Barley
Why barley?
- Aids in digestion
- Reduces "bad" cholesterol
- Protects against cardiovascular disease
- Prevents heart failure
- Prevents diabetes
Barley is known to be extremely good for digestive health. It is a grain that is high in dietary fiber. It provides good bacteria for the intestines, thus decreasing the risk of colon cancer and hemorrhoids. Barley contains a cholesterol-lowering substance produced by its insoluble fiber called propionic acid. Propionic acid is responsible for inhibiting HMG-COA reductase, an enzyme involved in the production of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the liver.
Barley is also good for heart health. Since it reduces LDL cholesterol, it reduces the probability of heart problems such as cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Barley is a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that includes enzymes involved in the body’s use of insulin secretion and glucose. This makes barley a potent preventor of diabetes.
Eating a ½-cup serving of barley six times a week will give you best results.