A recent study from Lund University in Sweden shows that barley can rapidly improve people’s health by reducing blood sugar levels and the risk for diabetes. The special mixture of dietary fibres found in barley, can help reduce people’s appetite and risk for cardiovascular disease.
During the study healthy middle-aged participants were asked to eat bread (85% of the bread used in the study was made out of barley kernels, which had been boiled and mixed with wheat flour.) largely made out of barley kernels for three days – at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Approximately 11-14 hours after their final meal of the day participants were examined for risk indicators of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The researchers found that the participants’ metabolism improved for up to 14 hours, with additional benefits such as
- Dcreases in blood sugar and insulin levels
- Increases in insulin sensitivity
- Increase in Gut Hormones & stop Constipation
- Visceral Fat Decreases with Barley consumption.
- Improved appetite control.
The effects arise when the special mixture of dietary fibres in barley kernel reaches the gut, stimulating the increase of good bacteria and the release of important hormones.
Added Benefits:
- Maintaining Bone Structure and Strength.
- Helps detoxify some Cancer-causing compounds in the body.
- Helps to Maintain the structure of Cellular Membranes & aids in the transmission of nerve impulses.
It’s a Superfood.
Yoghurt and Barley Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp light-flavoured oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4cm piece ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lime or 1 dried lime
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 200g pearl barley
- 150g red lentils
- 400g chopped tomatoes
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 200g greek yoghurt
- Salt and black pepper
To finish - 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, very thinly sliced
- 1 bunch coriander, roughly chopped
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large high-sided pan over a medium heat. Fry for 3 minutes, or until it starts to soften and take on some colour. Throw in the garlic, ginger, spices and lime. Cook for a further 2 minutes, stirring all the time.
- Add the barley, red lentils and chopped tomatoes to the pan, stir well, cook for 1-2 minutes then pour in the stock. Bring to the boil then simmer for 45 minutes, or until the lentils have almost disappeared into the soup and the barley is very tender.
- Meanwhile, prepare the topping. Heat the oil in a large frying pan until hot and fry the onions for 8-10 minutes or until dark golden and crisp. You might have to do this in batches adding a little more oil as you go. Make sure the onions don’t burn. Remove from the pan and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.
- When the soup is cooked, add plenty of seasoning, stir in the yoghurt and allow to heat through – but don’t boil. Squash the dried lime (if using) in the pan to release the juices. Ladle into bowls and serve topped with crisp onions and coriander.
Reference:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.