The benefits and harms of barley drinks - coffee, decoctions
Barley ranks 4th in the world among cereal crops grown. In the food industry, for making coffee, kvass, and in brewing, ordinary barley is used. Decoctions based on it have nutritional and healing properties. In this article we will talk about the benefits and harms of barley drinks, share recipes from traditional healers and ways to prepare aromatic, harmless coffee.
Features and composition of barley drink
In specialized stores you can find pure barley drinks. They are classified as surrogates (substitutes) for coffee. A soluble powder with a mixed composition is also available. Natural coffee, rye, oats, cardamom, chicory, and echinacea are used as additional components.
Barley product is high-calorie and nutritious. Nutritional value is 300-370 kcal depending on the type and origin.
Per 100 g there are:
- 6-7 g protein;
- 0.4 g fat;
- 70-80 g carbohydrates.
Ratio of BJU per 100 g – 8:1:91%.
Reference. Barley is the record holder among cereal crops (oats, millet, wheat) in terms of coarse fiber content. 100 g of grains account for 62% of the daily value of dietary fiber.
Manufacturing technology and original recipe preserve beneficial properties of the drink.
Active composition:
- B vitamins are involved in energy metabolism, support the heart and blood vessels, and are beneficial for muscle tissue;
- Vitamin D has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and normalizes sleep;
- vitamin F relieves skin inflammation, is necessary for the organs of vision, affects the function of the gonads, stimulates the production of collagen, restores the epithelium;
- vitamin E – a natural antioxidant – protects cells from destruction and prevents aging;
- enzymes (enzymes) – protein compounds that normalize digestion, improve metabolism, and support vital activity;
- microelements (potassium, phosphorus, copper, silicon) ensure the productivity of vital organs and systems;
- beta-glucans - natural immunomodulators - mobilize the body's defenses.
Interesting things on the site:
Useful and medicinal properties of barley decoction
Benefits of barley decoction:
- the protein-carbohydrate product ensures complete saturation, restores strength after hard work and training, supports a weakened body after illness and surgery;
- microelements stimulate brain activity, increase performance, improve blood flow;
- a diuretic restores the functioning of the urinary system, removes excess fluid, reduces blood pressure, and relieves swelling;
- vitamin A, potassium, magnesium support kidney function and prevent the formation of stones;
- silicon, magnesium, B vitamins improve the detoxification function of the liver;
- young grains stimulate immune processes and provide energy exchange;
- fiber and vitamin composition normalize intestinal function, restore beneficial microflora, absorb and remove salts and toxins;
- tocopherol – the vitamin of youth and energy – prevents premature aging;
- For nervous disorders, depression, anxiety and insomnia, a cup of hot drink will calm and relax.
In what cases is it best to use
Real coffee is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Cup hot barley coffee – an excellent substitute for your favorite drink. The product is also recommended for patients with diabetes. In case of endocrine pathologies, barley drink keeps the body in good shape and reduces blood glucose levels.
To improve the quality of breast milk, nursing mothers are recommended to use barley decoction. In folk medicine, barley extract is used to treat colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Barley drinks are useful for normalizing metabolic processes, for furunculosis, and skin rashes.
In Siberia they prepare a special restorative tea with talkan – crushed roasted grains of oats or barley. Fresh butter is added to it for calorie content. Talkan has long been considered a drink of nomads. Tea with barley powder protected against infections and maintained strength during long journeys.
Cooking recipes and recommendations for consumption
Traditional healers recommend take barley decoctions as a general tonic and cleansing agent.
Decoction that cleanses the blood and liver
Fatty foods, smoked foods, and alcohol clog the blood and clog the liver. Barley tea regenerates cells, removes toxins, lowers cholesterol.
The recipe is simple:
- 1 tbsp. Rinse the grains well and dry them on a napkin.
- Pour 1 liter of boiling water.
- Simmer in the oven or over low heat, covered, for 20-30 minutes.
It is recommended to drink hot before meals. Dosage – up to 1-1.5 liters per day.
Interesting! This drug was described by the medieval Persian physician Avicenna in his encyclopedic work “The Canon of Medicine.”
