Pearl barley for weight loss - calorie content, reviews, beneficial properties


Pearl barley porridge is prepared from barley grains. This is one of the most ancient cereals on the planet, which was highly valued and revered in ancient times. 17 thousand years ago it was already grown in Palestine. Some scientists claim that it existed in those times when people had not yet learned to even burn clay.

Barley symbolized wealth and was a valuable commodity. It was not only used for food, but also used to measure weight and length. They were also used to pay for goods. One of the scientists in Japan devoted about 15 years of his life to studying various cereals and as a result came to the conclusion that exactly what is the most useful on the planet. Nevertheless, the ancient culture, which was very valuable for a long time, has become unpopular in the modern world for one reason or another.

In post-Soviet countries, barley was grown even before the Slavs arrived here. Many excavations confirm that it was the main grain crop. The forced transition to wheat literally forced farmers to abandon the cultivation of barley and begin to cut down coniferous forests to plant a new crop. There is a version that it was this fact that influenced the climatic conditions in central Russia, changing the climate from mild to cool and rather damp.

Grains were also grown in America. The Indians taught people to cultivate the crop and use it for food. It was only thanks to them that the emerging American settlements were able to avoid starvation. After receiving a rich harvest, the people held a feast, inviting the Indian chief as gratitude. This is the day in modern America that the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated.

The whole history of cereals suggests in one way or another that it is an important strategic product that does not require special conditions and can be grown in almost any climate without losing its beneficial vitamins, microelements and other substances. They even use it in weight loss camps.

Calorie content

The product contains quite a few calories, so it is often used not only as a mono-diet, but also as one of the components of a regular diet. To do this, it is prepared in water and consumed daily for a week. Porridge prepared in water has only 106 calories.

In dry form, 100 grams of cereal contains no more than 324 kcal. Moreover, the composition also contains 9.3 g of protein, 1.1 g of fat and about 73.5 g of carbohydrates.

Such calorie content makes it an indispensable dietary dish, thanks to which you can not only lose excess weight, but also improve your health, since it is very rich in substances beneficial to the body.

How is pearl barley useful?

How many calories are in pearl barley porridge in water, what beneficial properties it has, all this is of great interest to those who lead a healthy lifestyle and monitor their health and figure. So we will try to answer these questions in the next article.

So here it is:

Barley contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and enzymes. It is rich in vitamins A, D, E and group B, as well as minerals - calcium, phosphorus, iodine. It contains a lot of lysine - one of the three most important amino acids, which is necessary for the growth and regeneration of tissues, the production of hormones, antibodies, and enzymes. Lysine is used to build muscle proteins and collagen, a component of connective tissue. It is responsible for the strength of blood vessels, the elasticity of ligaments and the absorption of calcium.

Eating pearl barley prevents osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks, and regulates the activity of the mammary glands. That is why medicines for the prevention of breast cancer are produced from barley husks. Of all cereal crops, lysine is found only in barley.

Beneficial features

It contains vital vitamins, proteins, fiber, valuable amino acids and other microelements for humans. The composition contains zinc, iron, manganese, cobalt, phosphorus, copper, iodine and others. Its vitamin composition is no less broad, represented by groups A, B, E and PP.

If you eat porridge at least twice a week, it will have a positive effect on the appearance of your hair, nails and skin. This will also benefit those people who suffer from all kinds of fungal diseases. One of the components of pearl barley - hordecin - is a strong antifungal substance with an antibacterial effect.

Its daily use helps remove toxins from the body, as well as other harmful substances. It helps normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines. It is especially useful for children, as it gives the child’s body a lot of substances necessary for its growth and development.

In addition, the regular presence of porridge on the table will provide strong immunity and significantly reduce the likelihood of colds. Lysine, which is part of it, has an antiviral effect against colds or herpes. It is also useful for people with diabetes and various allergies. The many amino acids contained in pearl barley reduce the body’s sensitivity to any kind of external irritants that cause allergic reactions.

