Until penning this article, my unseemly infatuation with barley water was based entirely on its creepy, bodily fluid-like cloudy hue; its feather-light, cinnamony flavour; and its beetle larvae-impersonating grains which provided my mouth with tremendous polymorphous-perverse pleasure (look it up!). Best of all, I could chug it down lava hot, or Arctic cold, depending on the type of exquisite migraine I wanted to inflict upon myself (try doing that with pomegranate juice!). But as I trawled the web for the beverage’s nutritional benefits (occasionally straying to where I shouldn’t), I nearly drowned in a tsunami of data lauding the health boon of barley water.
Turns out, the homely, low-profile, painfully-unhip drink is good for me – and I felt a sense of vindication for having always ordered barley water at restaurants, when my dining companions ostentatiously ordered sexier drinks, like ‘Air Mata Kucing’. So here’s a toast to my lifelong BFF LIQUID refreshment, and its SOLID nutritional benefits:
Vitamins
Barley water brims with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (which lower stroke risk, boost the immune system, build new red blood cells, protect the nervous system), and vitamin E (lowers risk of developing cancer, wards off cataracts, prevents Alzheimer’s disease and more).
Diabetes
The magnesium replete in barley water has been shown to react with enzymes in the body involved in regulating insulin levels, and may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes (that’s major!).
Kidney stones
Magnesium-rich barley water is recommended when flushing out kidney stones, and may also help prevent them occurring in the first place. Its insoluble fiber can also act against gallstone formation.
Cardiovascular health
Fiber is extremely beneficial for your cardiovascular system, and barley water has it in spades. Quaffing the drink may help prevent atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque in the arteries.
Skin health
Drinking barley water often – and even applying it topically on acne-affected areas – helps reduce inflammation, and provides a soothing effect.
Weight maintenance and cholesterol reduction
A notable study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that barley water is high in fiber, and helps lower bad cholesterol levels. It also keeps you satiated for longer periods of time (making you feel ‘full’), so you’re less likely to be struck by a desire to munch.
Detoxing
Barley water acts as a powerful natural body cleanser, flushing toxins from the body and keeping you hydrated, while also strengthening your immune system.
Digestion
Gulp down a glass of hot barley water every day for better digestion, and to aid in fighting constipation or feelings of nausea.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Barley is widely and successfully used as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections in both adults and children. It also prevents strong urine odor.
*Based on an article published by irrepressible fitness empress, domestic diva and kinetic mommy-of-three, Shireen Yong, in www.healthfreakmommy.com.