The benefits and harms of a coffee drink made from barley and rye, instructions for its preparation
Humanity has been cultivating barley for about 10 thousand years. This is one of the oldest cultivated cereals. It is mentioned in the Bible and Homer's Odyssey. A whole book could be written about the beneficial properties of the plant. We are used to thinking of cereals as porridge, pearl barley or barley. However, not only porridge is made from barley grains, but a drink that tastes like coffee. Cereal infusion differs from the latter in that it has practically no contraindications.
The benefits of such a drink are multifaceted and great. Normalizing weight, regulating blood glucose levels, strengthening the immune system, strengthening the heart and blood vessels, and the gastrointestinal tract - this is an incomplete list of the valuable properties of the product.
What kind of drink is this
Infusion of barley and rye is a coffee substitute. Let's find out what it is called in different countries. The word "mugitcha", or barley tea, comes from Japan, where an infusion of unrefined, roasted barley or wheat grains has long been known. In China the drink is called “damaicha”, in Korea it is called “porichha”. The taste of the product resembles Soviet coffee substitutes (ersatz coffee): for example, the “Summer” drink. In Russia, barley coffee also has its fans.
What is it made of?
Coffee substitute is prepared from roasted and finely ground barley beans. To highlight the taste of the drink, rye is added to it. It adds depth to the infusion and helps reveal the beneficial properties of the main grain.
There are different brands of the product on the market, most often in soluble or ground form.For variety, ground rose hips, chicory or even acorns are added to the barley.
Taste and smell
Connoisseurs of natural coffee claim that the barley drink does not resemble it in any way. The taste is really different, but it has its advantages. Compared to the original composition Barley infusion has a milder taste, without bitterness. The light bready aroma gives the drink its originality and does not spoil it at all.
The various additives that manufacturers use (acorns, rose hips, finely ground rye) add a unique flavor. The maximum similarity to coffee is achieved by mixing barley and chicory.
By the way! Cappuccino lovers will love barley coffee with milk.
Composition and properties
The barley drink has a rich composition.
Microelements:
iron;- fluorine;
- manganese;
- copper.
Macronutrients:
- sodium;
- sulfur;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- chlorine.
Calorie content of 100 g of drink (10 g barley extract per 200 ml water) is 14–20 kcal. Contents of the BZHU:
- proteins - 1 g;
- fats - 0 g;
- carbohydrates - 3 g.
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Benefits and harms
Let's figure out what benefits and harms a coffee drink made from barley and rye brings.
Cereal infusion is used for:
- diabetes mellitus - barley coffee keeps glucose levels from jumping, fiber slows down the rate of glucose absorption;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - the infusion restores the epithelial tissue lining the organs, which increases the number of beneficial bacteria and improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- problems with blood vessels and heart - the cereal drink saturates the body with magnesium and potassium, which reduce high blood pressure and strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
- excess weight - the product stabilizes body weight, as it unloads the pancreas (the glucose entering it is completely decomposed and does not go to build fat deposits).
This is interesting! Rye-wheat drink tones and restores strength. Therefore, it is recommended for use after surgical interventions and protracted illnesses.
Cereal coffee can have harmful effects if improper preparation or abuse. The average daily norm is no more than 4-5 cups of drink. With a larger amount, the weight loss effect changes to the opposite.
Making your own cereal coffee
There are many instant and ground varieties of barley drink on store shelves.. The first is enough to fill with hot water, add sugar, milk, cream if desired. The second boil and insist.
What and how to cook from
For cooking, take 3 tbsp. l. barley and rye. The largest grains are chosen, without signs of spoilage or mold. They are washed thoroughly until the water turns clear.
Second step — grain fermentation. This procedure gets rid of phytic acid in cereals, which leads to mineral deficiency. To do this, the grains are completely filled with water and left for a day. Afterwards, the liquid is drained, fresh is added and boiled until the cereal shell bursts.
Next stage - washing the raw materials and frying them in a dry frying pan. It is important here to prevent the beans from burning, otherwise the coffee will be bitter and will not please you with its delicate taste. The roasted grain is ground in a coffee grinder or blender.
When making a drink at home, you choose the degree of roasting yourself and add additional ingredients.
Cooking recommendations
After the brewing mixture is ready, take 150 ml of water and 1 tbsp. l. with a pile of received raw materials. The composition is brought to a boil and boiled over moderate heat for 2 minutes, then infused for the same amount. Instead of 1/3 of water, you can add milk, then the taste will be similar to cappuccino. 1 tsp. chicory in the composition will make the taste and color of the product more saturated and add a piquant note.
By the way! To make a coffee drink taste sweet, sugar is added to it, but such sweetening reduces the beneficial qualities of coffee. Therefore, sugar is replaced with honey, stevia or natural syrups.
Ready drink
By buying ground or powdered rye-barley coffee, you will get rid of the hassle of preparing it. The ground cereal product is brewed as in the recipe above. Instant is poured with hot water or milk.
Review of popular brands
Popular brands of instant barley drink:
- "Health": manufacturer - “Around the World”, the flavor palette is rich, delicate, similar to traditional coffee;
- "Ear of Barley": manufacturer - “Stoletov”, this drink is distinguished by a light bready taste, smell and delicate foam that rises after brewing;
- "Old Mill": manufacturer - “Russian Product”, the taste of cereals is practically not felt, there are soft coffee notes.
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Contraindications
The drink has no special contraindications, other than individual intolerance to grains.. No side effects have been identified from its use.
Due to the presence of protein in this coffee, it is undesirable to drink if you have kidney diseases. Excessive consumption contributes to weight gain.
Is it possible during pregnancy?
There are no objective contraindications to drinking the drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding.. However, before introducing cereal coffee into your diet, it is important to consult your doctor.
With the permission of the pediatrician, a nursing mother can gradually introduce the product into the diet, carefully monitoring the child’s condition and the absence of an allergic reaction.
Important! The main rule that pregnant and nursing mothers should follow is moderation. Do not overuse the coffee drink if you like it. Limit yourself to 2-3 cups. This is the optimal dose for the benefit of the body.
Reviews
Those who tried the drink liked it. Especially note the beneficial properties of the infusion:
Natalya, 26 years old: “I love coffee very much, but during pregnancy I had to give it up: the doctor forbade it. A friend advised me to switch to cereal coffee. I tried it. At first the taste was a little unusual, but then I liked it. I drank it morning and evening throughout my pregnancy and after the baby was born. I didn’t find any allergies or other negative effects on the child.”.
Rose, 30 years old: “A coffee drink made from oats and barley is just a godsend for me. Thanks to its regular use, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract has improved and constipation has gone away. Even my figure became slimmer. I drink 3-4 cups a day with milk.”.
Sergey, 47 years old: “Because of high blood pressure, I don’t drink coffee anymore, although I like it. While looking for an alternative, I came across a barley-rye drink. I really liked it. To maximize the similarity, I add instant coffee to the mug, literally at the tip of a knife. Tasty and healthy".
Conclusion
Barley-rye drink is an alternative to natural coffee, similar in taste and harmless to health.When consumed in moderation, the infusion brings only benefits to the body. It normalizes sugar, gastrointestinal function, strengthens the heart and blood vessels, improves immunity, and promotes weight loss. The drink is added to dietary and children's diets.