Among all cereals, pearl barley contains the maximum amount of phosphorus. And this, in turn, ensures the normal functioning of the endocrine system and enhances brain activity. It is especially popular among athletes as it increases the speed of muscle contraction.

It is also recommended to use it for inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the postoperative period. It also has a positive effect on the digestive process due to its high fiber content.

Among other things, pearl barley is actively used in the treatment of kidney and gall bladder diseases.

Properties of pearl barley for human health

Pearl barley is very useful. The balanced composition of vitamins and minerals combined with low calorie content allows this cereal to be successfully used in diets, and the high amount of protein makes this product especially valuable for sports nutrition. Complex carbohydrates help maintain a feeling of fullness for a long time, despite the fact that the product itself is low in calories.

Benefit

The beneficial properties of pearl barley are difficult to overestimate. A large amount of fiber stimulates intestinal motility, which in turn provides a mild laxative effect. If you use pearl barley at least once every 7 days, then in a couple of months the body will be thoroughly cleansed of toxins and impurities.

The high content of the antioxidant selenium supports the immune system, nervous and endocrine systems, prevents malignant neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases and various types of inflammation. In addition, pearl barley is a powerful blood purifier that allows you to remove toxins in case of poisoning and radiation injury.

Barley is used after operations as a light nutrition rich in valuable ingredients. Barley mucus envelops the gastrointestinal mucosa and acts as a relaxant and antibiotic. Often this is one of the few ways to rehabilitate the intestinal microflora after general anesthesia, which leads to lethargy of the intestinal muscles and, as a result, constipation.

Lysine contained in cereals helps maintain the tone of internal organs and systems and, therefore, maintain the health of the body as a whole. That is why after 30 years the importance of this product increases significantly.

It is interesting that the water in which pearl barley is soaked contains a unique component - hordecin, which has an antibiotic, wound-healing and antimicrobial effect.

For men

For men, pearl barley is of particular importance because it has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system. This fact is confirmed by those who eat pearl barley at least 2 times a week. According to them, sexual intercourse became longer, sensitivity increased, and libido increased.

This interested scientists, who found that pearl barley, due to its satiating properties and low calorie content, helps get rid of visceral fat. It is this fat that accumulates in the abdominal area and undermines the genitourinary system, creating a favorable environment for pathogenic processes.

Over the years, adenoma, prostate cancer and other serious diseases can develop. Regular consumption of pearl barley reduces these risks to a minimum and ensures good potency for many years.

For women

Pearl barley is also very useful for women. This is simply an elixir of youth, because the lysine contained in pearl barley takes a major part in the production of collagen. If you train yourself to eat pearl barley at least twice a week, you can significantly slow down the aging process.

After just two months of regular use of pearl barley, the skin will acquire tone, will be fresher and more elastic. Here, in addition to working on collagen, a powerful cleansing effect is also carried out. Toxins are removed, toxins are eliminated and the tone of all organs and systems increases.

Separately, it is necessary to say about the benefits of the product for pregnant women. Folic acid contained in cereals is responsible for the successful formation of organs and systems of the fetus. Cleansing properties help remove waste and toxins, therefore, the likelihood of toxicosis in pregnant women is reduced significantly, because its main cause is slagging in the body.

A mild diuretic effect will help avoid swelling that often occurs during pregnancy. This will ease the load on the back, musculoskeletal system and internal organs.

Finally, the mild laxative effect of barley relieves constipation, another serious ailment of pregnant women. That is why a pregnant woman is simply obliged to eat pearl barley, even if she did not like this product very much before.

It is interesting that since the times of Kievan Rus, barley decoction has been used by nursing mothers to increase lactation.

For children

For children, pearl barley is a valuable product, since a balanced complex of vitamins and minerals ensures the growth of the child's body, prevents the development of diseases and strengthens the immune system.

However, along with the positive properties, it should be noted that this product puts a significant burden on a fragile stomach. Pearl barley is difficult to digest, which, in turn, can cause digestive disorders: nausea, heaviness in the stomach, bloating and flatulence. This is why children under three years old should not be fed pearl barley; it is better to replace it with barley. Barley is digested faster and does not have a severe effect on the child's stomach.

