12 min read

Updated On Jul 2024
Updated On Jul 2024

Barley For Weight Loss: Does This Grain Really Work? Read Here

Table of content

Barley For Weight Loss

Written By

×
Author Profile
Shalini Thakur

Shalini has been crafting engaging stories, blogs, and articles that are into beauty, and fitness for the past 3 years.

View Profile

Reviewed By

×
Varleen Kaur

Varleen Kaur is a Qualified Dietitian. In Fitelo, she is currently serving as a Subject Matter Expert, in the Department of Performance and Marketing.

View Profile

Table of content

Hey there! Have you heard about the magical grain that can help you on your journey to a slimmer, healthier you? Let’s talk about barley for weight loss! It may not be the trendiest superfood on the block, but trust me, it’s a true champion when it comes to weight loss.

A wholesome grain that keeps you feeling full, regulates your blood sugar, supports your digestion, and nourishes your body with essential nutrients. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s exactly what Barley brings to the table!

Think of Barley as your workout buddy, ready to boost your progress and make the journey a little easier. It’s like having a trusted companion on your path to a healthier lifestyle.

Now, you might be wondering how this unassuming grain can work wonders for your waistline. Let’s keep reading to know that:

CTA ImageCTA Image

What Is Barley?

Barley is a cereal grain that belongs to the grass family. It is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world, with a history dating back over 10,000 years. It has been an important staple food in various cultures and civilizations.

  • Barley can be used in various culinary preparations. It is often cooked and used as a base for soups, stews, and risotto. Barley flour can be used in baking bread, muffins, and other baked goods. Barley is also used in the production of malt, which is used in brewing beer and making malted drinks.
  • Barley is available in different forms, including hulled barley, pearled barley, and barley flakes. Hulled barley is the least processed and retains its outermost hull, while pearled barley has the hull removed and is more commonly used. Barley flakes are similar to rolled oats and can be used in breakfast cereals or baking.

Nutritional Profile Of Barley

Barley is a nutrient dense grain that offers several health benefits. It contains essential vitamins (B vitamins, vitamin E), minerals (manganese, selenium, copper), dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

Let’s have a look at the data on 100 gm of barley nutrition by USDA:

NutrientValue
Calories354 kcal
Carbohydrates73.5 gm
Protein12.5 gm
Fat2.3 gm
Fiber17 gm
Sodium12 mg
Potassium454 mg

Barley also includes manganese, selenium, phosphorus, copper, and niacin. It is important to note that these values are approximate and they can vary after cooking. 

Is Barley Good For Weight Loss?

The nutritional profile of barley is why barley for weight loss is effective. Let’s take a closer look at the impressive nutritional profile of barley.

Benefits of barley for weight loss

Barley’s Low Glycemic Index Helps In Blood Sugar Management:

Barley has a low glycemic index (GI), which means it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels like refined grains do.

  • With a low glycemic diet food like barley, you can maintain more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
  • This helps prevent energy crashes and excessive cravings, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan and avoid consuming empty calories.

Supports Digestion And A Healthy Gut:

The fiber content in barley not only aids in satiety but also supports a healthy digestive system.

  • Barley acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that contribute to improved digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • A healthy gut is essential for overall well-being and weight management, as it enhances the body’s ability to efficiently process and eliminate waste.

Nutrient Density For Optimal Health:

When it comes to weight loss, ensuring your body receives adequate nutrients is vital. Barley shines in this aspect, as it offers a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

  • These nutrients support overall health and well-being, ensuring that your body functions optimally during the weight loss process.
  • From B vitamins that aid in energy production to selenium and copper that act as antioxidants, barley provides a nutritional boost to support your weight loss journey.
  • Here are more benefits of barley for weight loss in detail that you can check out:

How To Have Barley For Weight Loss?

Now that we understand the weight loss benefits of barley, let’s explore some practical tips for how to add barely to your weight loss diet chart.

