The older we get, the more conscious we are about our health. We make some meaningful decisions in life that will help us live longer and healthier. We make changes in our diet and food consumption. We exercise more. We practice meditation and other forms of self-care.

There’s not much of a difference between an individual in his mid-30s or an older adult in a retirement community. We all want to live long and healthy lives.

If you want to live longer and healthier, you may want to consider the many benefits of this wonder grain called barley. Next to rice, wheat, and corn, it is the world’s fourth-largest grain crop. It is found in a lot of things and is commonly used in food, drinks, and health products. ;

1. Ideal for breakfast

Barley is great for breakfast because it is packed with fiber and other essential nutrients that you need to start your day right. It gives you the energy to go about your day’s activities and staves off hunger for a good part of the day.

2. Great for weight loss

Since barley is high in nutrition and a satisfying meal in itself, it leaves you feeling full a lot longer which minimizes the urge to snack frequently.

3. Improves your immunity

Since barley is also high in vitamin C, it is safe to say that it boosts your immune system and helps keep your body protected against sicknesses and diseases.

4. Great for digestion

Barley, especially barley grass juice, is beneficial for people who often feel bloated. The juice helps make your digestive system’s juices work harder and helps increase your metabolism to make you feel lighter in the tummy.

5. Optimal health is promoted

One of the most obvious benefits of barley is its overall effect on one’s health. Since it is high in fiber, niacin, selenium, vitamin C, and a lot of other essential nutrients needed to keep one healthy and strong, it is safe to say that it promotes health at an optimum level.

6. Repairs and develops body tissue

This wonder grain is also rich in phosphorus which is crucial in cell regeneration. Phosphorus is one of the essential building blocks of our genetic code. It plays a big role in bone formation and keeping our nervous system and cell membranes healthy.

7. Stabilizes blood pressure

According to several studies comparing different grain variations and combinations, barley has been found to reduce blood pressure in adults who have increased their barley consumption. Not bad for a simple grain.

8. Reduced risk of heart diseases and cancer

One of the compounds that barley is high in is plant lignans. They help protect our bodies from heart disease and hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. Barley minimizes the risks of cancer and heart disease by stabilizing our blood pressure and reducing visceral fat and free radicals in our bodies.

9. Helps reduce arthritis symptoms

Barley contains copper. Copper helps our bodies in regenerating cells and tissues which reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Copper is an important element in cross-linking elastin and collagen which makes our bones and joints a lot more flexible.

10. Lowers your bad cholesterol

Barley’s insoluble fiber produces propionic acid which plays an important role in the grain’s cholesterol-lowering qualities. It reduces the activity of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme and keeps our blood cholesterol levels low.

11. Prevents osteoporosis

Since barley and barley grass contains phosphorus, copper, and manganese, which are all crucial in the development of strong and healthy bones — and barley juice is high in calcium, the risk of suffering from osteoporosis is lessened with regular intake.

12. Gives you healthier teeth and bones

The same things in barley that prevent osteoporosis are the ones that also make our teeth and bones stronger and healthier. In fact, it is found that barley juice is higher in calcium compared to milk.

13. Makes your skin glow

Packed with vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants which are all good for your skin, barley is proven to reduce inflammation in your body, eliminate toxins, and tightens your skin. If your body is healthy, your skin also is.

14. Slows down the skin’s aging process

The cosmetic benefits of barley on the skin go to the extent that it slows down the aging process. It doesn’t just make your skin glow and have a more pleasant tone, it also preserves your skin’s elasticity and gets rid of the toxins, which makes you look more youthful.

15. Promotes healthier hair growth

The minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants contained in barley are also good for keeping your hair healthy. It fights against hair loss and stimulates healthy hair growth.

Give barley a try and see how your body improves in just weeks. It might be one of the best things you’ll ever do for yourself.