Barley tea gives us many benefits for our health, so we should include it in our daily consumption. Some of the benefits are the following:
- can help improve circulation,
- treatment of some skin health problems,
- prevention of chronic diseases,
- calming the stomach,
- increase in male fertility,
- prevention of diabetes,
- helps to lose weight,
- blood cleansing
- strengthening the immune system
As a tea, we must emphasize that it can be a risk for those who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
It should also be taken with caution in those with diabetes, as it may react poorly with certain medications that are usually prescribed to diabetics.
Barley tea and its origin
Barley tea is a common beverage in many countries, especially in Korea, Japan, and China, where it is known as boricua, Mugica, and motherwort.
Consumed both cold and hot, barley teas are a delicious, refreshing, saturated, and aromatic drink that is slowly gaining popularity.
Its impressive range of health benefits, due to the high concentration of vitamins A, C, various antioxidants, amino acids, selenium, melatonin, and tryptophan makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to improve overall health.
The best health benefits of barley tea
Barley tea for digestive health
As a natural antacid, barley tea can help balance excess acidity in the gut and prevent acid reflux.
Furthermore, barley tea is rich in fiber, which can relieve constipation and promote healthy bowel function. This reduces the chances of constipation, hemorrhoids, bloating, and cramps.
Antioxidants
This tea contains a number of antioxidant compounds as well as essential minerals such as selenium. Together they act on the body to prevent oxidative stress.
They automatically help you avoid chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Barley tea for a better immune system
High levels of vitamin C are present in barley tea and can give your immune system an increased production of white blood cells.
Barley tea acts as an antioxidant and counteracts the negative effects of free radicals.
Circulation will be better with barley tea
Barley tea stimulates and can increase blood flow, especially acting as an anticoagulant. This can reduce your chances of developing a blood clot.
Barley tea can also prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
read more: Fennel Tea Benefits for Our Health and Side Effects
Helps with insomnia
The level of tryptophan and melatonin found in barley tea makes it a great help for those who have trouble sleeping.
If you suffer from insomnia, these compounds can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The end result is that you will fall asleep much easier and have a good night’s sleep.
Barley tea for fertility
Selenium is not a mineral you often hear about, but it is crucial for certain aspects of male fertility and can protect prostate health.
It is even associated with the prevention of prostate cancer and is found in large quantities in barley tea.
Barley tea against diabetes
Barley tea is extremely low in sugar despite being sweet in nature, and also helps regulate blood sugar and insulin balance in the body.
This is very good news for people with diabetes as well as for those at high risk.
Replacing sugary drinks such as soda with barley tea is a popular choice for people considering diabetes and its prevention.
Barley tea and weight loss
Barley tea is also very low in calories but can give you a feeling of satiety, thanks to the rich supply of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and nutrients found in tea.
This can help people avoid snacking between meals and overeating.
At the same time, this tea will strengthen the metabolism by burning fat faster.
There will be less inflammation with barley tea
The anti-inflammatory compounds found in barley tea are great for joint pain, arthritis, gout, oxidative stress, and other inflammatory problems throughout the body.
The antioxidants found in barley tea are great for inflammation of all kinds, including those affecting neurodegenerative and chronic diseases.
Barley tea for a better pregnancy
Although most herbal teas are not for pregnant women, barley tea is quite the opposite.
Barley tea contains enough potassium, niacin, iron, calcium, folic acid, and other critical nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is known to keep it under control, coagulating the blood to prevent excessive bleeding during childbirth.
Barley tea against tooth decay
There really is no end to the benefits of barley tea, and the benefits include maintaining oral health.
This tea prevents tooth decay.
Bacteria are responsible for tooth decay, and barley tea is rich in antibacterial properties.
Preventing bacteria from decaying the teeth certainly does not mean that we should not brush our teeth anymore.
Barley tea to lubricate the joints
Because barley tea is an excellent diuretic, it can help lubricate the joints of the body. It is especially good for removing animal fats from the body, which is why it is recommended to drink more often.
With barley tea, you strengthen the motor functions of your body.
read more: Benefits of Ginger and Turmeric Tea for Health
Barley tea for the skin
Antioxidants come in many forms in barley tea, and they can all help with oxidative stress in the body, which is what causes premature aging, wrinkles.
These beneficial compounds can also improve skin elasticity and help you maintain a youthful appearance.
What does barley tea taste like?
The taste of barley tea is very aromatic, but it all depends on the type of barley you use, the level at which it is roasted, and whether you serve the tea cold or hot.
Many people compare the taste with coffee, and there is also the dark color of a favorite morning drink with caffeine.
However, it is definitely less bitter than coffee and tea, which is a perfect substitute for these popular drinks.
It has a natural sweetness, so it does not require sugar, lemon, or honey, although some people choose to add a natural sweetener to barley tea.
Barley tea should not be mixed with barley water, a common drink in the United Kingdom, which is prepared differently and more lemonade than coffee or tea.
How to prepare barley tea?
To make barley tea at home you will need only barley, water, pan, coffee filter, and about an hour! To make this recipe even simpler, you can buy roasted barley.
Otherwise, simply buy normal barley and follow these simple steps to make barley tea.
Recipe for barley tea
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons roasted barley
- 2 liters of water
- Lemon or honey (if you want sweetness)
How to make barley tea – in just 6 steps
Step 1 – If you use plain barley, add the barley grains to the pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until dark brown.
Step 2 – Once the barley grains are fried, leave them to cool before adding them to the blender.
After that, you will surely get a fine mixture.
Step 3 – Bring the water to a boil in the pot and then add the ground roasted barley.
Reduce heat to low and stir occasionally.
Step 4 – Allow the tea to cool slightly (5-6 minutes), then strain the mixture, you can use coffee filters.
Step 5 – Put barley tea in the fridge if you want to serve it cold, and you can choose to serve it hot.
Step 6 – Add honey or lemon to taste, then enjoy!
Side effects of barley tea
Barley tea should be avoided in case of the following:
Gluten Intolerance: Barley tea contains gluten-free cereals, and they should be avoided by those who are sensitive to gluten.
Surgery: It is also an anticoagulant, so those who have undergone surgery should avoid it as it can lead to complications.
Hyperglycemic drugs: The blood sugar lowering properties can be dangerous for those who are already taking hyperglycemic drugs.
So you should talk to your doctor before adding barley tea to your diet, in this case.
Breastfeeding: There are many benefits of barley tea for pregnant women and there are no known toxins in the tea that could be dangerous.
However, it is not recommended for breastfeeding women as it may slow down or stop lactation.