Barley porridge: health benefits and harms

Of the 10 types of cereals and grains, 14 types of cereals are obtained by processing, which are used in cooking in the form of cereals, side dishes and additives to soups. All cereals have useful properties and have been used since ancient times in national cuisines of different nations. The grains are cleaned of impurities, remove the shell, shape by grinding. From grain crops, in addition to wheat and oats, barley is also used to produce barley and pearl barley.

Barley is a cultivated cereal whose oldest traces were discovered in ancient Syria. His cultivation history is more than 10 thousand years. Archaeological excavations in the regions of the Middle East, Egypt have proved that barley was grown by ancient people. Grain was known to many nations, so the distribution area was very wide. Barley was used more for the preparation of beer malt than for bread products and other dishes.

European peasants in the Middle Ages grew barley and wheat. They were in the diet in the form of bread. But with the advent in the XVI century. potatoes from South America, they not much yielded him the dominant place in the food of man of that time.

According to the written monuments, barley came to Russia from the Caucasus, Asian countries and Siberia from the end of the 10th century. Due to the biophysical and nutritional properties, as well as its resistance to weather conditions, it quickly entered agro-cultivation in the northern regions and mountainous areas of Russia, and became food not only for people, but also a feed for livestock and poultry.

What are barley groats made of

Barley, a cereal used mainly in brewing, has found use in cooking. Crushed barley grains are called barley k. Grains are preliminarily cleaned from the chaff. After crushing, sharp grains of various shapes are obtained. The resulting friable mass is not polished. For pearl barley, grains are ground and polished, as a result of which it loses its useful qualities, except for satiety.

According to the size of the grains, the cell is divided by numbers from 1 to 3. There is another technology for preparing cereals from barley according to the oatmeal principle, when the granules are passed through a conditioning drum.

Barley groats are used in the preparation of cereals in water and milk, with the addition of fresh fruits, berries, fruit and berry purees. With the help of it, desserts are prepared - sweet casseroles, puddings, it is added to soups. Flakes are used to make energy bars with dried fruits and nuts, granola.

The cereal itself is not cooked for long, about 40 minutes, increasing up to 5 times during cooking. Porridge is viscous due to the presence of clustered starch, but when cooled, it quickly thickens, losing water.

Barley groats were massively introduced into culinary technology and consumption in the 30s of the last century. The main role was played by the low cost of raw materials and production. In public and diet food porridge was widely used due to its properties: fast digestibility and satiety. In baby food cereals from barley groats were also provided. For the above reasons, barley groats has become widespread in the cuisine of the peoples of the Scandinavian Peninsula. There are many recipes for cooking it in Finnish and Swedish cuisine.

Thanks to the development of technology in the 60–70s of the XX century. the production of cereals went on to the second stage: steaming the granules made cooking porridges a faster process.And already at the end of the century, the development of industry contributed to it in the form of instant cereals, which should only be boiled with boiling water, without the need for cooking.

In modern society, food addictions have undergone changes. The fact that our ancestors ate about 50 years ago no longer consumes humanity in the 21st century. People monitor their nutrition, globalization erases the boundaries between peoples, making dishes of national cuisines the property of all mankind. Barley groats for some time almost never been used massively. But supporters of proper nutrition and diets recommend healthy and right foods for inclusion in the diet, where barley groats are not the most important ones, yielding buckwheat groats, oatmeal and rice, corn and soy. Although the porridge from barley is no worse than other cereals in terms of useful properties and nutrition, if cooked correctly and tasty. It is useful for medical, dietary nutrition, for those who are overweight.

What is the difference between barley and wheat

The main difference between these cereals in cereal crops: wheat is obtained from durum wheat grains. The grains are also crushed, ground or not, depending on the final product that the manufacturer wants to receive. Mostly used varieties "Artek" and "Poltava". To obtain small granules, they are ground. The color is bright golden depending on the variety of wheat. The better the variety, the more yellow the grains of wheat. It consists of 60% starch, 22% protein, contains fiber, vegetable fats, a mineral composition of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and potassium, a vitamin series in the form of groups B, PP, C and E.

Barley groats are crushed grains of cultivated cereal, barley, grayish-white color. Vitamin-mineral composition and nutritional value will be discussed below. It is rich in minerals (calcium, manganese, potassium). It contains vitamins of group B, selenium and protein.

Composition and calorie content

Nutritionists recommend the use of barley because of its composition, which is balanced, nourishes the human body with useful substances, minerals and vitamins.