Harm and contraindications

Even such an excellent product as pearl barley has some contraindications. There are few of them:

  • Pearl barley contains gluten, a strong allergen. This is why allergy sufferers should be careful when using this product;
  • Excessive consumption can cause calcium leaching. If you really want to eat pearl barley more often, you need to remember to buy additional dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, kefir;
  • It is not recommended to eat pearl barley for dinner, as it is a rather heavy product. A feeling of heaviness in the stomach does not in any way contribute to healthy sleep, so pearl barley porridge is prepared for lunch;
  • overeating pearl barley porridge can cause not only heaviness in the stomach, but also diarrhea. To prevent this from happening, you should wait 20 minutes after eating before grabbing a new portion. The feeling of fullness will definitely come and you will no longer want to eat the supplement.

How to properly prepare and consume (+ is it possible to eat it every day). Despite the fact that pearl barley is extremely healthy, eating it every day is still not recommended. The fact is that such a mono-diet washes out calcium over time.

Among other things, this is not the easiest product: constant consumption of pearl barley leads to increased gas formation, bloating and intestinal disorders. And of course, you need to know how to cook pearl barley correctly.

There are two nuances here:

  1. Soak pearl barley for at least 10 hours before cooking.
  2. Cook in a water bath for at least 6 hours.

It’s interesting that catering barley doesn’t have such a great taste only because cooks completely ignore these two conditions.

Negative sides of pearl barley

Unlike many products, pearl barley porridge does not cause any harm to the body. However, it has a number of contraindications. Therefore, before you go on a pearl barley diet, you should pay attention to them.

In particular, it is not recommended for those who are prone to constipation or suffer from high levels of stomach acidity.

This also applies to pregnant women. Gluten contained in porridge in large quantities leads to increased gas formation, reduces libido and disrupts digestion, which cannot have a positive effect on the course of pregnancy.

In all other cases, it only brings benefits. The main thing is to use it in moderation, just like any other product.

How many calories are in pearl barley porridge with water?

Here's how much:

Prepare porridge according to this recipe:

Products:

  • Pearl barley - 250 g - (800 kcal)
  • Water - 600 ml.
  • Salt - to taste.

How to cook:

  • Pour water over the cereal for 9-10 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Rinse the cereal again with running water, put it in a saucepan, and add water.
  • Cook for 40 - 50 minutes until done.
  • Then cover with a lid, wrap in a towel and let sit for 30 minutes.
  • The porridge is ready.

Based on the posted recipe:

The calorie content of pearl barley porridge in water without oil, per 100 grams, is:

How to use pearl barley?

When choosing a product, it is important to remember that there are two types of it on sale - whole peeled and polished grains and crushed cereals. In the first option, it can be stored for quite a long time, but it must be poured into a glass jar. Otherwise, various insects may appear in it and moisture will penetrate. The same rules apply for the second option. The only difference is the shelf life. In crushed cereals it lasts up to 6 months.

It is recommended to use it for food only when hot, as this is the only way it will contain the maximum amount of useful substances. Due to the fact that its calorie content is very low, it can be consumed quite often. During diets, the optimal dose is up to one glass per day, and on ordinary days it is best to use it as one of the components of a dish up to 3-4 times a week. This amount will be quite enough to saturate the body with all the vitamins and microelements contained in it.

Recipe: Pearl barley porridge in water with oil. Calorie, chemical composition and nutritional value.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of “Pearl barley porridge on water with oil.”

The table shows the nutritional content (calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) per 100 grams of edible portion.

