Pioneer Health brings you first of the many power products that the modern generation has ignored. Read on:
The much negated barley is actually a source of power and energy, a kind of power and energy that works while it is also detoxifying your body, hydrating it and cutting the flab on the side, not to mention clearing up your urinary tract infection.
Use it in salads, roti or khichadi and even a summer cooler, barley is our civilisations most used agriculture product, even more than potatoes. No wonder then, barley water is prescribed for kids with tummy issues.
ReasonIJ It is loaded with vitamins, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc and copper, anti-oxidants and phytochemicals which lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. Here’s why you should give it a try -
Detoxification: Drink barley water to flush out toxins from the body and the intestines through the urinary tract. This process is triggered by a group of sugars called beta-glucans present in the cell walls of barley.
UTI remedy: Barley water is a powerful diuretic and a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. A few glasses of barley water on a daily basis axes the infection. Also a good remedy for kidney stones and cysts and that’s the reason why your grandmother may want you to have beer.
Aids digestion: Ayurveda calls barley a digestive tonic. Issues around vata, pita and kapha are dealt with with a mix of respective spices. Constipation and diarrhoea both can be taken care of by barley as it balances your electrolytes during infections.
Agent for weight loss: An excellent source of fibre, barley water retains this characteristic in some measure. Hence it is magic for weight loss diets. It is filling, low in calories and keeps you satiated for a long time. Also good for digestion and a metabolism stimulator.
Cuts cholesterol & sugar: Being a good source of fibre and beta-glucans, barley water keeps a check on blood cholesterol (by inhibiting the absorption of lDl and triglycerides from food) and blood sugar (by improving insulin resistance). It also has anti-inflammatory properties which protect the heart as well.
MAKE BARlEY WATER AT HOME
Homemade is best. You can use pearl barley to make the drink. Cook the grains well to extract maximum benefit.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups water
- A pinch of salt
- A drizzle of honey (optional)
- A lemon rind (optional)
Method:
- Heat the water and pearl barley in a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Add salt and cook on low flame for half. Stir occasionally.
- Strain into a glass, tip in a lemon rind and drizzle with honey on top. Cool completely, refrigerate for 30 minutes and sip.
- Add a dash of ginger, cinnamon, zeera or orange juice to enhance taste. Use leftover grains to make a cereal or cold salad.