1. The main elements of the product are complex carbohydrates (fiber, sugar, starch), which give a feeling of fullness due to the fact that they are slowly digested and absorbed by the human body, give off energy at a slow pace. Therefore, cereal is recommended to eat for breakfast for long-term activity.
2. Useful unsaturated fatty acids lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. They help provide the body with beneficial substances, nourishing and supporting cells.
3. Vegetable protein includes the necessary amino acids that support the health of the body.
4. The vitamin-mineral group is mainly contained in the shell with which the grains are coated. When processing by grinding or polishing, useful substances are removed, therefore, the use of crushed grains is preferable. Whole grains are also particularly useful.

Porridge made from cereals has an energy value in conjunction with other products, which are the primary or secondary components in the cooked dish. The first include water and milk, the second - various fruit and berry supplements, sugar, honey.

Calories per 100 g of product:

• dry cereal - 324 kcal;
• porridge on the water - 75-100 kcal;
• porridge in milk - 115 kcal.

The main substances, minerals and vitamins contained in cereals, fully ensure the health and maintenance of the basic functions of the body.

Chemical composition per 100 g of cereal:

• Protein - 10.4 g
• Fats - 1.3 g
• Dietary fiber - 8.1 g
• Carbohydrates - 66.3 g

Vitamins (in mcg):

• A - 1
• Beta Carotene - 13
• E - 0.6
• K - 2.2
• B1 - 0.6
• B2 - 0.3
• B3 - 4.6
• B5 - 0.3
• B6 - 0.3
• B9 - 19

Minerals (in mg):

• Calcium - 33
• Iron - 3.6
• Magnesium - 133
• Phosphorus - 264
• Potassium - 452
• Sodium - 12
• Zinc - 2.8
• Copper - 0.5
• Manganese - 1.9
• Selenium - 37.7

What is useful barley porridge

General benefit

Croup of barley is able to positively affect the body, the functionality of the digestive tract, maintain health.

1. It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, strengthens blood vessels, increases elasticity. Grain fiber affects blood cholesterol. This is especially noticeable in reducing the amount of "bad" cholesterol.
2. The work of the digestive tract and intestines is normalized due to the enveloping effect. The microflora of the digestive tract improves. Fiber of cereals cleanses the walls of the intestinal tract, removes toxins and toxins.
3. Regular consumption of barley porridge affects blood pressure, normalizing high blood pressure. This is due to the low sodium content, which affects hypertension in older people and patients with diabetes.
4. The diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect of porridge is proven. People with diabetes and obesity are shown barley groats.
5. Proteins contained in cereals give a feeling of satiety for a long time, so porridge is indicated for diet and weight loss.
6. A noticeable overall effect on all organs of the human body. The constant use of porridge from barley normalizes the endocrine system, genitals and urethra of men and women.
7. Croup is able to influence mood, reducing depression and raising tone.
8. Porridge is a neutral product that does not cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Barley cereals can be a salvation during seasonal exacerbations of allergic rhinitis, hay fever.
9. Anti-inflammatory and general strengthening properties affect all human organs, which is important in the postoperative period, during long-term serious illnesses.
10. An organism purified from toxins becomes “light”, which also affects mental activity and brain activity.
11. Through hair restoration, skin tightness, the effect of rejuvenation of the body is noticeable with prolonged and regular intake of porridge from barley, as well as with proper preparation.

With age, human nutrition becomes more selective. Meat, which was included in the diet for almost daily consumption, fades into the background, giving way to vegetable protein, which is rich in barley groats. Changes in diet and diet have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body.

For women

Amino acids of cereals affect the production of collagen, which supports the condition of the skin, helps to avoid early wrinkles. This is especially important for the female, because girls are constantly struggling with the appearance of the first wrinkles, fighting for youthful skin.

The constant use of cereals, not only from barley, but also from other cereals, helps to maintain hair in perfect condition, nourishing them with useful substances. Nails become healthy and shiny. Vigor and lightness appear, extra kilograms leave.

For men

A protein-rich product is ideal for men involved in hard physical labor and sports. It restores strength, gives energy for a long time and protects muscles from overwork, useful for recovery after physical exertion. It supports the tone of the genitourinary system, preventing inflammatory processes, which is important for men's health at any age.