NutrientQuantityNorm**% of the norm in 100 g% of the norm in 100 kcal100% normal
Calorie content119.8 kcal1684 kcal7.1%5.9%1406 g
Squirrels2.9 g76 g3.8%3.2%2621 g
Fats2.9 g56 g5.2%4.3%1931
Carbohydrates20.5 g219 g9.4%7.8%1068 g
Alimentary fiber2.4 g20 g12%10%833 g
Water73.9 g2273 g3.3%2.8%3076 g
Ash0.594 g~
Vitamins
Vitamin A, RE20.7 mcg900 mcg2.3%1.9%4348 g
Retinol0.018 mg~
beta carotene0.016 mg5 mg0.3%0.3%31250 g
Vitamin B1, thiamine0.026 mg1.5 mg1.7%1.4%5769 g
Vitamin B2, riboflavin0.018 mg1.8 mg1%0.8%10000 g
Vitamin B4, choline12.16 mg500 mg2.4%2%4112 g
Vitamin B5, pantothenic0.123 mg5 mg2.5%2.1%4065 g
Vitamin B6, pyridoxine0.079 mg2 mg4%3.3%2532 g
Vitamin B9, folates3 mcg400 mcg0.8%0.7%13333 g
Vitamin D, calciferol0.047 mcg10 mcg0.5%0.4%21277 g
Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol, TE0.368 mg15 mg2.5%2.1%4076 g
Vitamin K, phylloquinone0.9 mcg120 mcg0.8%0.7%13333 g
Vitamin RR, NE0.9891 mg20 mg4.9%4.1%2022
Niacin0.531 mg~
Macronutrients
Potassium, K53.18 mg2500 mg2.1%1.8%4701 g
Calcium, Ca16.68 mg1000 mg1.7%1.4%5995 g
Magnesium, Mg13.1 mg400 mg3.3%2.8%3053 g
Sodium, Na124.95 mg1300 mg9.6%8%1040 g
Sera, S25.08 mg1000 mg2.5%2.1%3987 g
Phosphorus, P99.7 mg800 mg12.5%10.4%802 g
Chlorine, Cl187.63 mg2300 mg8.2%6.8%1226 g
Microelements
Iron, Fe0.567 mg18 mg3.2%2.7%3175 g
Cobalt, Co0.598 mcg10 mcg6%5%1672 g
Manganese, Mn0.2012 mg2 mg10.1%8.4%994 g
Copper, Cu87.68 mcg1000 mcg8.8%7.3%1141 g
Molybdenum, Mo5.484 mcg70 mcg7.8%6.5%1276 g
Nickel, Ni6.125 mcg~
Selenium, Se10.822 mcg55 mcg19.7%16.4%508 g
Titanium, Ti5.12 mcg~
Fluorine, F96.59 mcg4000 mcg2.4%2%4141 g
Chromium, Cr3.83 mcg50 mcg7.7%6.4%1305 g
Zinc, Zn0.2885 mg12 mg2.4%2%4159 g
Digestible carbohydrates
Starch and dextrins20.122 g~
Mono- and disaccharides (sugars)0.3 gmax 100 g
Essential amino acids
Arginine*0.088 g~
Valin0.117 g~
Histidine*0.048 g~
Isoleucine0.104 g~
Leucine0.155 g~
Lysine0.095 g~
Methionine0.038 g~
Methionine + Cysteine0.091 g~
Threonine0.067 g~
Tryptophan0.032 g~
Phenylalanine0.145 g~
Phenylalanine+Tyrosine0.214 g~
Nonessential amino acids
Alanin0.101 g~
Aspartic acid0.186 g~
Glycine0.091 g~
Glutamic acid1.003 g~
Proline0.301 g~
Serin0.129 g~
Tyrosine0.07 g~
Cysteine0.053 g~
Sterols (sterols)
Cholesterol5.94 mgmax 300 mg
Saturated fatty acids
Saturated fatty acids1.8 gmax 18.7 g
4:0 Oil0.117 g~
6:0 Kapronovaya0.026 g~
8:0 Caprylic0.023 g~
10:0 Kaprinovaya0.059 g~
12:0 Lauric0.076 g~
14:0 Miristinovaya0.245 g~
16:0 Palmitinaya0.857 g~
18:0 Stearic0.244 g~
Monounsaturated fatty acids0.868 gmin 16.8 g5.2%4.3%
14:1 Myristoleic0.026 g~
16:1 Palmitoleic0.089 g~
18:1 Oleic (omega-9)0.742 g~
Polyunsaturated fatty acids0.198 gfrom 11.2 to 20.6 g1.8%1.5%
18:2 Linolevaya0.142 g~
18:3 Linolenic0.008 g~
Omega-6 fatty acids0.1 gfrom 4.7 to 16.8 g2.1%1.8%

The energy value of pearl barley porridge with water and oil is 119.8 kcal.

