Barley Water Benefits: How To Make It & When To Drink It For Best Results

What is Barley Water?

Barley water is a simple, nutritious beverage made by boiling barley in water, then straining the grains. It has been a staple in many cultures due to its natural healing properties and numerous health benefits. 

With a mild, slightly nutty taste, barley water can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a refreshing and versatile drink. It’s especially popular for its ability to hydrate and promote digestion, making it an excellent choice for a health-boosting beverage in your daily routine.

10 Surprising Barley Water Benefits

When it comes to barley water benefits, there’s a lot more than meets the eye. It is not just a hydrating drink; it can support your health in numerous ways. Let’s see the key barley water uses and why you should consider adding it to your diet:

1. Boosts Hydration

One of the simplest but most essential benefits of drinking barley water is its ability to keep you hydrated. With the natural minerals in barley, it replenishes electrolytes, which helps maintain proper hydration levels, especially on hot days or after exercise.

2. Aids Digestion

Barley water is rich in dietary fibre, supports healthy digestion and helps in preventing constipation. It also soothes your stomach, alleviating discomfort like bloating or acidity.

3. Supports Weight Loss

The benefit of drinking barley water for weight loss comes from its fibre content, which makes you feel full longer, reducing your cravings and helping with portion control. It’s low in calories too, making it a great choice for anyone looking to shed a few pounds.

4. Promotes Healthy Skin

Barley water is packed with antioxidants, which help neutralise free radicals and promote glowing, healthy skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce skin irritation and blemishes.

5. Improves Kidney Function

Drinking barley water regularly helps detoxify the body by flushing out toxins, promoting kidney health. The diuretic effect also helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

6. Regulates Blood Sugar

Barley contains compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels, making barley water a good choice for people with diabetes or those who want to manage their blood sugar more effectively.

7. Controls Blood Pressure

Studies suggest that barley water may help reduce blood pressure. Its potassium content can assist in dilating blood vessels, improving circulation, and reducing strain on the heart.

8. Lowers Cholesterol

The soluble fibre in barley, especially beta-glucan, helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of barley water can contribute to better heart health and lower cholesterol.

9. Fights Infections

Due to its antimicrobial properties, barley water can help strengthen your immune system, aiding in the prevention of infections. Drinking it regularly can also help your body recover from illnesses more quickly.

10. Improves Hair Health

 Barley water is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish your hair follicles. Drinking it can enhance hair growth and combat hair fall, making your hair healthier and shinier.

How To Make Barley Water?

Making barley water is simple, and it doesn’t require much time. Here’s how you can prepare it at home:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of pearl barley

1.5 to 2 litres of water

Optional: Lemon or honey for flavour

Instructions:

Rinse the barley thoroughly to remove any impurities.

Add the barley to a pot with water and bring it to a boil.

Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 30–45 minutes, or until the water has turned cloudy.

Strain the barley, you can discard the grains or use them in soups or salads.

If desired, add lemon juice or honey for a bit of extra flavour.

Serving:

Barley water can be served warm or chilled and stored in the fridge for up to 2–3 days, ensuring you have a refreshing drink whenever you need it.

Best Nutritional Benefits of Barley Water

The nutritional benefits of barley water are numerous, making it an excellent addition to your diet. Not only does it help with hydration, but it also contains vitamins and minerals that promote overall well-being. 

The drink is rich in soluble fibre, antioxidants, and essential minerals like potassium, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients help improve heart health, regulate blood pressure, and aid in digestion. 

Also, barley water is a great source of vitamins B6 and B12, which are essential for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy skin.

Barley Water Benefits During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it’s essential to stay hydrated and consume nutrients that benefit both you and your growing baby. Barley water benefits in pregnancy include its high content of folate, which supports proper fetal development, and its ability to aid in digestion, preventing issues like constipation, which is common during pregnancy. 

Drinking barley water also helps balance blood sugar levels, keeping you energised without spiking your insulin levels. Moreover, the drink is gentle on the stomach and can relieve nausea and bloating, two common discomforts for pregnant women. 

Always consult your healthcare provider before introducing any new food or drink into your pregnancy routine, but barley water can be a safe and beneficial option.

How Does Barley Water Give You Naturally Radiant Skin?

