In our country, pearl barley porridge is not very popular, especially among men who served in the army. It is made from barley and is a real storehouse of useful substances.
An interesting fact is that in ancient times, pearl barley was a dish only for wealthy people. Today this product is valued in Japan and China, placing it on the same level as rice.
| Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | 320 |
| Protein per 100 g, (g): | 9.3 |
| Fat per 100 g, (g): | 1.1 |
| Carbohydrates per 100 g, (g): | 73.7 |
| Glycemic index: | 25 |
Types of pearl barley
Depending on the method of processing barley grains, three types of pearl barley are distinguished.
- The first type is subjected to only primary cleaning, that is, only the first layer is actually removed. The result is whole grain pearl barley.
- The second type is the so-called “Galandka”. The grains are subjected to more thorough processing, as a result of which the grains have a rounded shape and are valued for their excellent taste. Also a whole grain product.
- The third type is barley groats. In addition to cleaning, the barley kernels are additionally finely chopped.
Composition of pearl barley
It was not for nothing that in the army, especially in Soviet times, the military were fed pearl barley porridge. It contains a huge amount of useful substances and is inexpensive.
Amino acids. Cereals contain a lot of lysine, which promotes collagen production. It is this substance that gives elasticity and smoothness to the skin. This property of the product is recommended to be used by women who want to see beautiful skin.
Vitamins. Pearl barley contains a lot of vitamin A, which is also responsible for the quality of skin and hair. Vitamin D contained in the product helps strengthen bones and teeth. Vitamin B makes a person more resistant to emotional stress.
Microelements. One of the useful microelements contained in pearl barley is phosphorus. It is this element that responds to metabolism and brain function. The cereal also contains selenium, which is a natural antioxidant.
Cellulose. There is even more of it in pearl barley than in wheat. Therefore, barley grains help stimulate intestinal function.
Barley even contains a natural antibiotic – gortsedin. It copes with skin fungal diseases.
Therapeutic effects of pearl barley on humans
In folk medicine, pearl barley porridge, as well as decoctions based on it, are often used.
The medicinal uses of pearl barley are varied:
- Systematic consumption of porridge (in moderation) improves intestinal function, relieves bloating and prevents constipation due to the fiber contained in the product. Pearl barley reduces the risk of colon cancer.
- Porridge is considered a preventative against joint diseases and osteoporosis. Since pearl barley saturates the body with calcium, the likelihood of inflammation of cartilage tissue is reduced, and degenerative processes are also slowed down.
- If you eat pearl barley porridge regularly, you can prevent the formation of stones in the kidneys and gall bladder. People who are at risk are recommended to take a decoction based on cereals.
- Barley helps restore the full functioning of the cardiovascular system and reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.
The product cleanses the body of toxins, poisons, as well as toxins and salts. Pearl barley reduces the manifestation and alleviates the symptoms of allergic reactions. Pearl barley grains are used in the treatment and prevention of fungal diseases.
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Useful and medicinal qualities of pearl barley
First of all, pearl barley is an ideal product for allergy sufferers. The amino acids found in cereals reduce the impact of allergens on the body.
Pearl barley is also valued for the following beneficial properties:
- ideal for people who watch their weight;
- has a diuretic effect;
- is an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent;
- helps improve the appearance of the skin;
- normalizes blood sugar;
- ideal for regulating the intestinal tract.
And the most interesting thing is that barley porridge can help you cope with depression.
Pearl barley is an ideal product for people who have crossed the age of sixty. The product contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that are so lacking at this age.
Barley itself goes well with almost all foods and is an ideal side dish, healthy and easy to prepare.
What are the benefits of pearl barley for men?
Despite the fact that most men disdain pearl barley, it is very beneficial for the male body. Porridge is recommended for consumption when building muscle mass and is an excellent preventive product against the appearance of pathologies in the reproductive system. It stimulates potency and has a positive effect on the duration of sexual intercourse.
You don’t have to eat porridge every day to see results. It will be enough to eat it a couple of times a week.
Contraindications
Along with beneficial qualities, the product also has a number of negative effects:
- Increases gas formation, which harms people with gastrointestinal diseases;
- It contains quite a large amount of gluten, which can affect the intrauterine life of the embryo, so pregnant women should not consume pearl barley.
Cereals will not cause significant damage to the body. But there are still prohibitions and restrictions on its use. It is prohibited to use pearl barley if:
- Increased acidity;
- Frequent constipation;
- Pregnancy;
Excessive consumption of this healthy porridge by men can upset the digestive system and cause a decrease in libido.
Pearl barley porridge is a healthy product for proper health, but, like all food products, it must be used within reasonable limits.
The benefits of pearl barley for women
Long-term studies of the effects of pearl barley on the human body have proven that its use has a positive effect on women who have entered the pre-menopausal period. The studies were conducted in the UK. In 50% of the women studied, the risk of developing breast cancer decreased, thanks to the selenium contained in the product. Pearl barley improves the condition of the skin. It can be used not only as porridge, but also in cosmetics. Masks and decoctions from cereals can make the skin firmer, smoother and more elastic.
The simplest recipe for facial skin is made from pearl barley: the barley is cooked in milk. When warm, the composition is applied to the face and neck. The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes. Then the porridge is washed off. It is recommended to do this procedure 2 times a week. If the porridge is too thick, it can be diluted with warm water. The first results can be seen after just a month of regular use.
