Barley and wheat: what is the difference and how to distinguish which is he althier and better for weight loss

It can be quite difficult for people without experience to distinguish between barley and wheat grains. The only difference between them is that barley spikelets have longer tendrils. However, some varieties of wheat also have fairly long awns, reminiscent of barley. Both cereals are grown in the fields, they are used to make cereals and flour. However, there is still a difference between these products.

What is barley

This type of cereal is an independent genus of crops. The plant has been cultivated by people since ancient times. Barley is the basis of pearl barley and barley groats.It is often used as livestock feed. The value of cereal is due to the presence of protein components and a high content of starch in the composition.

During growth, barley ears in the bud have folded leaves. At the same time, they have short tongues. Spikelets of barley belong to one-flowered. They form 2-3 bundles. From above, the spikelets are covered with thin scales.

There are a lot of carbohydrates and fiber in the grains of the culture. They also contain vitamins and minerals. The protein that is present in the cereal contains many amino acids and is well absorbed by the human body.

Wheat facts

Wheat is a separate genus of cereals. It is spring and winter and is used for making flour, bakery products, pasta. Some varieties of wheat are used as livestock feed.

Wheat ears reach a height of 30-150 centimeters. The plant is characterized by straight stems and tongues 0.5-3 mm long. The culture has flat leaves, the width of which is 3-20 millimeters.

Wheat contains a lot of fiber, which helps improve digestion. It also contains many vitamins and minerals. In addition, the product includes a large amount of pectin, fructose, ascorbic acid.

What is the difference between barley and wheat

Barley and wheat have a lot in common. However, these cereal crops also have significant differences.

Appearance

If you carefully examine the appearance of plants, you can find significant differences.The difference lies in color and other features. They are shown in the table: Wheat

Stem height, centimeters60-80 50-150StemStraight shape and hollow structure. It is naked, straight and hollow inside.Number of vegetationsThe plant can be annual or perennial. Leaves Spike and inflorescences TypesCan be furcate, two-row, six-row.It can be soft and hard.

	It is an annual plant.
They are flat and even, at the end there are small ears. The length is 30 centimeters, and the width is 1.5-3.	The tips have lanceolate ears and a tongue. The length is 20-40 centimeters, the width is 1-2.
The spike is formed in steps. There are 2-3 steps on the common axis.	The ear has 2 or 4 rows. It has a loose structure. There is a short tooth at the top.It is characterized by a yellow color.	It has an ovoid shape, has a furrow and a tuft on the back and a light brown color.

Growing Rules

Features of growing crops are presented in the table:

Not picky about composition.The plant needs humus 1.7%, pH - 5.8 and more. Can be grown in sandy loamy, soddy-podzolic and in rare cases - peat-low-lying soil.

Features of growing	Barley	Wheat
Climate	Suitable continental and subcontinental climate. The crop can be grown in the mountains and in cold regions.	Can be grown in warm continental climates. For germination, wheat requires a temperature of +1-2 degrees, for the emergence of sprouts - +3-4.
Yield	Matures quickly regardless of daylight hours.	Depends on daylight hours.
Soil

Use area

Food products also have certain differences. From wheat, after primary processing, it is permissible to produce the following:

• bread;
• confectionery;
• flavor enhancers;
• pasta;
• cattle feed;
• cereals;
• alcoholic drinks.

Barley groats and barley are made from barley grains. They can also be used to obtain these products:

• caffeine substitute;
• food alcohol;
• flour;
• cattle feed;
• m alt.

Wheat is not put into animal feed, but only wheat waste. Barley has a special fodder variety that is intended for livestock.

Composition and calorie content of grain

Calorie parameters of 100 grams of barley are 315 kilocalories, wheat - 309. The content of various components in 100 grams of cereals is presented in the table:

Water, grams14.59.47Proteins, grams9.511.31Fat, grams2.51.71Carbohydrates, grams5963.7Ash, grams2.51.52Gluten, %22.580 Selenium micrograms

Substance	Barley content	Wheat content
222.1	29

Difference in grain weight

Today there are many options for calculating the mass of grains and their characteristics. The main parameters include the following:

1. Nature - known since ancient times. For this, a device with a volume of 1 liter is used. In addition to mass, the shape and volume of grains are evaluated.
2. Duration ratio - determined by the integrity of the grain shell.
3. Hygroscopicity - affects the mass during shrinkage and storage.

Parameters specific to cereals are presented in the table:

7.7 kilograms

Characteristic	Barley	Wheat
Nature	605	785
Duty Cycle	45-55 %	35-45%
Hygroscopicity	40.2%	40.8 %
10 liter container weight	6 kilograms

What is he althier

Determining which cereal is more useful is difficult. People use wheat much more often than barley. At the same time, the use of both products will help to achieve maximum usefulness. At the same time, barley flour is rarely used without the addition of wheat. But without barley carbohydrates, you will not be able to achieve a long-lasting feeling of satiety.

What is best for weight loss

Barley is considered a more dietary product. It contains a lot of fiber and a minimum of gluten. That is why this product is suitable for people who are overweight. Barley and pearl barley are produced from this cereal. These foods improve bowel function and keep you feeling full longer without causing weight gain.

Wheat is considered more high-calorie. This is due to the fact that most confectionery and bakery products are made from it. Also, cereal is used for the production of alcohol. At the same time, whole grain cereals normalize body weight and help to cope with excess weight.

Barley and wheat have certain similarities. At the same time, there are many differences. They are in the composition, appearance, nutritional value.

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