Benefits of eating Pearl Barley

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So what are the benefits of eating Pearl Barley?

Barley is a good source of molybdenum, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, dietary fibre, and selenium, copper, vitamin B1 and niacin.

The Propionic acid produced from barley’s insoluble fibre may also be partly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering properties of fibre. In animal studies, Propionic acid has been shown to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol by the liver. By lowering the activity of this enzyme, Propionic acid helps lower blood cholesterol levels.

Barley Benefits for Post menopausal Women

Eating a serving of whole grains, such as barley, at least 6 times each week for post menopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD) Slows the progression of Atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque that narrows the vessels through which blood flows, and the progression in Stenosis, the narrowing of the diameter of arterial passageways.

Pearl barley and vegetable soup

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Pearl barley and vegetable soup

Ingredients:

60g Pearl Barley
1 large diced Carrot
1 chopped Leek
1 chopped Onion
2 sliced sticks of Celery
1.2 litres of vegetable stock
1tsp mixed herbs
Salt and Pepper

Method:

In a large saucepan add the barley, stock and mixed herbs. Bring to the boil, cover and then simmer for 10 mins.
Add the Carrot Leek, Celery and Onion. Cover and simmer for 20 mins.
Season, garnish with some fresh parsley and Serve with some rustic bread.

Good News for Red Wine Drinkers

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Red Wine is high in resveratrol—a natural compound that lowers *LDL, raises *HDL, and prevents blood clots—red wine can truly be a lifesaver. A recent review in Alcoholism suggests that resveratrol may prevent or delay the onset of chronic disease. But limit your intake to two drinks a day. According to a study of 6,000 patients in the Journal of the American Medical Association, you’re 97 percent more likely to reach your 85th birthday if you keep your daily alcohol consumption to fewer than three drinks. Red wine is also a rich source of flavonoids, antioxidants that help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart, and may make you less likely to die of cardiovascular disease, according to Japanese researchers.

*
LDL- bad cholesterol
HDL- good cholesterol

8 Super Foods – antioxidants

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8 Super Foods

  1. kiwi fruit is a great source of vitamin C – even better than an orange when compared weight for weight.kiwi
    Kiwi fruit also contains vitamin K, potassium and magnesium.
  2. watercress is brimming with beneficial B vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium. It’s a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C, flavonoids, beta-carotene and glucosinolates which are believed to have a range of possible anti-cancer effects. It also contains some vitamin E.
  3. Sunflower seeds are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E. Mix them with pumpkin seeds for a healthy blend of beneficial omega-6 and omega-3 fats.
  4. Spinach contains folic acid (good for healthy blood, nerves, circulation and pregnancy) and vitamin C. Leafy greens – such as spinach, cabbage and spring greens – are also a good source of carotenoids and, when eaten regularly, might help to reduce the risk of heart disease and various cancers.Almonds
  5. Almonds lower bad cholesterol, thanks to plant sterols, and benefit diabetics by lowering blood sugar. They’re also rich in amino acids, whichbolster testosterone levels and muscle growth.
  6. Sea Vegetables Dulse, Hijiki, Kelp, Kombu, Nori, Wakame are all high in Amino Acids, Beta Carotene, Calcium, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium and Omega-3s.
  7. Green Tea releases catechin, an antioxidant with proven anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. It can boost your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of most types of cancer.
  8. Avocados are full of monounsaturated fat. Also rich in folate, a water-soluble B vitamin that helps lower the levels of homocysteine, an aminoAvocado
    acid that can hinder the flow of blood through blood vessels.