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| Grains against Diabetes |
 Barley is a versatile and healthy cereal grain that has a rich and nutlike flavour. The chewy pasta-like texture is very tasty as well. The appearance looks similar to wheat berries although it is lighter in color. Barley has always been known as a great source of fiber and selenium, as well as a good resource of phosphorus, manganese, and copper. It has been used for medical purposes for a long time in controlling high cholesterol and obesity, but now it is being recommended for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Since barley and other whole grains have over 300 enzymes of magnesium, they aid in the body’s use of glucose and insulin secretion. The FDA has already permitted foods that contain at least 51% of whole grains measured by weight, to display the claim that it is linked to lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer. But now because of the research regarding Diabetes 2 they are considering adding this as well. Basically what they are saying is that if the food item is low in fat, low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol and contains whole grains then it may also be good for people with Diabetes 2. Studies that involved both animals and humans have shown that the benefits of barley come about because of the fiber in the barley seeds. It seems to be that the barley seeds delay the stomach emptying and actually slows down the absorption of carbohydrates in each of the foods you eat. The barley seeds contain two kinds of fiber, some that dissolves in water, and some that does not. Both of these types of fiber have been shown to lower cholesterol as well as help with Diabetes 2. Researchers completed a study involving 41,186 over an 8 year period of time and found that specifically in African American women their Type 2 Diabetes was lowered by almost 31% which had already been proven among Caucasian populations. When just magnesium was consumed they only had a 19% reduction in the Diabetes which shows that the barley specifically found in whole grains is adding to the promotion of healthy blood sugar control. Barley can be added to your soup or other foods. It makes a great breakfast choice when you eat a hot bowl of it served with low-fat milk, even more so than oats which have always been considered a great breakfast for diabetics. Barley in this case is very effective in reducing the glucose and insulin responses when eaten in the morning because you can get a full day of benefits. No side effects from Barley have been found however individuals with Diabetes should be careful about watching their blood sugar levels. If it is eaten in significant amounts then Hypoglycemia may occur. This is when your blood sugar is too low. This will probably not happen because most people don’t eat that much barely, but you should be aware of it and talk to your doctor immediately if it happens. Click here to check out our favourite barley essence product |