Whole Grain
Barley
A wholesome grain whose soothing 'barley water' is a traditional comfort for the urinary tract, and whose fiber supports the heart.
⤢📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 79/100Tap to see the breakdown
🌱 What it is
Barley is an ancient cereal grain, chewy and nutty, eaten as whole or pearl barley in soups and dishes, or gently simmered into a traditional soothing barley water.
📜 Where it comes from
Barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains, grown since ancient Mesopotamia and mentioned in the Bible as a staple food. European folk medicine developed barley water, a simmered decoction traditionally given to soothe the urinary tract and to nourish the sick, a remedy that persisted into the 20th century as a gentle home tonic.
✨ Why it's good for you
- May help support a healthy urinary tract
- May help support heart health through fiber
- May help support healthy cholesterol levels
- May help support healthy digestion
🥗 Nutrition
Per 1 cup cooked pearl barley (157 g) · about 193 calories
- Fiber: 6 g
- Manganese: 0.4 mg
- Selenium: 13.5 mcg
- Protein: 3.5 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
🥄 How to use it
Cook whole or pearl barley as a grain; or make traditional barley water by simmering barley in water, straining, and sipping the soothing liquid (with a little lemon if you like).
How much: A serving of cooked barley; or a glass or two of barley water for urinary comfort.
Why it works: Nutrition science points to barley's beta-glucan fiber as helping to lower cholesterol, while traditional barley water is thought to have a soothing, diluting effect on the urinary tract.
Show full details & how to prepare it
Barley is a hearty, nutty whole grain whose soluble fiber (beta-glucan) helps lower cholesterol much like oats. Simmered and strained into 'barley water,' it's also a centuries-old soothing drink for an irritated urinary tract.
Ways to prepare it
⚠️ Cautions
- A whole grain, very safe and nourishing.
- Contains gluten — those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid it.
- Build up fiber gradually with plenty of water to avoid gas.
📚 Learn more
🌿 Deeper natural detail
🩺 The conventional view
💬 Ask Remy about Barley
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
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