  1. Swap Refined Grains For Barley: Replace refined grains like white rice or pasta with cooked barley in your meals. Use it as a base for stir-fries, grain bowls, or as a side dish. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor add a delightful element to various dishes.
  2. Barley Salads: Create refreshing and nutritious salads by adding cooked barley to a mix of vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing. It provides a satisfying chew and enhances the overall flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite barley salad recipe.
  3. Hearty Barley Soups: Barley’s chewy texture also makes it an excellent addition to hearty soups. Combine it with vegetables, lean proteins, and aromatic herbs for a nourishing and weight-loss-friendly meal. Barley adds a substantial element to soups, making them more filling and satisfying.
  4. Barley Breakfast Bowls: Moreover, start your day right with a barley breakfast bowl. Also, cooked barley can be combined with yogurt, fresh fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a filling and nutritious morning meal. This combination provides a balanced blend of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day.

blog-button]

Why Choose Barley Over Other Cereals For Weight Loss?

When it comes to gluten free diet or weight loss, barley is a game-changer, and here are the health benefits of barley for weight loss.

Barley: A Fiber Powerhouse

One of the reasons barley is so effective for weight loss is its high fiber content. Fiber helps you feel full for longer, reducing your overall calorie intake.

  • By incorporating barley into your meals, you can curb unnecessary cravings and prevent overeating. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay on track with your weight loss goals.
  • The soluble and insoluble fiber found in barley adds bulk to your meals, reducing the urge to overeat or snack on unhealthy foods. This helps create a calorie deficit, which is crucial for shedding those extra pounds.

Jau Water: A Refreshing Weight Loss Drink

Looking for a delicious and refreshing beverage that can aid in weight loss? Look no further than barley water. This thirst-quenching drink not only keeps you hydrated but also promotes weight loss.

  • Barley water for weight loss helps detoxify your body, support digestion, and boost metabolism. Swap sugary drinks with barley water and enjoy a refreshing way to shed those pounds.

Barley As A Meal Staple

Incorporating barley into your meals is a fantastic way to enhance weight loss efforts. Replace refined grains with this versatile grain in dishes like salads, soups, and stir-fries.

  • Its nutty flavor and chewy texture add a delightful element to your meals while keeping you satisfied for longer.
  • By choosing barley as your go-to grain, you’re nourishing your body and supporting your weight loss goals.

The Best Grain To Add To Flexitarian Diet Meal Plan

Are you tired of restrictive diets that leave you feeling unsatisfied? The weight loss flexitarian diet meal plan combines plant-based vegan protein foods with occasional meat consumption.

  • Barley for weight loss fits perfectly into this diet plan, providing the necessary nutrients and filling fiber to keep you satiated. It’s a win-win situation for weight loss and overall well-being.

Barely Has Cooling Properties

Barley is the best grain to consume in summer. It cools down the internal heat produced in the body.

  • Ayurveda says that it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which make it the best grain to balance out the excess pitta (fire element) in the body.

Barley Recipes For Weight Loss

We have told you how to prepare barley in many ways, but how cannot we share some of our favorite barley recipes for weight loss:

Barley Cheela

Jaun Cheela is a savory pancake made from ground or soaked sorghum (jaun) flour. It is a popular breakfast dish in North India and is typically served with chutney or yogurt.

Barely Tea Recipe

Barley tea is a common beverage in Asian countries; in some households, it’s consumed instead of water. Given the safety of barley, it’s safe to drink several glasses per day.

Barley Roti Recipe

This barley roti recipe is a smart way to lose weight. Moreover, jau ki roti can replace your regular roti and become your go-to accompaniment with all its goodness and health benefits.

Which Is The Best: Oats Vs Barley For Weight Loss?

