One of the most common questions we hear from people who follow our Barley Life Nutrition Program is whether or not barley will have any negative impact on their diabetes. The answer to this question is usually no, but before you make your own barley recipes, you may want to review some of the scientific research that has been done on the topic to see how barley can affect your diabetes. Here are four ways that barley could help keep your blood sugar levels in check and keep your diabetes under control!
What is Barley
Barley is a cereal grain that is most commonly used in the brewing of beer and the production of animal feed. It is also popular in some breads and soups. Barley has a long history of being used as a food and medicine. It is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains a type of soluble fiber that can help lower blood sugar levels.
Why is Barley Good For Diabetics
Barley is a whole grain that is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also has a low glycemic index, which means it doesn't cause spikes in blood sugar levels. This is important for diabetics because they need to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels. In addition, barley has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
How Much Barley Should Diabetics Eat
According to a recent study, diabetics who ate three grams of barley per day for twelve weeks saw significant improvements in their blood sugar levels. That's about one-fifth of a cup of dry barley. The results were so promising that the researchers concluded that barley could be an effective dietary strategy for managing type 2 diabetes. So if you have diabetes, it's worth giving barley a try. Just be sure to check with your doctor first.
Health Benefits of Barley
Barley is a whole grain that is packed with nutrients and fiber similar to quinoa. It has been shown to help lower cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and inflammation. Additionally, barley can help promote weight loss and gut health. All of these factors make barley an excellent choice for diabetics.
Substitutes For Barley in Recipes
If you're looking for a barley substitute in recipes, try one of these three options: quinoa, buckwheat, or farro. Quinoa is the most similar to barley in terms of texture and flavor, while buckwheat has a milder flavor and farro is nuttier. All three are good substitutes in recipes calling for barley.