What Are the Health Benefits of Barley Powder?

Barley contains B vitamins, Vitamin E and folic acid, along with fiber, niacin and iron. Barley is beneficial for general health and as an aid in several health conditions. Obtaining barley in powdered form allows for easier ingestion of greater quantities.

Intestinal Protection

• The fiber in barley powder helps protect against hemorrhoids and colon cancer. Barley powder also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. When the friendly bacteria break down the fiber in barley, butyric acid, propionic acid and acetic acid are created. Butyric acid protects the colon, while propionic and acetic acids fuel muscle and liver cells.

Lowers Cholesterol

• Barley powder is high in beta glucan, which lowers cholesterol. Beta glucan stimulates the production of liver bile that clears cholesterol from the body. The more bile produced, the more cholesterol is cleared and removed via defecation.

Heart Disease

• Barley powder can ward off heart disease not only because it lowers cholesterol levels, but also because it can prevent atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is thickening of the arterial walls. The niacin in barley powder interrupts the process and prevents blood cells from clumping to form clots.

Type II Diabetes

• Barley powder is a good source of magnesium. Magnesium has a direct effect on the amount of glucose and insulin produced and released in the body. Barley powder helps prevent Type II diabetes. For those who already have diabetes, barley powder is beneficial for maintaining steadier blood sugar levels and for reducing the need for insulin.

Other Conditions

• Barley can also help with asthma, gallstones and arthritis. It offers postmenopausal women protection from breast cancer and heart disease. Barley powder is made from barley, which is a whole grain. High intake of whole grains reduces the wheezing and inflammation associated with asthma, especially in children. The stimulation of bile from the beta glucan in barley powder helps dissolve gallstones. The copper in barley powder helps produce lysyl oxidase, an enzyme necessary for the production and repair of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are the base of blood vessels, joints and bones. The high fiber content of barley powder reduces a woman's risks of breast cancer and heart disease, particularly if she is postmenopausal and using hormone replacement therapy.