If you think about foods that are amazing for your health, you often think of avocados, chia seeds, beetroot, oats, etc. The foods that you consider never include barley; they are more often than not swept under the carpet when it comes to the amount of benefits they have for your body.

But if you think about it, how do you think our grandparents' generation stayed fit without any diets or supplements like we take today? The answer is mostly humble ingredients that we can easily find in the kitchen but overlook. Barley is a brilliant example of this; it isn’t just a grain, but it’s also amazing for losing weight.

Read More: Benefits of Anjeer for Weight Loss

Let me walk you through the many benefits of barley for weight loss.

Barley Benefits for Weight Loss

In Indian traditional medicine, barley (or jau as we call it) is very famous for cooling the body and balancing the body’s energies. It’s also said in Ayurveda that it is amazing for detoxifying and making your digestion better—which helps you in losing your weight naturally.

Here’s how it helps:

Fiber: Barley is full of soluble and insoluble fiber, which keeps you full for longer and helps you avoid all those unhealthy cravings where you eat even when you don’t feel hungry.
Low Glycemic Index (GI): Barley is not like those other refined grains; it releases sugar very slowly into your blood, so you don’t get any insulin spikes.
Fastens Metabolism: Barley has all those fibers and minerals that can help you improve your digestion and metabolism.

How Barley Helps in Weight Loss?

All my patients ask me, “Okay, barley is healthy, but how exactly does it help me lose weight?” This is a great question! Let me explain:

Keeps You Fuller for Longer— The high fiber in barley fills up your stomach, so you will not snack on chips for no reason between your meals.
Reduces Belly Fat—Studies also say that barley can help you lessen your lower visceral fat, which is the stubborn fat around your stomach, your biggest insecurity!.
Detoxifies Naturally—Barley water is a traditional remedy in Ayurveda for centuries; it flushes out all the toxins and makes your digestion better while helping you lose your weight.
Less Calories—Barley is really low in calories but at the same time high in nutrients, so you’re getting a lot of healthy nutrients for almost half the calories.

Health Benefits of Barley

While barley for weight loss is what seems to be the talk of the town these days, the benefits of barley are so much more than just weight loss.

Lowers Cholesterol: The beta-glucans in barley help lessen all the bad cholesterol (LDL) in your body.
Blood Sugar: Barley is really good for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Gut Health: Barley can also act like a prebiotic, which gives you lots of good gut bacteria.

Other than these, barley is full of vitamins like B-complex, minerals like magnesium, and antioxidants, which can battle your inflammation. As a plus point, barley also gives you glowing skin and strong hair - so you look good on the outside while feeling great on the inside as well.

Is Barley Good for Weight Loss?

Is barley good for weight loss? Absolutely! Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about cutting calories—it’s about being smart with what you eat and how you eat it. Barley’s fiber, nutrients, and low glycemic index make it amazing for everyone, not just people who want to lose weight.

Now that you’re convinced, let me tell you the best ways to have barley in your diet:

Barley Water: Soak it overnight, boil, strain, and drink in the morning. This is really great for detox.
Barley Roti or Daliya: Instead of your normal wheat, have barley roti for a healthier meal.
Barley Salad: Put some cooked barley with veggies, lemon, and herbs for a light lunch.

How Dr. Shikha Sharma’s Approach Can Help?

As a medical practitioner with years of experience, I don’t believe in quick fixes or boring diets. We think being healthy can be made more enjoyable and tasty if we mix Indian traditional medicine with smart nutrition to make a personalized nutrition plan just for you.

My team of doctors and nutritionists will show you how to use anjeer and other healthy foods to lose weight the right way, which will not feel difficult, but something that can be done in the long run. We’ll tell you how much anjeer to eat, when to eat it, and what to pair it with. Reach out to us today to get a free assessment of your health for a healthy and happier life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Qn 1. Is it OK to eat barley every day?

Ans: Yes! Barley is safe to have every day if you don't have any gluten sensitivity. It's so high in fiber that it is amazing for digestion and weight loss.

Qn 2. What is the best time to eat barley?

Ans: Morning or lunch is the ideal time. You should not have heavy barley foods at night because it can bloat some people up.

Articles

Barley for Weight Loss: Benefits & How to Use It Effectively

Share this article

Share this article

Leave a Comment

Questions & Replies

Categories