Barley coffee: benefits and harm to the body, recipes

Due to high blood pressure or a number of other reasons, some people are forced to give up traditional coffee. A worthy replacement for it can be a coffee drink made from rye and barley, the benefits and harms of which have long been studied by nutritionists.

Despite all the benefits and obvious advantages, cereal coffee has remained underestimated for a long time. Today, thanks to the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, the drink is confidently regaining lost ground. Properly prepared, coffee made from rye and barley will not only delight you with its taste, but will also help improve your health.

What is barley coffee

Barley has been used as a food crop for thousands of years. It is not for nothing that this product is in demand, since it includes a rich set of chemical elements.

In ancient times, barley was used to feed Roman gladiators and Russian heroes, which was the basis for preparing a variety of dishes and drinks. Porridge and drinks were made from this grain, and bread was also baked.

Later, a new drink was made, which was prepared from roasted and crushed barley. Natural coffee began to be replaced with this drink. But more often this happened not for health reasons, but due to the high cost and difficulty of delivering coffee beans.

Taste

The taste of barley drink practically does not resemble natural coffee. During the cooking process, it emits a pleasant bready aroma. If you add hot milk to the drink, the taste will become similar to an aromatic cappuccino. Often, to enhance the coffee aroma, chicory is added at the rate of ½ teaspoon per 200 ml.

Composition and calorie content

All grains contain a large number of useful components. The same goes for barley. There is a large amount of fiber in the cereal - about 9%. Protein occupies a small proportion of the composition - 15.5%, and carbohydrates - 75.5%.

According to rough estimates, one cup of barley coffee contains about 20–25 kcal, as well as within 5 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of protein.

The drink also includes a considerable number of useful components:

B vitamins, represented by B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, B8, B9.
Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E.
Microelements and macroelements such as silicon, magnesium, iodine, fluorine, phosphorus, sulfur and zinc.

It is also known that barley grains contain dietary soluble fibers called beta-glucans. These components help eliminate toxins and other components harmful to the body, cholesterol, and also reduce the amount of sugar in the blood.

What are the benefits of barley coffee?

General benefit

Even in the last century, thanks to the work of biologists, it was found that drinks based on barley have a strengthening effect on the nervous system. Therefore, the most active use of barley coffee is necessary for people who have experienced or are experiencing serious stress or other stress on the body.

That is why at that time they began to include barley drink in the diet to restore the body. In addition, it is recommended as a means of complex therapy in the treatment of a huge number of different diseases.

For women

First of all, the weakened state of the female body is a signal to take barley coffee. In addition, the drink helps fight caffeine addiction, which is harmful to health and contributes to the accelerated aging process. Also, drinking barley-based coffee balances hormonal levels and maintains the condition of the skin, hair and nails at the proper level.

In addition to the listed beneficial qualities of the drink, we can highlight several more that apply not only to the fair sex, but to all people:

supporting the functioning of the cardiovascular system at the proper level;
reduction of various types of pain;
stimulation of metabolic processes;
reducing the risk of diabetes;
bactericidal and tonic effect on the body;
prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer;
facilitating respiratory processes.

The most beneficial quality of the drink is that it helps reduce blood sugar. That is why it is recommended for use by patients diagnosed with diabetes. Due to its targeted bactericidal effect, its use is recommended for influenza and colds. This is due to the fact that the drink strengthens the immune system and promotes its resistance to infections and viral diseases.

For men

For men, barley drink is also very useful. Its positive characteristics here are as follows:

Keeps blood cholesterol levels at the required level thanks to the soluble fiber it contains, which also helps maintain a slim figure.
Recommended for use for the prevention of cancer.
Improves potency thanks to the nitric oxide and arginine contained in the composition, which help fight dysfunction of the reproductive system and increase the production of testicular and sperm cells.
Keeps the body in good shape due to its high selenium content, which improves the functioning of the heart and pancreas.

In addition to the listed positive effects of barley coffee, it is also worth noting that it is actively involved in the digestive process. This is facilitated by the beneficial bacteria present in the drink, which not only support intestinal function, but also minimize the risk of diseases such as hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer.

