Lemon Barley Water. The Summer Drink

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)

4 cups water
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!