Calories In Barley

By | February 23, 2011

Barley belongs to the grass family and is cultivated in most countries. Barley does not take long to yield. This cereal is used both as fodder for animals and as a health supplement for human consumption in the form of soup, tea, cookies, and bread. Beer and whiskey are malted from barley. Barley is high in carbohydrates and fiber.  

Calories in barley cooked (one cup) are 198.3; the other contents being protein (7%), fiber (25%), carbohydrate (15%), sodium (13%), iron, calcium, niacin, copper, and selenium. Calories in barley soup (one cup) are 96.21. According to barley nutrition facts, it is rich in fiber (14%) and contains protein (10%), fat (1%), sodium (30%), and carbohydrate (6%) niacin, B complex, phosphorus, and magnesium. Raw, pearl barley nutrition facts show 704 calories per cup. Pearled barley contains dietary fiber (125%), carbohydrates (52%), protein (40%), vitamins, and minerals. Calories in barley tea (200 g of cooked barley) are 270. Barley tea is good for metabolism and purifies the digestive tract. Carbohydrates in barley can be divided into starch (or polysaccharides), soluble sugar (mono-saccharides along with glucose and fructose) and non-starch polysaccharides. It is a rich source of energy. The low calories in barley make it very popular among diet and health experts. The low calories in barley also make it an ideal choice for stews, porridges, and desserts. Here’s a popular pudding recipe using barley. Take two cups of skimmed milk and heat. Dissolve one tablespoon of cornstarch in water and cook till mixture turns thick and white. Add this to the boiling milk while stirring the custard. Add the cooked barley. Garnish with vanilla essence, nutmeg and cinnamon powder. Serve cool with raisins and whipped cream.

The selenium in barley helps maintains skin elasticity, the immune system, heart, and alimentary canal. Lack of selenium leads to a malfunctioning or enlarged heart, mental retardation, and osteoarthropathy (distortion of the finger joints due to improper circulation). Selenium also prevents cancer of the liver, colon, prostate, breast, and skin.  The aminoacids in barley regulate blood sugar. Blood cholesterol too is reduced because of propionic acids in the fiber in barley. Vitamin B complex fights anemia and nerve disorders. Phosphorus is vital for healthy kidneys, bones, and teeth. Copper is essential in producing haemoglobin in red corpuscles. The low calories in barley and the presence of choline are help break down body fat and in weight loss. Barley grass has antioxidants that protect the body from cell damage. Barley also provides roughage and helps maintain overall health of the body.