  • Serving = 213 g (255.2 kcal)

Primary Source: Created in the application by the user. Read more.

** This table shows the average levels of vitamins and minerals for an adult. If you want to know the norms taking into account your gender, age and other factors, then use the “My Healthy Diet” application.

Dishes with pearl barley

Among the variety of recipes, there are also the simplest and true culinary masterpieces. Since cereal can thicken dishes, many of them can be saved with its help.

The most common options for preparing pearl barley are the porridge itself, as well as soups and goulash. Cereals give dishes a varied texture and add a unique, pleasant aroma. Still, the most popular recipe is pickle.

For variety, you can cook other simple dishes during the pearl barley diet:

  • salad with cereals and cucumbers;
  • porridge with vegetables and boiled chicken;
  • pearl barley casserole with tomatoes;
  • cabbage soup with mushrooms and others.

Barley for the winter

The pearl barley itself is stored well, and no problems arise with it in winter. Some housewives add it to salads like “a kg of this, a kg of that, a glass of barley, a glass of butter.” Anyone can prepare such a salad if they want to eat canned vegetables, and even with cereal. Recipes vary, but a typical one is like this.

Appetizer with pearl barley

2 kg of tomatoes, 1 kg of carrots, bell peppers, onions, 3 cups of pre-boiled pearl barley, a glass of vegetable oil, salt, peppercorns and bay leaf to taste.

Chop the vegetables, add water, cook until soft, add butter and pearl barley. Mix everything together, add peppercorns, and place it hot in jars, cover with lids, and allow to cool under a warm blanket.

Reviews about losing weight with pearl barley

  1. For me, this type of eating has simply become a way of life. Every month I arrange a barley week for myself in order to cleanse and rejuvenate the body and, of course, to maintain my weight in a normal state. The diet itself is very monotonous and boring for a person who is not used to eating this way. But, to the surprise of many, I do not have an aversion to this product, so I eat it easily and with pleasure. And surviving a week is not a problem for me at all. The bottom line is that in addition to this porridge, you can only have water and teas without sugar. On the second day it becomes difficult, as the body begins to actively get rid of everything unnecessary. It is at this time that about 3 kilograms are lost, then it becomes easier. It is also important to observe portions: one should contain a volume not exceeding a fist. The number of meals is from 5 to 7 times a day. Be sure to have a glass of kefir at night. After seven days, at least 4 to 5 extra pounds will disappear. The main thing is not to start eating a lot after finishing, otherwise everything can quickly come back.
  2. I also came across this method. There are many different options for losing weight on pearl barley on the Internet. Some of them involve eating only porridge, some allow you to add vegetables to it. I alternated. I cooked it naturally with water, without salt and without oil. I stewed the vegetables and then mixed them with porridge. It turns out pretty good. In one day of such a diet, I lost almost 1.5 kilos, then I lost 400 - 600 grams per day. My problem is that I can’t maintain a diet for long, so I didn’t make it to the end of the week. But I’m still very pleased with the result.
  3. I absolutely don’t understand those who go on all these mono-diets. This is a huge harm to any, even the strongest, organism. I personally haven’t tried the pearl barley version, but I won’t. And I don’t recommend it to anyone. My husband works as a nutritionist, so I know what I'm talking about. You can give yourself one fasting day, but a whole week is just terrible. After all, for healthy well-being, we need proteins, vitamins and other useful substances every day. And by eating the same product we deprive ourselves of this. It may help to lose weight, but it will certainly be to the detriment of your health. I do not advise!
  4. The first time I turned to this diet was several years ago. At that time I was working as a cook and it so happened that I gained as much as 8 kilograms. Naturally, something urgently needed to be done about this. This method just caught my eye. For two whole weeks I ate only cooked food in water without salt, sugar or butter. I washed everything down with green tea. Also unsweetened. Already on the third day, of course, it became difficult, since such monotony quickly gets boring. And it's not very tasty either. But the result simply amazed me - during this time I lost 7 kilograms. It’s just very important not to pounce on food afterwards, as there is a big risk of returning everything back, and even with interest. Try it and lose weight. I recommend it.
  5. I chose this method because of constant weight fluctuations. I like it because it does not require large financial expenses. The bottom line is that you can eat only porridge for 5 days without any additives. Sometimes a little boiled fish or an apple is allowed. It is recommended to use it with a vitamin complex and be sure to drink plenty of liquid. This way you lose about 2 kilos per week and also cleanse your body quite well. But there are also certain disadvantages. For example, a mono-diet is not very healthy, and after finishing it, you should never binge on food, otherwise the weight will return. Another problem that I encountered is constant irritability, because I want to eat, but it becomes impossible to look at the pearl barley. But if you really urgently need to lose weight, then I can recommend this method.
  6. My problem with excess weight arose before my birthday. I really wanted to wear a beautiful dress, but it turned out to be difficult to fit into it. I had to go on an emergency diet. I accidentally saw the pearl barley version and decided to try it. Moreover, I have repeatedly heard many positive reviews about it and that pearl barley is very useful. During my life I tried a lot of weight loss methods, but they all turned out to be ineffective. And in this case, I was pleasantly surprised by what I got in the end. I lost 1 kilogram per day. In just 5 days I lost almost 5.5 extra kg and also cleansed my body at the same time. I am incredibly satisfied and recommend it to everyone.

