Have you been wondering, “Is barley milk good for you”? Let’s find out in this insightful guide and learn how to make it at home.
Barley milk is a “new kid on the block” that has just entered the dairy milk alternative category. Other heavyweights such as almond, oat, and macadamia milk have received a standing ovation for ages.
But when it comes to barley, most people are still held back in doubt, given a big question waiting ahead: “is barley milk good for you?”
The good news is that barley milk is good for you and has health benefits that help regulate blood sugar, improve bowel movement, manage weight loss, and fight cancer.
What Is Barley Milk?
We all know what barley is; one of the most common cereal grains with a hard texture mainly used for brewing and stockfeed. Traditionally, barley is a household name in the beer-making industry.
It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, manganese, and selenium that contribute to your overall health.
For the past few years, the community of conscious consumers has realized the health benefits of drinking barley milk. Barley milk tastes like oat milk but is extremely rich in fiber with a more subtle note.
In the beer-making factory, most barley is dumped after the cycle has ended. Take Two is a leading brand producing upcycled barley used to brew beer in the market.
Is Barley Milk Good For You? 5 Health Benefits
1. Weight Loss
Barley milk can aid weight loss. It all boils down to the rich content of fiber in barley that improves bowel movement and reduces constant hunger.
2. Protect Your Cardiovascular Health
Since my parents discovered that barley milk could improve heart health and their overall cardiovascular health, barley milk has become one of their favorite plant-based milks.
In older people, bad cholesterol and high blood pressure are the leading causes of heart disease. But the good news is it can be controlled thanks to the content of fiber, calcium, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6 in barley milk.
3. Rich In Anti-Cancer Properties
If consumed regularly, barley milk can help fight against cancer cells and free radicals. The high content of fiber and selenium in the grains can protect your cells against numerous types of cancers, including colon cancer.
4. Enhance Your Digestive Health
The rich amount of fiber inside barley helps eliminate toxins from the body. Plus, barley milk also enhances bowel movements and prevents constipation.
5. Regulate Blood Sugar
The concentration of beta-glucan found in barley is proven to reduce the level of glucose and insulin. Drinking barley milk several times a week can keep blood sugar levels under control, especially for those living with diabetes.
What Does Barley Milk Taste Like?
As plant-based milk, barley milk shares a few traits compared to oat milk, soymilk, or almond milk. A glass of barley milk goes by a distinguished muddy brown. There’s a hint of earthiness leading on the nose, followed by a subtle note of sweetness.
Barley milk doesn’t taste exactly like a bowl of cooked cereal. Its depth of sweetness is exquisite so that it won’t taste heavy on the tongue. Barley milk tastes wonderful; both served hot and cold.
Does Barley Milk Have Side Effects?
Barley is generally safe to consume for most people regardless of age. Overconsumption of barley milk can cause bloating, gas, or feelings of fullness.
Allergic reactions are rare. Stop using it and consult your doctor if you experience a rash or difficulty breathing.
If you’re cutting down on dairy, you might also be interested in our guide on vegan alternatives to coffee creamer.
How To Make Barley Milk
Now you know that barley milk is on the rise to become a healthy alternative to dairy milk with a pleasant flavor. The next question here is: how to make barley milk at home?
I know many people would barge into any nearest grocery store looking for a bottle of barley milk to bring home without any hassle. However, if you already have barley at home, why not try turning it into a fun and easy-to-make plant-based milk?
Ingredients:
- One cup of barley
- Two cups of water
- One pinch of sea salt
Method:
- Rinse the barley before use and let dry.
- Put barley into a big pot.
- Add water in and bring to boil for five minutes on high heat. You don’t need to cover the pot with a lid.
- After that, lower the heat to a minimum and keep it going for the next 15-20 minutes until the barley is soft.
- Turn off the heat and strain the barley using a strainer.