During pregnancy

Of course, you shouldn’t drink real coffee while pregnant. This is due to the fact that caffeine removes the calcium and magnesium needed during this period from the body. In addition, kidney function may be impaired and heart rate may increase significantly. That is why you should pay attention to substitutes for your favorite coffee. A barley drink is ideal for this. His work will be aimed at replenishing energy without harming the health of the body as a whole.

When breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, drinking coffee is prohibited. Also, you should not overuse tea at this time. A coffee substitute made from barley will be a good alternative for women who are breastfeeding.

This drink will not harm the health of a weakened female body or a developing child's body. It will not disturb the child's sleep, will not lead to an excited state and will not cause allergic manifestations. When honey and milk are added to the drink in moderation, it will also improve lactation.

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For children

Barley drink can be useful not only for adults, but also for children. In addition, you can drink it not only in the morning, but also in the evening. It will have a positive effect on the child’s nervous system, without stimulating it, but on the contrary, calming it. In addition, this coffee will help replenish the child’s body with vitamins and minerals necessary for development.

When losing weight

Barley coffee helps remove toxins from the body. In addition, it is ideal for people watching their weight, due to the rapid saturation of the stomach. Due to its high fiber content, the drink keeps fluid levels in the body at the required level. Therefore, introducing barley coffee into your daily diet will help you get rid of extra pounds.

Benefit

Barley drink has a number of beneficial properties:

Prevention of gallstone formation. Barley drink helps prevent the formation of gallstones. Promotes the secretion of bile acids, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity and increasing the level of triglycerides, which are a source of energy in the body.
Prevention of osteoporosis and arthritis. The phosphorus and copper content of cereals improves the overall condition of bones. It is a natural remedy for those suffering from osteoporosis. Calcium is one of the key components for protecting bone health. It is known that the product contains 11 times more calcium than milk. Manganese is essential for normal bone production and also for iron deficiency anemia. The content of manganese and B vitamins supports the general condition of the body. The mixture is made from whole barley grains. Contains soluble fiber. The Old Mill drink helps the body absorb nutrients better and reduces the pain of inflamed joints. Eliminates symptoms of arthritis.
Strengthens the immune system. Barley drink strengthens the human immune system, reducing the risk of colds and flu. Prevents anemia and fatigue. It improves the functions of the kidneys and body cells. In addition, it contains copper and iron, which forms hemoglobin and red blood cells, which promotes hematopoietic processes.
Keeps the body in good shape. Barley drink has a good source of selenium, which helps keep the body in good tone. Improves the functioning of the heart, pancreas and strengthens the protective functions of the immune system. Selenium deficiency can lead to cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, liver, stomach and breast.
Controls cholesterol levels. Helps lower blood cholesterol levels. It is an excellent source of soluble fiber. Specially recommended by doctors as a product with low fat content and zero cholesterol. Helps women maintain a slim figure.
Helps manage diabetes. The drink should be included in the daily diet of patients with diabetes. Barley grain has all the essential vitamins and minerals, especially soluble fiber, which slows down the absorption of glucose. Scientists have proven that insulin-resistant men who consumed a barley drink significantly reduced their blood glucose levels.
Prevention of heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a condition where artery walls lose elasticity due to the accumulation of fatty materials such as cholesterol. Barley contains a vitamin B complex, which reduces total cholesterol, lipoproteins and minimizes the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
Prevention of cancer. Contains vitamins and minerals that help prevent breast cancer. Women in menopause are recommended to drink the Old Mill drink 6 times a week.
Improves potency. The drink contains arginine and nitric oxide, which are necessary in the treatment of penile dysfunction. Arginine is known to increase the production of sperm and testicular cells. The Old Mill drink stimulates sexual activity in both men and women.
Helps in maintaining the digestive process. The drink enriches the intestines with beneficial bacteria that promote digestive processes. The right bacteria help keep the stomach and intestines in good condition, reducing the likelihood of hemorrhoids and colon cancer.

Harm and contraindications

As has already become clear from all of the above, barley coffee has a number of positive properties. As for contraindications, the drink has practically none. There are only two nuances in which it is believed that this liquid can cause harm to the body:

As a result of drinking too much, you can gain several extra pounds in a short period of time.
In case of identified diseases of the small intestine. These pathologies lead to the fact that the protein contained in gluten is not broken down and, therefore, is not absorbed. This can lead to many health problems.