How to cook pearl barley?

Pearl barley porridge with meat requires the absence of milk during cooking. Although the real thing, like the one from a Russian oven, with foam on top, can only be cooked in milk with the addition of cream and butter.

The soaked cereal should be poured with two liters of heated water (slightly above body temperature) and cooked for a very long time, about six hours.

The process is divided into two stages: the first is the actual cooking over direct heat with boiling for about 5 minutes, and the second is bringing it to readiness in a water bath under a lid for five to five and a half hours. For a long time? You can replace it with a thermos: after boiling, pour the porridge into it and leave for three hours.

Instead of water for porridge with meat, you can use broth, preferably not concentrated.

A traditional gas oven will perfectly replace a Russian oven. Cooking pearl barley over low heat at an oven temperature of 150 degrees is similar to simmering in an oven, when a fried crust forms on the surface. This method is more labor-intensive, because it is impossible to get away from the porridge; you need to monitor its condition. The process time depends on the stove and the temperature maintained - from two to four hours. Be sure to cook with the lid closed, water evaporation should be minimal, sometimes you need to add boiling water.

Weight loss with pearl barley from celebrities

Many Hollywood stars owe their ideal forms to the popular and successful trainer Harley Pasternak. He recently developed a special weight loss system that gives amazing results.

In its classic version, it is designed for five weeks, during which it allows you to lose enough excess weight. It is not harmful, so it can be used not only as a diet, but also as a permanent way of eating. The main component is pearl barley, which must be consumed five times a day with an interval of 3 to 4 hours. Such short-term breaks stabilize the level of insulin in the blood, which allows you not to experience powerful attacks of hunger. You can also eat vegetables, boiled meat or fish. Everything should be combined so that at each meal the body receives proteins, fiber, enough fatty acids, carbohydrates and liquid.

Physical exercise is also important: it is enough to allocate 25–30 minutes daily. Exercises can be absolutely anything - jogging, squats, just walking, etc. To avoid a nervous breakdown, once a week you have a free day when you can eat whatever you want and not exercise.

This method has received many rave reviews from famous stars. Of course, every body is individual, so some will be able to lose more, some less. But such a diet will definitely not harm anyone.

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