The fundamental difference between oats and barley
Barley and oats are common food items. These grains are the basis for many different dishes. Both cultures have beneficial properties and are used in dietary nutrition and as medicines.
The article will tell you what the difference is between oats and barley, what their benefits are and whether there are contraindications for consumption.
Chemical composition, trace elements, calorie content of oats
The biological value of grain determines the feed and nutritional characteristics of oats. The grains contain approximately 60% starch. It contains an enzyme that acts like a pancreatic enzyme - amylase. Thanks to this substance, the body absorbs carbohydrates better.
100 g of grain contains:
- 10 g protein;
- 5.5 g fat;
- 43 g carbohydrates;
Calorie content - 295 kcal.
Oats are rich in vitamins A, E, B, B2, and contain large amounts of phosphorus, calcium, and iron. The presence of these elements is important for adequate human nutrition. The cereal also contains mineral salts and even essential oils.
Chemical composition, microelements, calorie content of barley
Barley contains the polysaccharide glucan, which reduces cholesterol in the blood. Barley contains the optimal amount of starch - from 50 to 60%. Among the useful substances in the composition, it is worth highlighting vitamins A, B, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus and silicic acid.
Barley contains:
- 10.97 g protein;
- 1.63 g fat;
- 30 g carbohydrates.
Calorie content - 338 kcal.
Useful and healing properties of oats
Oats are a valuable crop that is used for feed and food purposes in the form of flakes, flour and cereals. Additional areas of application: dietary food, confectionery, as a raw material in distilleries.
Flour, cereals, cookies and biscuits are made from grains, which are perfectly absorbed by the body and are useful for people on diets. Coffee substitutes and other drinks, including milk, are made from cereals.
Oats have been used as a medicinal plant since ancient China and India. Nowadays, nutritionists recommend oats for weight loss. For the prevention and treatment of various diseases, oatmeal broth is used, which accumulates a large amount of substances beneficial to the body.
How it affects the body
Oat-based products have a positive effect on organism. It removes excess fluid, which is important when taking medications.
Regular oatmeal helps cope with depression and nervous disorders: it helps strengthen the nervous system.
Interesting! According to a folk recipe, if you stuff your pillow with oat husks, your sleep will improve.
Nutritionists often recommend products based on this grain. Decoctions tend to dull the feeling of hunger, remove fluid from the body and remove toxins. This happens thanks to the fiber contained in the grain. Despite its calorie content, oatmeal is one of the main dishes for a healthy diet.
Medicinal properties for various diseases
Oats strengthen the immune system and help cope with viruses and colds. The cereal reduces fever and has diaphoretic properties.
However, one of the most beneficial properties of cereal is liver treatment. Oatmeal decoctions remove cholesterol and toxins, and normalize liver function.
Cereal helps cope with pancreatitis. To treat mild forms, oatmeal and decoctions are sufficient. In severe forms, cereal is used as an addition to drug treatment.
Oats are useful for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It coats the intestinal walls with special mucus and helps remove toxins. Decoctions help lower blood sugar levels and strengthen blood vessels.
Useful and healing properties of barley
Barley is an important component of a healthy diet and normalizes the functioning of many body systems.
Barley decoction is popular in folk medicine, especially for stomach diseases. Pearl barley porridge is suitable for various diets, as it does not irritate the intestinal mucosa. This is a product that promotes the restoration of soft tissues after surgery. Barley decoction serves as an effective cough expectorant.
How it affects the body
The grain contains lysine, which is effective in treating many viral and bacterial diseases. Lysine is used to make medicines and biological supplements. It also contains hordecin, which fights fungi and skin diseases.
Barley products strengthen bone and cartilage tissue, improve immunity and increase the body's energy resources.
Important! Barley has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin: it makes it more elastic and firm. Crushed grain and infusions are used as a cosmetic product.
Medicinal properties for various diseases
Eating barley helps normalize digestion and stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria. Barley is suitable for diabetics and those wishing to lose weight.
Barley decoction has an amazing effect, it helps with:
- diabetes;
- constipation;
- bronchitis;
- sore throat;
- ulcer;
- colitis;
- cirrhosis;
- herpes;
- acne;
- hives.
Differences between oats and barley
Barley differs from oats in external characteristics. Oats do not have ears, and their grains are arranged in clusters. And barley grows in the form of spikelets. Oat grains are covered with a thick, strong shell; barley has a much thinner shell. This is why oatmeal sometimes contains husks.
Are oats much lighter than barley? Barley grains are harder than oats, which is why barley is heavier. A volume of 1 liter holds 610 g of dry barley or 430 g of oats.
It cannot be said that one plant is more useful than another: they have a different range of beneficial properties. Oats contain more fiber, and barley contains more nutrients.
Eating oat or barley based products cannot replace proper treatment. However, these foods may help speed up your recovery.
Price
The average price for oats in the Voronezh, Tambov and Omsk regions is 5,000-6,000 rubles per ton. These regions are believed to produce the highest quality oats. The cost depends on the yield of the region, the type of oat product and the season.
The average price for barley in the Krasnodar Territory, Voronezh and Samara regions is 7,000-9,000 rubles. per ton.
Who shouldn't have oats?
Despite its many beneficial properties, it is recommended to discuss the medicinal use of oats with your doctor. Some people experience individual intolerance to the components. The cereal is not recommended for people with cholelithiasis and inflammation of the gallbladder. Excessive consumption of oatmeal leads to headaches.
Who should not eat barley?
If a person suffers from pancreatic diseases or colic, then barley products are contraindicated for him. This is due to the fact that the plant contains a large amount of ballast substances.
Barley has one unpleasant side effect: barley porridge provokes the formation of gas. This product is not recommended for flatulence.
conclusions
Barley and oats are irreplaceable products with a huge number of beneficial properties. They are widely used for food and feed purposes. These plants are widely used as medicinal and cosmetic products.