Why is barley porridge useful and how to cook it

The benefits and harms of barley porridge are something that is rarely discussed today, since the diet of a modern person has changed not towards a healthy one. The rhythm of life has forced many people to abandon a balanced diet and switch to convenience foods, fast food, and fast street food.

How and where does barley grow

Barley has a long history, is valued for its useful properties, is an early ripening, unpretentious crop among cereals. The growing season varies between 70 - 100 days. Seed germination is possible already at +1 - +2 ° C, and frosts down to –9 ° C are not terrible for seedlings. The plant tolerates high temperatures, and only if the temperature of +40 ° C remains for more than 10 hours, paralysis of the stomata is possible.

The plant is grown in different soils. It is sown in the northern regions on podzolic soils and in the southeastern regions on solonetzic soils. The best option for sowing is neutral and slightly alkaline soils, however, some varieties germinate excellently when soil acidity pH 4.3 - 4.5.

Composition and calorie content of barley porridge

The benefits of barley porridge for the body can be explained by its composition. 100 g of a ready-made dish contains 310 kcal. Since barley grains are ground unpolished, the cereal retains a storehouse of substances valuable for the body:

• carbohydrates;
• proteins;
• amino acids;
• fiber;
• micro-, macroelements: iron, calcium, magnesium, etc.;
• starch;
• vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, D, E;
• in addition, the cereal is a natural antibiotic, since it contains gluten;
• it also contains natural antibacterial components.

Useful properties of barley porridge

It is recommended to use barley regularly, as it is endowed with valuable properties and is mainly beneficial for the body.

Properties:

• bactericidal;
• enveloping;
• emollient;
• antioxidant;
• regenerating;
• fortifying;
• antiviral;
• hematopoietic.

Useful properties of barley porridge are used in cases:

• gastritis, ulcerative foci, pathologies of the digestive system;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• strengthening the muscles of the heart, vascular system;
• getting rid of constipation, swelling;
• reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels;
• improving brain activity;
• positive influence on the psycho-emotional state;
• control of the balance of hormones;
• accumulation of subcutaneous fat;
• restoration of skin and hair health;
• rehabilitation of muscle muscles and the condition of cartilage tissue.

Barley porridge has a low glycemic index, therefore it is allowed for use by people with diabetes.

Barley porridge for obesity

Although barley is considered a fairly high-calorie product, it is effectively used to combat excess weight. Barley porridge for weight loss normalizes metabolic processes in the body. If you exclude fatty, fried, salty, smoked and use a dish cooked in water without additional additives, in two weeks you can improve the condition of your skin, hair and get rid of an extra ten kilograms.

Undoubtedly, there is some harm from mono-diets, but the benefits of barley porridge are significant.

The benefits of barley porridge for children

Pediatricians practically do not mention the benefits and harms of barley porridge for children, while it is a source of energy that the growing body needs during the period of physical and mental stress. It is also valuable for babies because it contributes to the production of antibodies to the causative agents of ARVI, herpes. Among other things, barley porridge benefits:

• strengthening the skeleton;
• improving digestion;
• relieving allergy symptoms;
• normalizing the function of the liver, kidneys;
• regulating acid-base balance;
• improving metabolic processes in the body.

Parents should also be aware of the possible cons and dangers of eating barley porridge:

1. During cooking, beneficial properties are partially lost.
2. Small children are not offered the product, as it causes heaviness in the stomach, which can harm the digestive system.
3. Due to the high number of calories in the composition of the product, children with signs of obesity do not use barley grits in cooking.
4. With diarrhea and a tendency to gas formation, barley grits are also not used in the diet.
5. Do not give the product to children with high acidity and gastritis.

Gluten can provoke an allergic reaction, so parents should monitor their child's condition more closely when introducing a new dish into the diet.

Barley porridge recipes

Cooking recipes from barley is not difficult, but knowledge of some of the nuances will help to preserve the properties of the product as much as possible and surprise loved ones with a crumbly, juicy dish with a storehouse of useful properties. For a balanced diet for people of all ages, porridge is shown with stewed and fresh vegetables, with milk and in a casserole.

Barley porridge with milk

Milk porridge made from barley grits will appeal to the elderly and children. To prepare barley with useful properties, you will need:

• groats - 250 g;
• clean water - 500 ml;
• milk;
• butter.

Algorithm of actions:

1. The groats are poured with water, left overnight.
2. Before sending to cook, rinse thoroughly.
3. Grits are added to a pot of boiling water.
4. After re-boiling, simmer over low heat (10 minutes).
5. Pour the thick porridge with milk and achieve the desired consistency.
6. Bring to a boil, turn off.

The finished dish can be diversified with the taste of seasonings or by adding dried fruits and berries.

According to preferences, the barley is saturated with butter - butter or vegetable. You can clearly see how porridge is prepared in the video:

Barley porridge on water

Barley groats are boiled after boiling in a quarter of an hour, while its volumes increase 5 times. To get thick porridge you will need:

• barley groats - 200 g;
• clean water - 400 g;
• salt;
• spice.

Cooking algorithm:

1. The cereals are soaked in water overnight (this will speed up the cooking process by 5 minutes).
2. Before cooking - washed.
3. Grits are poured into the water after boiling.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat.
5. Cook until liquid is completely eliminated.
6. Spices, salt, oil are added to taste after the porridge is cooked.

To make the porridge more liquid consistency, take more water per glass. The barley dish can also be prepared according to the recommendations from the video:

Barley porridge in a slow cooker

To prepare a dish in a multicooker you will need:

• groats - 250 g;
• clean water - 570 ml;
• butter;
• salt.

Algorithm of actions:

1. The groats are washed thoroughly.
2. Pour into the multicooker bowl.
3. Pour in water.
4. Set the "buckwheat" mode.

After the signal from the multicooker about readiness, you can enjoy barley porridge, which has not lost its useful properties during the cooking process. For a richer taste, add pieces of butter. How to cook a dish in a multicooker step by step - on the video:

Harm of barley porridge and contraindications

Barley porridge is incredibly healthy and it seems that it cannot be harmful to health. As with any product, there are some contraindications for the use of pearl barley, which should be taken into account so as not to provoke harm to the body. The product is incompatible with egg white: this combination is detrimental to the stomach, as it can cause cramping. It is forbidden to include barley porridge in food in the following cases:

• in the absence of enzymes that break down a certain protein;
• during pregnancy, so as not to provoke labor ahead of schedule;
• if the acidity of gastric juice is increased;
• with individual insensitivity of the product, allergy to the ingredient.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of barley porridge are due to its powerful properties, therefore, uncontrolled use of the product is not desirable. It must be remembered that, within normal limits, the product has almost no contraindications. Only an excess of food in large portions can provoke the appearance of discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms.