I have recently been
really enjoying drinking lemon barley water. It has a wonderful light energy and
a refreshing taste.
Barley water is
actually an ancient elixir for good health and has been consumed throughout the
world for centuries. In Greece, it was called Kykeon and made from barley, and water, and flavoured
with mint or thyme. In Britain, it was served as a hot beverage with lemon rind
and usually sweetened. And rumour has it that during Wimbledon, the players were
often served barley water flavoured with orange. In Southeast Asia, barley
water was enjoyed hot or cold and the soft-boiled barley grain was also
consumed. The Indian version, Sattu is
made with barley flour and known to be cooling in the hot summer months.
Health Benefits of Barley Water
Barley, known as the King of grains, is a great source of fibre, vitamins, essential
minerals, anti-oxidants and phytochemicals which can help lower the risk of
heart disease and diabetes. Barley water is more like the essence of barley and
is soothing to the stomach and digestion. It is also a good boost for the
immune.
Urinary Tract Infections
Barley water acts as a diuretic and is considered to be a natural remedy
for urinary tract infections, it aids in flushing toxins and the
infection-causing bacteria out of the body. It can also be helpful for kidney stones
or cysts.
Digestion
Barley water is considered to be a digestive tonic. It sooths the digestion,
eases both constipation and diarrhoea and helps restore electrolyte balance. The high fibre content
can reduce the risk of colorectal cancers.
Weight Loss
Barley water is marvellous for
healthy weight management programs. Its high fibre content, especially
beta-glucans, is filling, keeps hunger at bay and helps prevent over eating.
Plus barley water stimulates the metabolism of fats.
Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
Barley water is known for helping maintain healthy cholesterol and blood
sugar levels. It inhibits the absorption
of LDL and triglycerides and improves insulin resistance. Barley water has
anti-inflammatory properties, which help to cool the body and protect the
heart.
Good
for Pregnancy
Loaded with nutrients, barley
water is a lovely, healthy drink for pregnant ladies. It is great for digestion,
prevents constipation and eases morning sickness. The diuretic nature of barley
water helps water retention during pregnancy.
Benefits
the Skin
Barley water is wonderful for healthy glowing skin as it improves elasticity
and tone. Barley is full of antioxidants so keeps you wrinkle free and looking
young.
Lemon Barley Water is super easy to make
Here is the recipe
Ingredients
Organic hulled barley is preferred. Use 4 tablespoons and soak overnight in water.
Discard the water and follow the rest of the recipe
If you want a quicker method then use 4 tablespoons of organic pearl barley and
soak for 15 minutes. Discard the water and follow the rest of the recipe
(You can use the soaking water for your plants)
(You can use the soaking water for your plants)
4 cups water
a pinch of sea salt
a pinch of sea salt
Juice of 1 lemon
Preparation
Place the water and barley into a pan and bring it to a boil on a medium
flame.
Add the salt and simmer on a low
flame for 30 minutes.
Strain the liquid into a jug and add the
juice of a lemon.
Barley water can be served hot or allowed to cool for a refreshing summer beverage.
Other options
Try ginger, cinnamon, or the juice of an orange to enhance the flavour.
The leftover grains can be added to soups or salad or put it in your dog’s dinner. They adore it too!