During pregnancy

The nutrition of the expectant mother should be balanced and useful so that the developing fetus receives all the necessary trace elements without harming the health of the woman. A cell is useful in that it does not contain allergens, saturates physically and energetically. It gives vitality and supports physical activity, saturating the body's cells with useful substances. Croup has general strengthening properties, promotes healthy and restoring sleep, does not give extra calories, eliminating the increase in fat and weight gain.Diuretic properties help get rid of edema, especially in the last months of pregnancy. Croup increases intestinal motility, cleanses it of slagging.

When breastfeeding

The rich diet of a nursing mother, from the point of view of useful components, contributes to the rapid recovery of the body after childbirth and the beginning of high-quality breastfeeding. With mother's milk, the baby should receive good nutrition during the first 4 months. Breastfeeding every 4 hours is a stress for a woman's body. In a short period, he should recover and resume the lactation process. Therefore, the inclusion in the diet of cereal from barley groats is very beneficial effect not only on the health of the mother, but also on the health of the baby. The child will receive with the mother’s milk all the useful vitamins and minerals that contribute to the growth and strengthening of bones, immunity.

For children

Despite children's dislike for cereals, they are the basis of a healthy diet and well-being. Barley porridge is useful in all respects, energizes and invigorates, strengthening the body and immunity of the child. Well-cooked barley porridge does not cause rejection, but on the contrary, children like its slightly sweet and delicate taste. It is quickly absorbed, it is not heavy food for a delicate stomach. Trace elements, minerals and vitamins nourish all organs and systems of a growing person.

Pediatricians recommend giving porridge from barley from 18 months, boiling it in a more liquid consistency on the water. You should start with a small portion, literally from 1 teaspoon of porridge. The first thing, of course, is to observe the reaction of the body to the composition of cereals. With bloating, colic, rashes, redness on the body, you need to cancel the porridge and consult a doctor.

In the absence of reaction, increase the portion gradually. The best option: prescribe porridge from the box 2-3 times a week in the children's menu. With regular use, the intestines will work stably, without glitches and constipation. Even in a growing organism, the first toxins may appear, which due to the use of the cells will not stagnate and can be removed with stool. Phosphorus and calcium in barley groats complement each other, helping the process of formation and strengthening of the child’s skeletal system.

For preschoolers and schoolchildren, porridge also gives strength, quickly replenishes the energy expended. The work of the brain is activated to master the world.

When losing weight

For overweight people, the problem of losing weight comes first. Those who decided to fight with kilograms should first include barley porridge in their food, which contributes to weight loss. It is also worth reviewing other foods, counting calories and creating a menu for every day, taking into account all the useful qualities of the food consumed.

Morning consumption of porridge gives vigor, energy and a feeling of satiety for a long time. Barley cereals cooked in water or skim milk will be a good start to the day. The body will immediately feel lightness, it will want to continue to eat properly and nutritiously, without acquiring extra folds at the waist. A dish of barley pleasantly envelops the stomach, does not give a feeling of heaviness and does not cause other side effects, like flatulence or bloating. At the same time, do not forget that such a porridge strengthens the immune system, fights against sleep deprivation, helps a sound sleep, relieves nervousness, soothes and sets up positive feelings.

Edema for obese people is a common occurrence. Eating barley porridge, we can hope that the diuretic effect will reduce puffiness and drive excess fluid out of the body. "Barley" diet does not cause side effects, does not bring a feeling of unsaturation. Using porridge as a dietary product for weight loss, you need to monitor the time of administration and duration: after 1 week of inclusion in the diet of barley groats for breakfast, you should take a break and resume reception again, reducing consumption to 2-3 times a week.

Barley porridge in medicine

Barley groats do not have a clear medical effect as a medicine, as this is a dietary product with a lot of useful properties, which, together with other food and drugs, benefits the body. Nevertheless, the composition of barley groats can affect the body system and human health.

With diabetes

Knowing the effect of cereal on the endocrine system, barley porridge should be included in the diet of patients with diabetes mellitus, which significantly reduces blood sugar, affecting the functioning of the metabolic glands with useful substances. The antioxidant manifestation removes harmful substances from the blood and the whole body, which significantly improves health and prolongs life. Croup is able to cleanse the blood of harmful impurities and decay products of substances that enter the body with food and drink.

Important: glycemic index of barley porridge - 50 units.

