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Barley Water Benefits: Weight Loss, Digestion, Skin & More | Your Health Guide

Last updated on : 30 Jun, 2025

Read time : 8 min

Discover the excellent health benefits of Barley Water, a traditional drink packed with nutrients that can revolutionise your well-being. From aiding weight loss and improving digestion to supporting heart health and glowing skin, explore how incorporating this ancient superfood, also known as jau water, can enhance your daily routine.

What is Barley Water?

A popular way to consume barley is to drink it.  Barley water or jau water, a traditional drink cherished for its numerous health benefits, has been a part of our diets for centuries. Made from barley grains, this nutritious drink is refreshing and packed with essential nutrients. 

Barley is also known as jaw, common barley, grain barley, and cereal barley. Although this cereal is not new, it is gaining attention due to its list of nutrients and health benefits.

 Compared with other cereal crops, including wheat, rice and maize, barley grains are rich in dietary fibre (such as β-glucan) and tocols, which benefit us. These chemicals have been shown to prevent hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Incorporating barley water into our daily routine can enhance our overall well-being. The benefits are numerous, from aiding in weight loss to improving digestion and promoting healthy skin. 

Let’s explore the remarkable health benefits of barley water and its nutritional value, and discover how it can be a valuable addition to our diet.

Nutritional Facts of Barley Water

Barley Water is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with essential nutrients, including:

  • Vitamins like B-complex and vitamin C are crucial for energy production and immune function.
  • Minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc and phosphorus support various bodily functions, from bone health to muscle function.
  • Barley water also contains good antioxidants, fibre, and proteins, making it a comprehensive drink promoting overall health.

Its rich nutrient profile ensures that our body receives the necessary elements for optimal functioning and well-being.

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 some advantages 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.

Also Read: How to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

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

Takeaway

Incorporating barley water into our daily routine offers many health benefits, from aiding in weight loss to promoting healthy skin and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Its rich nutritional profile supports overall health and well-being, making it an excellent addition to our diet. 

In addition to drinking barley water, you can add barley to salads, stews, and steamed vegetables. 

With so many benefits, barley water is a drink that we can have daily. However, remember not to drink more than 6 glasses of barley water daily because it is a diuretic. If you have it in excess, it can make you pee more frequently. Also, if you are allergic to gluten or have celiac disease, avoid drinking 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)

How to make barley water?

To make barley water, boil 1 cup of Barley grains in 3 to 4 cups of water for 30-40 minutes. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool. You can add lemon juice or honey for flavour. Store it in the refrigerator and drink it throughout the day.

Can we drink soaked barley water without boiling it?

No, it’s best to boil the Barley Water. Boiling helps extract the nutrients from the Barley grains into the water, making it more nutritious.

What is the best time to drink barley water?

For maximum benefits, the best time to drink barley water is in the morning on an empty stomach.

What should I avoid when taking barley?

Avoid adding too much sugar or artificial flavours to barley water. Also, if you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you should avoid barley as it contains gluten.

Can I take barley water at night?

Since barley water is a light and refreshing drink, you can consume it at any time of the day, even at night.

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Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.

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