Barley

Barley Grass; Hordeum vulgare; Mai Ya; Pearl Barley; Scotch Barley

... For medical use, whole barley seeds -- and cereals and flour made from them -- are being investigated for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. Some evidence from separate studies involving laboratory animals and humans suggests that barley seed products in the diet may improve blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes -- possibly because the fiber in barley seeds delays stomach emptying and slows down the absorption of carbohydrates from foods. Like oatmeal, barley seeds contain fiber that dissolves in water and fiber that does not dissolve. Both types that may help to lower cholesterol. In clinical studies, many participants who ate barley or bakery made with barley showed reductions in their total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the "bad" cholesterol), or triglyceride levels as compared to participants who ate products made with wheat flour. The positive results from some studies were erratic, however, with some participants showing much different results than others on the same diet. In addition, barley seed fiber may help individuals lose weight by creating a feeling of fullness that persists because the fiber swells and stomach contents stay in the stomach longer. Barley seeds may also protect against colon cancer. Generally, the fiber in barley seeds has been shown to help prevent colon cancer in laboratory animals. Further studies are needed to prove all of these possible uses for barley. ...

For other uses, see Barley (disambiguation). ?Barley Barley field ...