Benefits of Barley Water: A Nutritious Drink for Better Health

Barley water has been used for centuries in traditional wellness practices as a natural health drink. Prepared by boiling barley grains in water, it is a simple yet nutrient-rich beverage that supports overall well-being. Barley water contains a powerful mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and protein – making it more than just a refreshing drink.

It is particularly rich in B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, which help in energy production and strengthen the immune system. Essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus contribute to healthy bones, muscles, and vital body functions. Along with these, its high fiber and antioxidant content aid digestion, improve heart health, and protect against oxidative stress.

With such a strong nutrient profile, barley water can be a simple addition to your daily routine that promotes better digestion, heart function, and overall health.

Health Benefits of Barley Water

Barley is an old grain with several nutrients and many fitness benefits. It contains fibre, protein, nutrients B and E, the minerals selenium, magnesium, iron, copper, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Beta-glucan in barley water binds to bile acids inside the intestines, reducing cholesterol levels.

Here are 8 health benefits of drinking barley water.

1. Aids in weight loss

Barley water is a great weight-loss drink for those who aim to lose weight. Its low-calorie content combined with high fibre makes us feel satiated for longer periods, reducing the temptation to binge on unhealthy snacks unnecessarily. The fibre aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements, ensuring a healthy digestive system. 

Additionally, barley water can enhance our metabolism, making our bodies more efficient in burning calories. Its detoxifying properties assist in flushing out toxins, which can otherwise impede our weight loss efforts. Incorporating Barley Water into our diet can be a smart and natural approach to shedding extra pounds.

Also Read: Ayurvedic Diet For Weight Loss

2. May assist in UTI relief & prevention

Barley Water offers a natural and effective remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

• Acting as a diuretic, it increases urine production, which helps flush out the bacteria responsible for infections. 
• The soothing properties of barley water can reduce the discomfort and burning sensation associated with UTIs. 
• Regular consumption of this drink can help prevent the recurrence of infections by maintaining a clean urinary tract. 
• Its anti-inflammatory properties also reduce swelling and irritation in the urinary tract, promoting overall health and comfort.

3. Boosts digestion 

Barley water is beneficial for digestive health. Rich in dietary fibre, it facilitates smooth bowel movements and prevents constipation, a common digestive issue. 

• The fibre in barley water acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria essential for a healthy digestive system. 
• The resistant starch, a beneficial compound in barley water, further promotes intestinal function. 
• Regular intake of barley water can alleviate symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating and gas. 
• By improving gut health, barley water can enhance nutrient absorption, ensuring our body gets the essential nutrients it needs. This, in turn, supports overall well-being and digestive comfort.

4. Helps manage diabetes 

For those managing diabetes, barley water can be a valuable addition to their diet. 

• Barley is a rich source of beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that regulates blood sugar levels. This fibre slows down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels after meals. 
• Barley water also contains resistant starch, a beneficial functional compound that can lower blood sugar. 
• Regular consumption of barley water may improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for our body to manage glucose. 

5. Maintains optimum heart health

Barley water is an excellent drink for heart health. Regular consumption maintains a healthy cholesterol level. 

• The beta-glucan fibre in barley binds with cholesterol in our digestive tract, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. This process helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in our body. 
• Barley water also contains tocols, which help lower serum cholesterol.
• Regular consumption of barley water can reduce the risk of developing heart disease associated with high cholesterol levels. 
• Additionally, the antioxidants in barley water help protect our cardiovascular system from oxidative stress, further supporting heart health and overall well-being.

6. Gives healthy, glowing skin

Barley Water is also excellent for our skin health, thanks to its rich content of antioxidants and essential nutrients. 

• It helps detoxify our body, flushing out impurities that can cause skin problems like acne and dullness. 
• Regular intake of barley water can improve skin elasticity, making our skin look youthful and radiant. 
• The anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and blemishes. 
• By promoting overall hydration and nourishment, barley water ensures our skin remains healthy, clear, and glowing, making it a natural and effective addition to our skincare routine.

7. Helps in blood pressure management

For those with hypertension, barley water offers a natural method of controlling blood pressure. 

• Rich in potassium, it helps balance sodium levels in the body, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure. 
• The fibre content also contributes to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. 
• Regular consumption of Barley Water can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications. 
• By incorporating barley water into our daily routine, we can support our cardiovascular health and naturally maintain stable blood pressure levels.

Also Read: 7 Most Important Lifestyle Changes for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure

8. Benefits during pregnancy

Barley water is especially beneficial during pregnancy. It is packed with essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, vital for the baby’s healthy development. 

• Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, while iron supports the increased blood volume during pregnancy. 
• Barley water can also alleviate common pregnancy issues such as constipation and urinary tract infections, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy journey. 
• By ensuring hydration and nourishment, barley water supports the health of both the mother and baby, making it a valuable addition to a prenatal diet.

Also Read: Pregnancy Diet Chart

Barley water is a simple and healthy drink that helps with digestion, weight management, heart health, and skin glow. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it keeps the body nourished and hydrated. Drinking 3 – 4 glasses a day is usually safe, but avoid excess as it may increase urination. However, people with gluten allergy or celiac disease should avoid it.

Expert Quote

“Barley water is a time-tested and popular traditional remedy that supports digestion, hydration, and heart health—all while being refreshingly simple to prepare. If you have any chronic condition, always discuss the consumption of barley water with your doctor first.”

Dr. Boban Raju

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• Tosh, S. M. (2013). Review of human studies investigating the post-prandial blood-glucose lowering ability of oat and barley food products. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 67(4), 310–317. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2013.25
• Talati, Ripple, et al. “The Effects of Barley-Derived Soluble Fiber on Serum Lipids.” Annals of Family Medicine, vol. 7, no. 2, 1 Mar. 2009, pp. 157–163, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19273871/, https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.917.
• Kim, M.-J., Kawk, H.-W., Kim, S.-H., Lee, H.-J., Seo, J.-W., Kim, J.-T., Jang, S.-H., Kim, M.-J., & Kim, Y.-M. (2021). Anti-Obesity Effect of Hot Water Extract of Barley Sprout through the Inhibition of Adipocyte Differentiation and Growth. Metabolites, 11(9), 610. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11090610 
• Kamal, W. K., Bokhari, A., Alesia, S. M., Mahjari, T. M., Binsalman, W. A., Laher, A. E., & Adam, A. (2024). Utilization of barley and parsley for the management of urolithiasis among the Saudi Arabian population. Urology Annals, 16(2), 125–128. https://doi.org/10.4103/ua.ua_142_22 
• Ali, A., Ullah, Z., Ullah, R., & Kazi, M. (2024). Barley a nutritional powerhouse for gut health and chronic disease defense. Heliyon, 10(20), e38669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38669