With pancreatitis

Barley and pearl barley in their composition have a large number of complex carbohydrates and gluten, which give a feeling of satiety for a long time. Patients with pancreatitis during an exacerbation of the disease are sensitive to any overfilling of the stomach, even if it is caused by subjective sensations. Therefore, the use of barley groats in such periods is better to postpone. It is good to use porridge when the disease has subsided, and crisis conditions have passed - to restore the body and strength. But at the same time, you need to carefully consider this porridge so as not to cause a recurrence of the crisis.

With gastritis

A therapeutic diet for various forms of gastritis can significantly facilitate the course of the disease in various forms:

• acute form, exacerbation of a chronic disease;
• gastritis with normal or increased acidity of the stomach;
• chronic form of gastritis;
• gastritis with concomitant liver diseases.

Porridge for gastritis is prepared on a water basis in a liquid consistency or grated. Depending on the improvement, you can cook porridge in milk, also bringing it to a puree state. The use of steamed porridge is popular, but it is better to use it when the disease has already receded in order to get a surge of strength and energy. Meat and vegetable broths with cereal restore the body.

For constipation

Fiber porridge helps to improve the intestinal microflora, removing toxins and toxins, cleaning the walls of the intestinal tract. Together with other laxative products (prunes, dried apricots, fresh fruits), it gives a positive effect for constipation and short-term stagnation in the intestine. It is important to remember that porridge cooked only on water is allowed, in no case should dairy products be used during cooking, especially high-fat butter. You can replace it with olive or any vegetable oil.

Soup based on vegetable broth will increase the laxative effect of the “cell”. Instead of fried vegetables should be cooked or steamed, then there will be a noticeable positive effect on the intestines. Porridge for laxative purposes is taken on an empty stomach.

With gout

The dietary property of barley groats can be used in the preparation of menus for patients with gout. Barley grits affects the endocrine system of the body, normalizing metabolism and facilitating the patient's condition.

The use of barley porridge should be laid for 1 week of dietary nutrition, alternating it after 1-2 days. Meal for the day should be divided into several parts, monitor the selection of products and drinking regimen. At the same time, it is worth removing flour, sweet foods, fatty meat, fish and eggs from the diet, include more vegetables, fruits, increase water intake. A week on a barley diet will relieve the body, remove toxins and toxins, improve the condition of organs - you will see how weight is reduced.

500 g of cooked or steamed groats are divided into 6 equal parts and stretched for 1 day. It’s better not to salt the dish. You need to drink a lot of water, you can decoctions and teas from herbs, dried fruit compotes without sugar. Do not eat sweets.You can dilute the porridge with low-fat kefir or yogurt. To manifest the greater effect of such a diet, you can add laxative dried fruits (100 g), also dividing them into several parts.

For the liver

The main organ-cleaner of the human body, the liver, is sometimes required to take a break from the labors that people load on it, eating fatty foods and abusing alcohol. Complex carbohydrates and amino acids of barley groats help cleanse the liver. Diet fasting days are also useful for the liver when harmful toxins and waste are removed with the help of porridge.

With cholecystitis

In the period of exacerbation of the disease, barley porridge is not recommended for patients with cholecystitis. But if it is cooked with a lot of water and then rubbed into the pulp, then you can take it in a small amount in the morning and evening. Diet during periods of remission should be observed: fatty, spicy - prohibited, all foods - only boiled or steamed. Barley porridge in a thicker consistency will give a surge of strength and energy, but do not abuse it, replacing it better with oatmeal.

Harm and contraindications

Porridge from cereals does not have many contraindications and can not cause such significant harm if it is properly cooked. The chemical composition reveals that there are more beneficial properties than harmful ones. But there are some individual characteristics of the body, when the use of barley porridge in food will threaten health:

1. Intolerance to the components of cereals, allergic reactions.
2. Critical condition of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammatory and other processes that interfere with normal digestion.
3. Pregnancy. There is an opinion that barley porridge is contraindicated for pregnant women because of the diuretic properties and the risk of premature birth, but any excess in nutrition can adversely affect human health, so moderation should be observed and sometimes you can eat such a dish.
4. Gluten intolerance.

Nutritionists also point out that egg whites should not be consumed when eating “cells”, as these foods do not combine with each other. Eat cereal in a limited amount, strictly observing the proportions. Do not combine porridge with dairy products of high fat content.

How to choose barley groats for porridge

A major role in choosing barley groats is played by the appearance and shelf life. Grains should be of a non-uniform size, as the product is crushed, not polished. The box should be white-gray. Granules should shine a little and easily crumble, that is, be without excess moisture. If the humidity is high, then perhaps the cereal will be of poor quality, with mold and lumps.

