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The Top Benefits of Drinking Barley Water and How to Make It
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Have you heard about barley water? It’s possible that you have heard people at the gym talking about it or you might have seen some stories online. Many people are discovering this super healthy drink that you can make yourself very easily right at home. One of the best things about barely water is that you can literally drink it all day long, if you like; there is no minimum or maximum amount.
OK, so are you thinking barley=beer? Don’t worry, lots of people think that. But barley water is not beer. It’s been around for hundreds of years but unless we make it into beer, most of us just kinda push barley to the side. Barley water is very popular in other countries and once you start drinking it, you are going to wonder why you waited so long to try it.
Check out the top 10 health benefits you can get from drinking barley water.
1. Great for Your Skin
Barley water can literally make your skin glow! Barley contains selenium, which preserves the skin’s elasticity and protects it from the damage free radicals cause, which can make your skin look old before its time. Barley water also flushes toxin from the body, so all you are left with is wrinkle free, beautiful skin that glows from the inside out! Find out more how to nourish your skin.
2. Stops Urinary Tract Infections
Barley water is great at stopping those annoying UTI’s. It increases urination, so it flushes out toxins and bacteria in the body. Simply boil a tablespoon of barley seeds in four cups of water and leave it to boil until you have about 2 cups of liquid left. Allow to cool, and then drink. Repeat until that nasty infection is history.
3. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Since barley is high in fiber, it lowers cholesterol levels naturally while protecting you from colon cancer. Some say it even helps stop the formation of gallstones for women.
4. Prevents Yeast Infections
Barley water can prevent both morning sickness and yeast infections. It can even regulate blood sugar levels so you can avoid gestational diabetes. Barley water is super helpful during pregnancy as it prevents constipation, hemorrhoids, and edema, all problems common for pregnant women.
5. Supports the Immune System
Barley water contains high levels of iron, vitamin C, copper, and manganese, which helps to enhance and improve the immune system.
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6. Cools Body Temperature
In many countries, this is the main reason people drink barley water is for its cooling effects. On those hot summer days, try a glass of barley water and within minutes you should notice how much cooler you feel. It also beat sodas for quenching your thirst.
7. Heart Healthy
Barley water contains the B vitamin complex and niacin, which helps stop the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where the arterial walls thicken, which can cause heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Drinking barley water regularly can help lower your chance of developing cardiovascular diseases or having a stroke.
8. Prevents Anemia
If you suffer from anemia, barley water can help eliminate that problem for you. Barley water contains copper, a vital mineral for the formation of hemoglobin, which your body must have to produce healthy red blood cells.
SEE ALSO: Miraculous Drink That Does Wonders For Your Health
9. Supports Bone Health
With its high levels of phosphorus, copper, and calcium, barley water is great for supporting healthy bones. It also contains manganese, which is needed for the normal production of bones.
10. Supports Weight Loss
Barley water is high in fiber, which will keep you feeling full. It is also low in fat, full of vital nutrients, and is low in cholesterol, so you can feel good about drinking it every day! It’s even been reported to increase the metabolism, so you can burn more calories all day long.
Although you can buy barley water from almost any health foods store, you can also make it yourself, right in your own kitchen, no unwanted ingredients, no artificial colors or sweeteners.
Barley water is made from using a type of grain called Pearl Barley, available at any health food store. Many places add a bit of lemon or orange zest in with the barley to help give it a bit of flavor. Take a look at how easy it is to make your own barley water.
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Ingredients:
1 Cup of organic Pearl Barley
5 Cups of purified water
Juice 1 organic lemon (or lime or any flavor you like)
1 Tablespoon of raw, organic honey
Cinnamon stick (optional)
Organic ginger root (optional)
Serving: 4 cups
Put the barley in a sieve and rinse for about one minute with plenty of fresh, running water. Then put the barley, water, (cinnamon or ginger if you are going to use it), into a medium sized sauce pan. Bring this mixture to a boil, and then simmer without a lid on low for about 20 minutes. The grains will be soft and cooked at this time.
Now, pour this mixture through a sieve. Add your fruit juice and honey, stirring well. Allow to cool completely. Barley water is best when drank cool but it should be consumed within 3 days. If you don’t plan to drink it right away, place in a sealed container and put in the fridge.
You don’t have to throw out that cooked barley. Use it in your soups or stews. You can add some to your salads or put a tablespoon or so into your smoothies. You can even give some to your dog, if you like.
You can use this same basic recipe and simply change things around for different flavors. Try using some fresh mint leaves, or maybe some maple syrup instead of honey. No matter how you make it, you will still reap the benefits. Enjoy!
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Kunwar Singh
Jan 23, 2015 at 7:27 am
The above article on Barley Water is very knowledgeable piece of information. Since I have personal liking for barley grains due to its numerous health benefits, I have always suggested it to my patients to enjoy it’s health benefits. Barley water is the best home remedy for all types of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). It helps in flushing out urine with ease. Barley water is very cooling during hot summer. It should be taken moderately in extreme cold climates. Adding Cinnamon, Ginger, Mint Leaves and Holy Basil Leaves while boiling barley grains will make the drink tasty and effective. Add jaggery or honey for sweetness but avoid adding sugar. Take care and best of health!