Barley tea benefits a lot. Because barley tea is rich in antioxidants, which are known to have many health benefits. Antioxidants protect against cancer, heart attacks, and other diseases. Unfortunately, researchers haven’t studied barley tea drinking about these health issues.
Barley also contains significant levels of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone naturally found in the body and is known for promoting quality sleep. Although researchers have not studied the effect of barley tea on sleep, the presence of melatonin suggests that the tea might be effective as a sleep aid. Here we are going to discuss more details.
Barley Tea Benefits
Good for digestion
Barley tea is rich in fiber, which helps to prevent constipation and resolve acidity, gas, and bloating issues. It also provides respite from nausea.
Improves blood circulation
Drinking barley tea regulates and maintains healthy blood circulation, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases like stroke or heart attack.
Aids in weight loss
The low-calorie barley tea is rich in vitamins and minerals and can help you feel full for longer. It also aids in weight loss.
Promotes sleep
The combination of amino acids, melatonin, and tryptophan in barley tea encourages better sleep. Moreover, it doesn’t contain caffeine, so it can tackle sleep disorders.
Prevents cancer
Barley tea is packed with fiber and phytonutrients, which helps to prevent certain types of cancer. Plus, the presence of antioxidants helps to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
Reduces inflammation
Barley tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation, joint pain, and arthritic issues.
Cures cold and flu
Being rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties, barley tea is great to tackle cold and flu symptoms. Also, it can provide respite to your sore throat, and provide relief from asthma.
Improves bowel Movement
Barley tea is a powerhouse of fiber, which promotes smooth and regular bowel movements and improves your gut health.
Purifies blood
The common health benefit of barley tea is that it helps to cleanse the blood, thereby reducing and regulating blood sugar levels.
Relieves menopausal symptoms
The carminative properties of barley tea relieve menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes and also eases the nerves.
Prevents tooth decay
Oral streptococcus is a bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay, and barley tea has antibacterial properties that help to prevent the colonization of bacteria.
Helps pregnant women
Barley tea is packed with potassium, niacin, iron, calcium, folic acid, and other minerals and nutrients that can be beneficial for pregnant women.
Skincare
The antioxidants in barley tea help to protect the skin by reducing free radical production and pigmentation.
Helps to detox your body
Barley tea contains nutrients and minerals that possess cleansing powers and help in excreting all the toxins from your body.
Helps your strong teeth
In one study, regular barley tea drinkers had less plaque on their teeth and lower levels of “bad” bacteria in their saliva than people who do not drink the tea. Specifically, they have lower levels of streptococci and lactobacilli.
Nutrition of Barley Tea
The nutrient content of barley tea varies depending on how much barley is in the tea. A half-cup of cooked barley contains:
- Calories: 97
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: Less than 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Barley is also a source of iron and, to a lesser extent, calcium. Both iron and calcium are essential minerals for overall health.
How to Make Barley Tea
The easiest way to make barley tea at home is to purchase barley tea bags or prepared roasted (ready to brew) barley online or in the store. Some Asian markets and health food stores will carry the product.
If you choose to make barley tea from scratch, you’ll begin by roasting barley. You can roast barley on the stovetop in a pan (without oil) or in a preheated oven. Roast the grain until it is lightly brown but not too dark.
To prepare barley tea:
- Add about two tablespoons of the roasted barley to a medium pot (eight cups) of water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow to cook for 15 to 20 minutes depending on your taste. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Reheat the barley tea to serve as a warm tea drink or refrigerate the barley water and serve cold.
- Some tea drinkers add a small amount of lemon or sweetener (like honey or sugar) to the tea for added flavor. Spices such as cardamom can also be added to the hot or cold beverage.
Barley Tea Side Effects
Barley tea is most likely safe when consumed by most people and used appropriately. If you have an allergy to cereal grains, celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity you may want to avoid any product with barley.
