley is soaked acquires useful properties: hordecin appears in it, a powerful antibiotic with antifungal action. Traditional medicine uses barley-based decoctions to treat colds, as well as an antispasmodic and diuretic.

For pregnant

The body of expectant mothers is subjected to a real test of strength, and for the full development of the fetus, useful substances and trace elements are needed. Therefore, pearl barley dishes are very useful for pregnant women. The main thing is to observe the measure so that there are no problems with digestion.

The phosphorus contained in pearl barley is necessary for the normalization of the metabolic processes of the fetus, participates in the process of hematopoiesis and transport of nutrients, calcium strengthens the skeleton, tocopherol is responsible for oxygen metabolism. Niacin helps pregnant women cope with mood swings. The diuretic properties of barley are useful in the later stages, when there is fluid retention in the tissues.

Pearl barley, also called pearl barley, is one of the cheapest and most popular cereal products. The product is made from barley grains. During production, the grain is polished, the upper rough shell is removed from it, and the oval-shaped core remains. Barley is a cultivated herbaceous plant of the Cereal family, which has a wide distribution area. Grass grows in the territory from North Africa to Tibet.

Before pearl barley belonged to expensive food, since it was difficult to process its grains. Dishes from pearl barley were allowed only by wealthy people. Today, appetizing and nutritious porridge, due to its cheapness, is available to anyone. Pearl barley got its name because its polished grains look like pearls. And in the old days, pearls were called pearls.

Types of cereals

Depending on the shape and size of the grains, 3 types of cereals are distinguished.

Whole. The grains retain their natural form, they are only cleared from the shell.
Dutch. A rare type of cereal in our country. The grains are not only cleaned from the shell, but also processed to obtain a spherical shape.
crushed. Barley is not polished, but finely ground. The richest variety of cereals in nutrients.

Chemical composition and nutritional value of barley

Barley grains are partially polished, so they retain a sufficient amount of useful compounds.

The perlovka contains:

retinol (A);
tocopherol (E);
calciferol (D);
B vitamins;
amino acids;
cellulose;
lipids;
proteins;
mineral elements (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium);
trace elements (zinc, iron, selenium).

Raw barley has a calorie content of 320 kcal per 100 grams. One hundred grams of boiled cereals contains 100 kcal. The glycemic index of barley is not more than 20 units, which is less than in other cereal products.

The good nutritional value and low calorie content of barley allow this product to be included in many diet menus.

What is useful pearl barley for the human body?

The most important substance in the composition of barley grains is lysine. This amino acid accelerates the healing of skin lesions, activates cellular regeneration. Therefore, barley porridge is recommended for patients who have undergone trauma and surgical procedures.

Substances found in cereals have a variety of positive effects on the human body.

Fiber, which grains are rich in, is extremely important for the proper functioning of the digestive tract. It cleanses the body of toxins and decay products left after the assimilation of food.
Barley porridge has a mucous consistency, so it is beneficial for peptic ulcer and other inflammatory pathologies of the stomach. Also, cereal mucus envelops the walls of the throat, eliminating cough, relieving infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
The grain is rich in minerals. Especially a lot of phosphorus in it - an element that increases the efficiency of the brain. There is also a lot of selenium in the grain, a microelement that has a pronounced antioxidant effect.
Lysine is essential for the synthesis of collagen fibers. And collagen maintains the beauty of hair, youth and skin health.
The energy value of the product is high, but the calorie content is low. Porridge saturates well, relieves hunger for a long time, but at the same time does not cause an increase in body weight.
Barley differs from other cereals in that it contains a high concentration of protein. And protein elements are necessary for building muscle fibers. Therefore, people leading an active life and athletes cannot do without barley porridge in their diet.

For diabetes

Cereal dishes must be present in the diet of diabetics. Barley porridge, regularly included in the menu, normalizes the concentration of glucose in the blood. Moreover, the probability of fluctuations in sugars is significantly reduced. Also, the product saturates the body of a diabetic with fiber, enzymes and other necessary substances.

With pancreatitis

Patients suffering from pancreatitis are forced to adhere to a special diet. It is recommended to include pearl barley in the menu. Porridge has an enveloping, antibiotic, soothing and restorative effect. With pancreatitis, it is advisable to make milk porridge, the grain is soaked before cooking.

With gastritis

Porridges are extremely useful in inflammatory diseases of the digestive organs. The main thing is not to allow the cereal to boil too soft.

For gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice, it is recommended barley decoction. Due to its enveloping action, it perfectly reduces the symptoms of the disease. To prepare a decoction, you need to pour 100 grams of cereal with a liter of warm water, leave for 5 hours, then cook for 20 minutes. The boiled remedy is infused for half an hour, filtered, taken in a quarter cup 3 times a day before meals.

Barley for constipation

The fiber contained in cereals ensures the normal functioning of the intestinal tract. Fiber fibers are not digested, but they are of great benefit to the intestines: they normalize the microflora, remove harmful accumulations.

With regular use of porridge, the intestines actively get rid of feces. As a result, the chair is normalized, constipation is eliminated. Thanks to this action, barley is one of the means to prevent colon oncology.

Benefits for the female body

Few women believe, but pearl barley helps to get rid of extra pounds.

Cereal dishes are carbohydrate foods. But carbohydrates in cereals are slow, they perfectly saturate the body, give a lot of energy, but do not cause weight gain.

According to scientific research, barley is useful for women entering menopause. In older women who regularly include barley porridge in the menu, the risk of developing breast cancer is halved. This is due to the fact that the composition of cereals contains a lot of selenium - a strong antioxidant that destroys malignant cells.

Barley during pregnancy

Cereal cereals during pregnancy are very useful. They saturate the mother's body with useful compounds that help to survive the difficult period of gestation, ensuring the full development of the embryo.

Barley porridge used during pregnancy:
eliminates constipation, frequent in expectant mothers;
speeds up metabolism;
saturates the body with iron, which is important for the synthesis of blood cells and the prevention of anemia;
provides the embryonic organism with vitamins and mineral elements;
maintains the normal nervous system of the mother;
eliminates stagnant processes in the mother's body;
prevents obesity in the expectant mother.

Barley while breastfeeding

Mothers should not eat barley porridge in the first months of breastfeeding. It is advisable to return the product to the diet no earlier than 4 months after childbirth. It is better for mothers to eat hot porridge, it is absorbed faster.

Many mothers are interested in at what age a child can use pearl barley. Some nutritionists warn that porridge contains gluten, a protein substance that can cause an allergy in a baby. Other experts say barley for babies is healthy and safe. But the main thing that mothers need to remember is that barley porridge is a difficult to digest product that should not be given to a child under 3 years old.

For feeding a baby from a year old, a cell is used - ground barley. It is better digested and easily absorbed in the child's body. To prevent allergies, barley should be given to children in liquid, cooked in water, and not in milk. If the baby has an allergic reaction after eating, then porridge is excluded from the diet.

What is useful for men?

The male body needs much more energy than the female. To stay active and hardy, men are advised to use pearl barley.

Complex carbohydrates contained in cereals give a feeling of satiety for a long time, and proteins are involved in building muscle tissue.

But it’s not worth including porridge on the menu every day, because with frequent use barley can lower male libido.

Barley for weight loss

The answer to the question of whether it is possible to lose weight sitting on barley is positive. Porridge is easily digestible, suitable for fasting days, tones the body, normalizes digestion. The barley diet is optimal for correcting weight.

You can quickly lose weight through a barley mono-diet. With this method of nutrition, you need to consume one serving of porridge daily to replenish the norm of proteins and carbohydrates. And as sources of vitamins and trace elements, vegetable dishes and lean fish are attached to the porridge.

Barley is used for breakfast, it is also possible for lunch. But you can’t eat more than 3 servings per day, otherwise the work of the digestive tract may be disrupted. With a barley mono-diet, you should drink enough water.

Useful properties of barley porridge

In the human body, barley porridge has a variety of positive effects:

Enveloping;
soothing;
antibiotic;
antiviral;
diuretic.

diabetes;
hepatitis;
infectious diseases of various nature;
pathologies of the liver and kidneys;
arthritis;
prostatitis;
oncological diseases.

In order for pearl barley to bring maximum benefit to the body, you need to be able to cook it. Dry barley grain is hard and tough, it takes at least 2 hours to cook it. To make the porridge cook faster, it is recommended to soak the cereal in water for several hours before cooking to swell.

The water in which the grain was soaked is drained. No more than 3 glasses of water is poured into the swollen cereal. But if the grain has not been soaked, then 6 glasses of water are taken. If a dairy dish is being made, then milk is added to the pan in the middle of cooking. Salted and seasoned with butter porridge at the end of cooking.

Possible harm barley

When using barley porridge, the following contraindications should be considered:

frequent constipation;
high acidity of the stomach;
children's age up to 3 years;
individual intolerance to the product.

Men, in order to maintain normal libido, should include porridge in the menu no more than 3 times a week.