The benefit of drinking barley water for your skin is a natural, healthier glow. Thanks to its high antioxidant content, barley water helps reduce oxidative stress, which can cause premature ageing. The antioxidants in barley water fight free radicals, leading to fewer wrinkles, less pigmentation, and improved overall skin health. 

Additionally, its high fibre content aids digestion, ensuring your skin receives the nutrients it needs by flushing out toxins. Barley water’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated skin and reduce redness, giving you a smoother, clearer complexion. 

Drinking barley water regularly can also keep your skin hydrated from within, helping to maintain its elasticity and youthful appearance. If you’re looking for a natural way to keep your skin looking fresh, barley water can be a helpful addition to your beauty regimen.

Does It Improve Kidney & Liver Functioning?

Barley water is widely recognised for its detoxifying properties, making it an excellent drink for improving kidney and liver functioning. Regular consumption of barley water helps flush out toxins and excess fluids from the body, thus reducing the burden on your kidneys and liver. Its diuretic nature ensures that the kidneys are constantly working to eliminate waste, promoting better kidney health. 

For the liver, barley water supports its ability to detoxify the body by enhancing the digestion of fats and improving metabolic function. 

This can help prevent liver damage and ensure optimal organ performance. If you’re concerned about your kidney or liver health, drinking barley water may offer some natural support.

Stay Alert & Avoid These Simple Mistakes

While barley water benefits are abundant, there are some mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure you get the most out of this simple drink:

1. Not Drinking Enough Water: While barley water is excellent, it should not replace your regular water intake. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plain water in addition to barley water.
2. Adding Too Much Sugar: Many people add a lot of sugar or sweeteners to their barley water, which can offset some of its health benefits. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners like honey or a small squeeze of lemon to add flavour.
3. Not Straining Properly: Always strain the barley water before drinking it. Leaving the barley grains in the drink can make it too heavy and may reduce its digestive benefits.
4. Drinking Too Much: As with anything, moderation is key. Drinking large amounts of barley water can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes or interfere with your regular diet.

By staying mindful of these simple steps, you can maximise the barley water benefits and enjoy all its positive effects.

Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?

While barley water benefits are numerous, it’s important to be aware of any potential risks or side effects. For most people, drinking barley water is safe and beneficial, but there are a few things to consider:

• Gluten Sensitivity: Barley contains gluten, so those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid barley water or opt for a gluten-free alternative.
• Overconsumption: Drinking too much barley water can lead to excessive fluid intake, which may affect your electrolyte balance. Stick to a moderate amount (1–2 cups per day).
• Kidney Issues: If you have pre-existing kidney issues, it’s best to consult a doctor before regularly consuming barley water, as it can increase urination and put additional strain on the kidneys.

In general, when consumed in moderation, barley water is a safe and healthy beverage with minimal side effects.

Ways To Enjoy Barley

Barley is a versatile grain that can be used in many ways, aside from in your daily barley water. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy barley:

1. Barley Porridge: Cooked barley can be turned into a hearty porridge. Add fruits, nuts, or spices for a nutritious breakfast.
2. Barley Soup: Add barley to vegetable or chicken soups for added texture and nutritional benefits.
3. Barley Salad: Use cooked barley as a base for salads. Combine it with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing for a refreshing meal.
4. Barley Flour: Barley flour adds a nutty flavor and can be used in pancakes, muffins, or flatbreads.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating barley into your diet. Experiment with different ways to enjoy this nutritious grain!

Conclusion

All in all, barley water benefits are plentiful, offering advantages such as improved digestion, weight loss, skin health, and kidney function. Regular consumption can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels while promoting hydration. It's an easy-to-make, healthy beverage that fits well into your daily routine.

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FAQs

How many times a week should one consume barley water?

It’s ideal to consume barley water 2–3 times a week for optimal health benefits and hydration.

Can barley water help treat kidney stones?

Yes, barley water can aid in flushing out toxins and may help reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Can barley water be taken on an empty stomach?

Yes, drinking barley water on an empty stomach can promote digestion and improve overall hydration.

Is barley water helpful in lowering cholesterol?

Yes, barley water contains soluble fibre, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and promote heart health.

What are five uses of barley?

Barley can be used in soups, salads, porridge, barley water, and as flour in baking.

Is barley water good for uric acid?

Yes, barley water can help in flushing out excess uric acid and reducing the risk of gout.