Please note that many experts recommend drinking no more than 4–5 cups of barley drink per day. Any remaining amount consumed can have a negative impact on your health.

How to select and store

Some stores sell barley coffee in a ready-made form suitable for direct preparation, namely roasted and ground. All that remains is to cook it correctly in a Turk.

The technology for producing raw materials for the drink comes down to selecting large-sized grains, thoroughly washing them and completely drying them. Next comes the frying stage.

You should not prepare or purchase large quantities of raw materials to prepare the drink. Keeping it in a suitable form without unnecessary hassle will not be easy.

Types of barley coffee

In order to purchase a drink, just go to the dietary departments. Not only insoluble preparations in the form of roasted barley can be sold there, but also instant drinks, sometimes even supplemented with other ingredients, such as medicinal herbs, rose hips, natural coffee, cardamom or chicory.

The most famous ready-made instant drinks are:

“Old Mill” is a caffeine-free product, but it contains many positive qualities. The disadvantage of this product is considered to be poor solubility, due to which lumps remain after brewing.
“Ear of Barley” contains not only crushed barley, but also chicory. Sold in convenient packaging with a reusable clasp. It has a bready aroma and during the brewing process forms a lush foam on the surface, which disappears after a while.
Happiness is made from selected barley grains. It does not harm the body and is also not addictive. The taste of the drink is pleasant, it invigorates and fills the body with energy. Helps in the fight against excess weight.
“Zdorovye” has a pleasant taste, slightly reminiscent of natural coffee. Dissolves completely in hot water.
“Golden Ear” is an excellent substitute for natural coffee. The drink contains crushed grains of barley and rye. The finished drink has a pleasant bitter taste, which can be removed by adding cream, condensed milk or sugar to the drink.

Each of the listed drinks is in unprecedented demand among people for whom natural coffee is contraindicated.

Manufacturing technology

In the production of barley coffee, only organic barley is used, which is grown without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. To begin with, the barley is thoroughly cleaned of all kinds of impurities. After this, the hard shell of the cereal must be removed, which can spoil the taste of the future drink. In Italy, special varieties of barley are grown that do not require special processing. This type of cereal is called bare grain.

Cleaned grains are roasted in special cylinder-shaped drums. The temperature in them does not exceed 200°C. After this, the raw materials undergo a cooling process using devices specially designed for this. And then the finished product is packaged in hermetically sealed bags.

Many companies produce various types of barley coffee. These can be whole grains, crushed, or prepared using a special technology - in capsules. In the production of instant barley coffee, almost the same technology is used as for instant natural coffee.

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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” : the flavor palette is rich, delicate, similar to traditional coffee;
“Ear of Barley” : this drink is distinguished by a light bready taste, smell and delicate foam that rises after brewing;
“Old Mill” : the taste of cereals is practically not felt, there are soft coffee notes.

How to prepare beans for barley coffee: recipes

There are many different options for making coffee from barley. Each cooking option is good in its own way, but only if everything is done correctly.

In order for the finished drink to have good taste, aroma and color, it is worth using a combined method of roasting selected barley grains. To do this you will need to do the following:

Select large grains of barley, wash them well, and then dry them no less thoroughly.
Pour the prepared grains into a dry frying pan and fry over medium or low heat, stirring constantly for 20–30 minutes.
Divide the amount of beans to be roasted into two parts. Pour one part into a suitable container, and continue to fry the second for 15 minutes, also in a dry frying pan and low heat.
Mix the beans and grind using a coffee grinder. Barley coffee is ready for preparation.

No less popular than the option described above is coffee made from barley and rye. This drink dates back to ancient India; it was considered a means of achieving eternal youth. Making coffee involves the following steps:

Select large grains of barley and rye. Wash them thoroughly, then pour them into a suitable container and fill with cold water. Leave for 24 hours to infuse.
Now proceed to wet heat treatment. To do this, cook the grains over low heat until they begin to crack. After this, rinse them thoroughly again in cold water.
Leave in the sieve for a while to release excess moisture, and then start frying the grains. This will take a small amount of time, but will require special care. During the process, ensure uniform heating and frying. Readiness will be indicated by a change in the color of the cereals - the color should change to dark brown.

After this, you can begin to directly prepare the drink.

