An historical treatment or an elixir to good well being, barley water is an unbelievable beverage that our ancestors included of their day by day diet because the daybreak of civilisation. The energy grain barley, which our era generally associates with beer, has lengthy been used to make cereals, as an alternative to rice and to dish out different delicacies intrinsic to varied regional cuisines. While we now marvel at one of many variants – pearl barley, with the continuing development of consuming what our ancestors ate and utilizing it to toss up salads and fast stir-fries, one other barley kind which is garnering consideration is barley water. The advantages of barley water aplenty.

This wholesome beverage has made a mark in varied cultures – Greek, Britain, and East and Southeast Asia. In historical Greece, certainly one of their favorite drinks referred to as kykeon was made with barley water, and it was deemed to be a treatment for varied illnesses. In Britain, it was principally used as a sizzling beverage, very like tea, and flavoured with lemon rinds, sugar or different fruit juices. In truth, it’s stated that athletes at Wimbledon are sometimes served an orange flavoured, barley water drink throughout summers. Coming to Asia, barley water is loved each, sizzling or chilly, and drank as is or flavoured with lemon. According to Ayurveda, it is a wonderful diuretic, which cures urinary tract infections (UTI) and likewise helps the physique to maintain cool through the summers.
 

_{The advantages of barley water aplenty} 

Health Benefits of Barley Water

Barley water ranks excessive within the class of wholesome drinks as a result of it’s loaded with important vitamins. Since barley is an effective supply of soluble and insoluble fibre, vitamins, important minerals (calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc and copper), anti-oxidants and phytochemicals that are believed to decrease the danger of coronary heart illness and diabetes, barley water too attracts out these advantages to make itself a well being booster. Here’s why you need to give it a strive –

1. Aids in Detoxification

Regular utilization of barley water helps flush out toxins from the physique and the intestines by means of the urinary tract. This course of is primarily triggered by a gaggle of sugars referred to as beta-glucans that are current within the cell partitions of barley. It due to this fact helps in cleaning the interior system of the physique.

2. Home Remedy for Urinary Tract Infections

Since barley water acts as a diuretic, in lots of households in India, it’s thought-about to be a pure treatment for urinary tract infections, and kids or adults are sometimes advisable a couple of glasses of barley water every day until the an infection subsides. It can also be stated to be treatment for kidney stones or cysts.

3. Helps in Digestion Related Problems

In Ayurveda, barley water is taken into account as a digestive tonic which helps in facilitating the method of digestion, particularly for many who have low ‘agni’. Different physique varieties, similar to Vata, Pita and Kapha, also can combine in a couple of spices respectively to additional support within the course of. It is commonly advisable to these affected by constipation or diarrhoea, and it additionally helps restore the electrolyte stability throughout infections.

According to the e book Barley for Food and Health: Science, Technology, and Products by Rosemary Ok. Newman and C. Walter Newman, “Barley water is a beverage known since ancient times as a folk remedy or preventative for numerous ailments, such as gastroenteritis and heat exhaustion.” Since it’s a gentle beverage, it’s simple on the abdomen, and since it comprises important minerals, it aids in varied processes of the physique.

4. Promotes Weight Loss

Since barley is a wonderful supply of fiber, barley water too retains this attribute in some measure. It due to this fact proves to be an excellent choice for these searching for to lose weight because it tends to fill you up for an extended time, thus chopping down in your meals consumption. Moreover, as it’s good for digestion, it additionally stimulates the metabolism of fats. But this positively does not imply that you could take pleasure in fatty meals and count on barley water to work its magic.

5. Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Sugar

Being supply of fiber and beta-glucans, barley water additionally works in the direction of retaining a test on blood ldl cholesterol (by inhibiting the absorption of LDL and triglycerides from meals) and blood sugar (by enhancing insulin resistance). Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties which not solely assist in cooling the physique however in defending the center as effectively.

How to Make Barley Water

To benefit from this wholesome drink, it’s best to stir it up at residence. It is straightforward to make and you may even use flavour boosters and sweeteners to enhance the style. You can use hulled barley or pearl barley to make the drink. Ensure that you simply prepare dinner the grains effectively to extract probably the most vitamins from it.
 

_{To benefit from this wholesome drink, it’s best to stir it up at residence} 

1/4 cup pearl barley

4 cups water

A pinch of salt

A drizzle of honey (elective)

A lemon rind (elective)

Method:

1. Heat the water and pearl barley in a saucepan and produce it to a boil.

2. Add the salt and let it prepare dinner on a low flame for half-hour. You can muddle the grains somewhat, utilizing a spoon.

3. Strain it right into a glass, tip in a lemon rind, and drizzle with somewhat honey on high. Let it cool fully. You also can maintain it within the fridge for half-hour after which have it.

Note: You can use ginger, cinnamon, cumin seeds and different spices, or orange juice to boost the style. The leftover grains can be utilized to make cereals, salads or a thickening agent for curries and smoothies. Don’t waste it!