Green barley powder drink
An indispensable remedy for anemia and anemia. Ground barley replenishes the deficiency of nutrients, especially in early spring.
Procurement of raw materials:
- Cut off the young shoots of barley and dry them in a dark place;
- grind the raw materials into flour.
How to brew:
- Pour 1 tbsp into a 200 ml cup. l. dry green powder.
- Pour in cooled boiled water.
- Add 1-2 ice cubes and a slice of lemon.
Reception mode:
- 30 minutes before meals, drink 150-200 g of the prepared mixture once a day;
- take for 3-4 weeks;
- take a break of 1-2 months;
- repeat the course according to indications.
The drink is good for overweight people. Active components stimulate and normalize metabolic processes, eliminate constipation and intestinal obstruction.
Grandma's recipe for country coffee
An original Russian drink made from roasted barley or wheat grains with the addition of chicory, it was popular among village residents.
Simple the method of preparing coffee powder has survived to this day:
- 1 tbsp. Rinse pearl barley and dry on a towel.
- Fry in a dry hot frying pan until dark brown.
- Grind the beans in a coffee grinder.
- Peel 1 chicory root, chop into pieces and dry.
- Fry in a frying pan until red.
- Grind in a coffee grinder.
When the beans are heavily roasted, the taste of the coffee becomes tart., spicy and rich.
Step by step recipe:
- 2.5-3 tsp. Pour soluble barley into a Turk.
- Add 0.5-1 tsp. chicory.
- Pour 150-200 ml of hot water.
- Place the Turk on low heat until it boils.
- As soon as the foam rises, remove the Turk from the heat.
- Pour the contents into coffee cups.
- Add sugar or honey to taste.
Barley decoction for nursing women
In folk medicine, barley decoctions are recommended for young mothers. when breastfeeding.
The broth is prepared quickly:
- Rinse 250 g of pearl barley and dry.
- Place the pearl barley in a cast iron or aluminum container.
- Pour 700-750 g of hot water.
- Simmer over low heat for 1.5-2 hours.
- Drink 50 ml 3 times a day before meals.
Read also:
The incredible benefits of barley for the human body
What cereals are made from barley and the properties of the cereal
Low-calorie, nutritious barley coffee drink
1 serving contains up to 40 kcal.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml water;
- 50-100 ml low-fat milk (to taste);
- 4 g (2 heaped tsp) ready-made coffee drink;
- 1-2 tsp. Sahara.
Preparation:
- In a serving cup, mix sugar and coffee.
- Add 2 tbsp. l. warm milk, dissolve.
- Pour boiling water over the solution, add hot milk.
Mugitcha - Japanese cereal coffee
Compound:
- 1 tbsp. barley;
- 250-300 g of boiled water.
Step by step recipe:
- Fry the cereal in a frying pan, stirring constantly.
- Cool, grind into flour.
- 2 tsp. Pour boiling water over the powder.
- Wrap the kettle in a towel.
- Leave for 5-10 minutes.
Brewed coffee drink it cold.
Reference. In China, the summer drink damaicha is made from unhusked, roasted barley grains. In Korea it is called porichha.
Contraindications
Possible harm of barley product:
- Individual intolerance cereal. If an allergic reaction occurs (sneezing, watery eyes, itching, rash), the product is excluded from the diet.
- Excessive use Barley coffee is contraindicated for children and the elderly.
- For stomach pathologies and high acidity, drinking a hot drink is prohibited. Chilled limit to 1 cup per day.
- For flatulence, chronic gastritis and ulcers, coffee made from barley grains is contraindicated.
It is important to follow the rules for selecting raw materials and storing dry powder:
- for cooking, use only a high-quality product - whole, clean, white grains;
- Shelf life of barley flour is 9-10 months;
- store the powder in an airtight container, away from direct rays, hot air flows, and moisture.
Conclusion
A drink made from roasted barley grains is an alternative to natural coffee. Decoctions and infusions have restorative, immunomodulating and protective properties, supporting the health of the urinary, digestive and nervous systems.
Barley coffee, decoctions and infusions are natural absorbents and antioxidants. They remove toxins and heavy metal salts, protect against viruses and infections, and improve blood composition.