A single cup of cooked, pearled barley provides 193 calories, mostly from carbohydrates. On the other hand, one cup of hulled barley (184g) supplies 651 calories, 135 grams of carbohydrates, 31.8 grams of fiber, and 1.48 grams of natural sugars.
When compared to other whole grains, barley stands out as an excellent source of fiber, delivering 6 grams per one-cup serving. Its fiber content has the potential to lower cholesterol levels in individuals with high cholesterol and can also help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels.
Barley is also abundant in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). Additionally, it contains β-glucans, a type of fiber associated with various health benefits.
Furthermore, the presence of potassium, folate, iron, and vitamin B-6 in barley, combined with its absence of cholesterol, contributes to supporting cardiovascular functions.
Studies have identified different phytochemicals in barley, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, vitamin E, sterols, and folates. These phytochemicals possess health-promoting properties, including improvements in reproduction, proper growth, and overall development of the human body.
Nutritional component in barley