Store barley groats in a vessel with a tight lid, in a dry and dark place, not more than 1.5 years. Insects can be found in the old croup, upon detection of which it should be disposed of immediately. A large number of cereals should be sorted monthly so that it does not lie down, insects do not wound up.

How to cook barley porridge: recipes

Cooking porridge seems simple and does not require much culinary experience. However, proportions and strict sequence are important here:

You need to rinse the cereal in several waters in order to wash off the dust, remove foreign particles and grains with a defect. Pour a cell directly into boiling water to preserve nutrients. Boil additionally after the first boiling for another 20–25 minutes. over low heat. It is better to salt at the end of cooking. Vegetable oil added during the cooking process gives a taste and adds friability.

A porridge of liquid consistency is obtained by adding more water or milk. After cooling, it thickens a little.

On the water

The rinsed grains (2 tbsp.) Are slightly calcined in a hot pan, stirring and not letting the grains burn.At this time, boil 5 glasses of water in a saucepan, immediately salt it, add the cereals and add 3 teaspoons of any vegetable oil. With constant stirring, bring to evaporation of water, at the same time reduce the fire, cook for about 30-40 minutes. After removing from the stove, mix, close tightly with a lid. Wrap a towel around. In 20 minutes. crumbly porridge is ready.

In milk

Washed and peeled barley groats (1 cup), leave overnight, pour water. In the morning, drain the water, add 2 cups of fresh water, boil for 5 minutes. Salt, add flavoring with seasonings or sugar, add hot milk (2-3 cups), boil for another 5 minutes. After readiness, honey, fresh berries, dried fruits can be added to taste.

In a slow cooker

Pour washed and peeled barley groats into the capacity of the multicooker (1 cup). Pour 2 cups of water, add salt to taste, put any additives, put to boil. Add the finished dish with vegetable oil.

Is it possible to give the dog barley porridge

Barley groats are also useful for pets, especially large dogs, which should receive all the necessary trace elements and substances with food. Owners of dogs cook porridges for their pets and use them as additional food to the main one, choosing barley groats for cheapness and useful properties.

Before serving the animal porridge is not salted and cooled to body temperature. But you can’t constantly feed the dog with such food, the daily portion should be 25-40% of the total amount of food that the pet receives. Porridge can be flavored with beef or vegetable broth or served with offal.

Large and active dogs with barley groats receive energy, strength and satiation. Older dogs, dogs with indigestion and indigestion, lethargic and inactive, cannot eat this kind of food.

Puppies can also be fed with barley groats, but at the same time it should be boiled in milk so that it has a liquid consistency. Barley porridge is also suitable for carrying offspring and lactating knots.

Interesting facts about barley groats

1. In addition to cultivated barley, which is used as raw material for the production of barley groats, in nature there is also wild, growing in the tropical latitudes of the eastern hemisphere in the highlands of Tibet.
2. Barley BC was grown only for the manufacture of a foamy drink - beer.
3. This is the oldest cereal, the use of which was begun more than 10 thousand years ago in the Neolithic era.
4. The Bible mentions barley more than 20 times. The grain was recognized as one of the fruits of the Promised Land.
5. Ancient Egyptian tombs preserved vessels with the remains of a barley drink. Beer was in active use by the Egyptians.
6. Barley was considered a symbol of Upper Egypt.
7. The gladiators of ancient Rome ate dishes from barley to restore strength and build muscle.
8. The famous Avicenna back in the X century. wrote about the beneficial properties of barley: anti-inflammatory, restorative.
9. Flour obtained from barley is used in cosmetology as the basis for powder.
10. Grains for some time served as standards of weight and length: 5 grains correspond to a carat - 0.2232 g, and 3 grains are 1 inch (2.45 cm).
11. Barley cultivation in the harsh areas of the mountains and the north is due to the short growing season of 60–120 days.
12. Barley porridge is used to nourish military service men and has received its nickname: foam rubber, chopped milk, kirsa porridge, kirsa, and a box.
13. Barley grows in highlands, is cultivated at an altitude of 5 thousand meters above sea level, in the regions of Tibet.

Simple and affordable products, outwardly unpresentable, open from an unexpected angle. Useful substances, trace elements of minerals and vitamins of cereal plants are firmly included in the diet and contribute to the health of people. Barley groats, undeservedly forgotten and deprived of the attention of nutritionists, will soon take their place in the list of useful and “right” products.

Photo of barley porridge