So let’s compare the nutrient values of oats and barley to see how they stack up in terms of weight loss benefits:

Micronutrients: Oats are a good source of B vitamins, including thiamine and folate. They also provide minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese.Barley is also a good source of B vitamins, including niacin and vitamin B6. It also provides minerals such as manganese, selenium, and copper.
Calories: Oats are relatively low in calories, with approximately 150 calories per 1/2 cup of dry oats. Barley is slightly higher in calories than oats, with approximately 170 calories per 1/2 cup of cooked barley.
Fiber: Moreover, oats are rich in dietary fiber, containing about 4 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup of dry oats. This fiber content helps promote feelings of fullness and aids in digestion.Barley is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, containing around 4-6 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup of cooked barley. This fiber content contributes to feelings of fullness and aids in digestion.
Protein: However, oats contain around 6 grams of protein per 1/2 cup of dry oats. Protein is important for muscle growth and repair, which can support weight loss efforts.Wherein, Barley has a higher protein content than oats, with approximately 3-4 grams of protein per 1/2 cup of cooked barley.
Fat:Oats are low in fat, with minimal saturated fat content.Like oats, barley is low in fat, particularly saturated fat.

Overall, both oats and barley offer similar nutritional profiles, with oats generally having a slight edge in terms of fiber content and lower glycemic index. However, barley has a slightly higher protein content and provides a different range of micronutrients. Incorporating both oats and barley into your diet can provide a well-rounded nutritional approach to support weight loss efforts.

Save Time: Recap On Barley For Weight Loss!

In this blog, we explore the incredible benefits of incorporating barley into your weight loss journey. Barley, an ancient grain with a rich history, offers numerous advantages for shedding those extra pounds.

However, we begin by highlighting the high fiber content of barley, which promotes feelings of fullness and aids in digestion. Also, this grain’s low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for managing cravings and maintaining consistent energy levels.

Additionally, we delve into the various ways you can enjoy barley in your diet. From hearty salads and comforting soups to creative breakfast bowls, barley proves to be a versatile and delicious addition to your meals.

We clarify that while barley is beneficial for weight loss, it is not a magic solution on its own. Portion control and a balanced diet are still crucial components of a successful weight loss journey.

Hence, the remarkable nutritional profile of barley, including its high fiber content, nutrient density, and support for a healthy metabolism. By incorporating barley into your diet, you can enhance satiety, manage blood sugar levels, and promote overall well-being.

CTA ImageCTA Image

A Motivational Transformation Of A Housewife!

Here is Khushi’s transformation who lost 19 kg with PCOD, in just 80 days. Take a look at this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Barley Reduce Belly Fat?

Yes, barley can contribute to reducing belly fat as part of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Its high fiber content promotes feelings of fullness and helps regulate appetite, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake. 

How Much Barley Should I Consume For Weight Loss?

It is generally recommended to include about 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked barley in your meals a few times a week.

Can Barley Be Added To A Muscle Gain Diet Plan?

Well, barley can help you, and yes, you can add it to a muscle gain diet plan but you will have to tell your dietitian so that he adds barley recipes according to your goal.

What Is Barley In Hindi?

बारले को हिंदी में जौ के नाम से जाना जाता है और यह फाइबर, विटामिन, खनिज और अन्य पोषक तत्वों से भरपूर एक साबुत अनाज है।

Does Barley Benefit Diabetic Patients?

Yes, barley can benefit diabetic patients in several ways. Firstly, barley has a low glycemic index, meaning it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, helping to prevent sudden spikes and dips. Secondly, its high fiber content, specifically beta-glucan, slows down carbohydrate digestion and improves blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.

Does Barley Water For Weight Loss Is A Good Idea?

Yes, it is good for weight loss, and besides this, it also enhances heart health and improves blood sugar levels. Moreover, you can add this to the menu of your breakfast recipes.

Contact Us Today

Your search to find the right guidance to be a part of all those fat-to-fit stories ends here. So, contact us today if you are looking for a diet plan with cheat meals. Also, we will discuss how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

No Thoughts on Barley For Weight Loss: Does This Grain Really Work? Read Here

Leave A Comment


Get access to 1000+ healthy and tasty recipes, fitness tips and more. Subscribe to our newsletter

Get fit with the easiest weight loss journey planned by certified experts. Whatsapp Whatsapp Us Talk To An Expert