Kissel

Barley jelly is made both from purified grains, that is, from pearl barley, and from unthreshed ones. The proportions look quite arbitrary: at least 50 g of barley is required for one liter of water. If you like thick jelly, add more.

Barley is filled with water and placed on fire. After boiling, cook for another 20 minutes. Then it infuses and cools. Only the drink made from unrefined barley is filtered.

Barley jelly is a traditional dish for Russia. Previously, it was boiled thick and eaten with butter, seasoned with a pinch of salt. Sweet jelly with honey or berries was prepared for children.

Barley jelly is by no means a primitive dish with a couple of options. You could write a whole book about the methods of making jelly from barley, because this drink can be brewed from fresh unthreshed grains, from dry peeled grains, and from sprouted grains. It is made in different thicknesses, eaten sweet and salty, diluted with milk, vegetable oil, meat and vegetable broth.

Barley jelly has a fairly neutral taste, so it can be combined with a wide variety of foods.

On its basis, formulas are prepared for feeding infants if the mother has little milk of her own.

How to make barley coffee: recipes

The simplest version of barley coffee is called classic. Its preparation is as follows:

Prepare a Turk, into which you need to pour 3 tablespoons of prepared and crushed barley grains.
Pour purified water (280 ml) and send the Turk to the fire at minimum intensity.
Wait until it starts boiling, remove from heat and pour into cups.
Infuse for 5 minutes and you can enjoy the aromatic drink.

You can make barley coffee not only using water, but also milk. To do this, perform the following steps:

In a Turkish bowl, mix 200 ml milk and 100 ml water.
Add 4 tablespoons of prepared and chopped barley grains.
Bring to a boil over low heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

This option tastes like everyone’s favorite cappuccino. You will be pleased with the subtle bready aroma and thick, high foam. To complement the taste of the drink, you can use honey, cinnamon, cream, sugar, lemon or even ice cream.

Preparation of barley coffee with rye consists of the following steps:

Pour prepared barley and rye powder into the pot in the amount of 1 tablespoon.
Pour in 100 ml of purified water.
Bring to a boil over low heat and simmer for another 2 minutes. At the same time, you can add 1 teaspoon of chicory, which will enhance the coffee aroma of the drink.

There is a recipe for making a drink based on rye, barley and pearl barley. This drink is called “Fragrant”. The step-by-step preparation of coffee is as follows:

Place barley, rye, and pearl barley in equal proportions in a suitable container and fill with cold water 2 cm above the level of the cereals. Leave to steep for 12 hours.
After the specified time has passed, drain the remaining liquid and thoroughly rinse the cereal composition.
Boil water on the stove and pour the prepared grains into it, which are cooked until they begin to crack.
Pour the grains into a colander, rinse and leave for a while to release excess moisture. Then dry the grains well.
Place them in a dry frying pan, fry, cool, and then turn them into a homogeneous powder using a coffee grinder.
Pour the powder into water, bring to boiling temperature on the stove and cook for another 3 minutes.
Pour into a clean container and add instant chicory. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes.

In order to enhance the beneficial properties of the drink, you can add 2 teaspoons of natural honey to it.

Each of the prepared drinks can be consumed at any time of the day, since they do not affect sleep and do not excite the nervous system.

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History of appearance

A coffee drink made from barley spread to Italy in the mid-30s of the 20th century. Italian troops invaded Ethiopia in 1935, and the League of Nations imposed trade sanctions on the country. Food imports were strictly limited, coffee supplies were running low, and espresso lovers were forced to look for substitutes.

To make the drink more natural, more ground barley was added than usual, and the malt flavor was muffled with milk. The Italians called the new product Caffè d'orzo, which translated means “barley coffee.” The popularization of the substitute was facilitated by the propaganda of that time, calling on the population to abandon imported goods and luxury goods.

During World War II and the difficult post-war times, Caffè d'orzo was sold throughout Europe. Barley coffee was drunk for the longest time in Spain - even in the 50s, there were about two dozen producers of the substitute in the country.

The drink experienced a rebirth due to the mass passion for a healthy lifestyle. In Italy, a coffee drink made from barley can be tasted in vending machines and even in bars and restaurants - baristas brew it in a regular espresso machine.

When properly roasted, barley coffee cannot be distinguished from regular coffee in appearance.