Pearl barley has a calming effect and restores the nervous system.
Barley in a slow cooker
The problem with barley in a slow cooker is that it takes a very long time to cook. But there is also an advantage to this method of cooking - you don’t need to monitor the porridge at all, there is no need to skim off the foam, etc. And in general, you can forget about your pearl barley. To prepare ordinary simple porridge, you will need to rinse a glass of pearl barley, add 2.5 glasses of water and turn on the stewing mode for 1.5 hours. Some models will cook porridge for even longer. But you can add different ingredients and make an all-in-one dish.
Pilaf with pearl barley
1 cup pearl barley, 1 piece each - carrots, onions, bell peppers, 1 tablespoon unrefined sunflower oil, 400 g chicken breast.
Cut the breast into strips, steam the cereal in a double boiler for 20 minutes or soak overnight. Cut the vegetables as you like, pour the oil into the multicooker bowl, lower the vegetables and fry, stirring. Add cereal, chicken, and add 1 glass of chicken broth and 1 glass of water or just water. Cook for about 1.5 hours, in stewing mode.
Barley porridge with mushrooms and onions
1 cup pearl barley, 500 g fresh champignons, 1 white onion, dumb celery, dill, parsnips, cumin, turmeric and salt to taste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2.5 cups mushroom broth or celery root broth.
Set the multicooker to frying mode and quickly fry the pre-chopped vegetables and mushrooms on both sides, stirring occasionally. Add a glass of pearl barley, broth and cook in stewing mode for about 1.5 hours.
Pearl barley porridge with milk
2.5 glasses of skim or almond milk, 1 glass of pre-steamed pearl barley, cinnamon, sugar substitute and salt to taste.
Place the steamed cereal in a multicooker bowl and add milk. Cook strictly in the stew mode, 50 minutes or longer. Usually milk porridge is made “shorter”; for this, the pre-steaming period is increased to 40 minutes.
Is it possible to eat pearl barley during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, pearl barley should even be consumed. It contains a lot of fiber, which prevents the accumulation of toxins in the body. And phosphorus helps normalize metabolism.
Barley decoction is recommended for use during lactation. This product has a lactic effect. Pearl barley prevents the appearance of lumps in the mammary glands.
The most important thing is to always remember that this porridge has a strengthening effect, so you should not consume it in large quantities to avoid constipation.
Is it possible to feed a child pearl barley?
Undoubtedly, pearl barley will be an ideal product for any child, but provided that certain rules are followed.
At an early age, in 40% of infants, this product causes colic and bloating. In light of this, if there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then it is better to refuse the early introduction of pearl barley porridge into complementary foods.
To avoid any negative consequences, you should follow simple rules:
- At first, cook porridge exclusively in water;
- the first dose should not be in large quantities, no more than 3 tablespoons;
- increasing the amount of pearl barley in the diet should be gradual.
You should not give your baby more than 200 g of porridge per week.
How to cook pearl barley
Do you want to know how to cook pearl barley? For a long time! This is almost the main secret of this porridge and almost the main reason for the people’s “dislike” for it. No one can cook pearl barley in 15 minutes, don’t even hope for it.
Folk culinary thought, however, has come up with several ways out of this controversial and problematic situation:
- The pearl barley should be soaked overnight in cold water, and the water should be changed in the morning. The finished porridge will be softer and cook faster if you sleep for about 8-9 hours rather than 5-6;
- The usual cooking time for pearl barley is about an hour, or more precisely, 50 minutes. Some varieties take as long as an hour and a half to cook, and pre-steamed pearl barley from bags takes about 45 minutes;
- The following manipulation also helps speed up the preparation of porridge - pour pearl barley into a cup for cooking rice in a steamer and steam for 20 minutes. Then cook in boiling water for about 15 minutes;
- some people also crush the pearl barley with a powerful coffee grinder so that the porridge boils faster.
In any case, take 2 glasses of water per glass of cereal; add liquid if necessary. The foam must be removed manually with a spoon or slotted spoon, and the cereal itself must be washed before cooking. Ready-cooked pearl barley can be used as a base for pilaf or as an independent side dish.
Is it possible to cook pearl barley in the microwave? This is exactly the case when something can be done, but why is not clear. The product is not suitable for most of the popular modes that we use for cooking, for example, buckwheat or rice; if there is a mode for pea soup, great, if not, then something like “two modes for rice” turned on in a row will be useful.
Barley is usually not cooked in a double boiler. The reason is that no one wants to “drive” a kitchen assistant emitting steam for about 2 hours straight.
For fishing needs...barley is also cooked, but in a special way. Fish do not like overcooked porridge, so the fisherman usually does it in 40-45 minutes, boiling ordinary pearl barley to a state that is suitable for bait.
Watch a video on how to properly prepare pearl barley porridge:
What harm can pearl barley cause?
First of all, barley is prohibited if you have celiac disease and for those who follow a gluten-free diet.
Other contraindications include:
- constipation;
- increased stomach acidity;
- flatulence.
It is unacceptable to eat poorly cooked porridge. In this form, it can cause stomach irritation. You should not eat this porridge if you have gastritis or stomach ulcers, especially during an exacerbation. This is due to the large amount of fiber in the product, which a sick stomach cannot cope with.
