Barley and oats: what is the difference and how to distinguish, benefits and harms and uses

People often wonder what is the difference between barley and oats. The key difference lies in the fact that barley is the main crop that is grown as a cereal grass. At the same time, oats are called a secondary plant obtained from weeds of the primary crop, or spelled. In addition, barley has grains arranged in the form of an ear, and oats resemble small flowers.

Description of crops

To determine the differences between plants, you need to analyze their main features.

Oats

This is a secondary crop that is very popular. In botany, it is called Avena sativa. Basically, the plant is an annual herb that is grown for its seeds.

Some varieties are used to make oatmeal. However, most often the plant is used as feed for livestock. It is often included in the diet. Oats are rich in protein, potassium, vitamin E and fiber.

Barley

In botany, barley is called Hordeum vulgare. It is an annual herb with a high nutritional value. Whole grains are high in fiber and low in fat.

Barley is considered one of the earliest cereal crops grown by humans. Its grains are used for the preparation of pearl barley. They also make beer and distilled drinks. In addition, barley is often used as livestock feed.

What is the difference between oats and barley

Oats and barley have many differences. The difference lies in the composition, calories, appearance, useful properties.

Chemical composition and calorie content

Oat grains contain about 60% starch. It also contains amylase, an enzyme that resembles a substance produced by the pancreas. The presence of this component allows the body to better absorb carbohydrates.

100 grams of oatmeal contains the following ingredients:

• 10 grams of protein;
• 5.5 grams of fat;
• 43 grams of carbs.

The calorie content of the product reaches 295 kilocalories. Oats contain vitamins A, E, B. It also contains a lot of calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Barley contains the polysaccharide glucan, which lowers blood cholesterol levels. The composition of cereals based on this cereal contains 50-60% starch. Useful components also include vitamins of group B, A, phosphorus, magnesium, silicic acid.

100 grams of barley contains the following ingredients:

• 10.97 grams of protein;
• 1.63 grams of fat;
• 30 grams of carbs.

The calorie content of this product is 338 kilocalories.

Appearance

Distinguishing these plants from each other is easy. Oats is a grass, the height of which reaches 1.7 meters. The plant belongs to the grass family. It is characterized by the following features:

• fibrous roots;
• straight stem including 2-4 internodes;
• regular rough leaves;
• small flowers forming a panicle;
• fruits in the form of grains.

Barley also belongs to cereal plants. However, unlike oats, it can be annual or perennial. Its ear is more reminiscent of wheat. However, it is more spinous and looks like a small broom. The botanical features of the culture include:

• fibrous root system;
• rolled leaves pressed against the stem;
• ears in the form of bunches;
• fruits in the form of grains.

Effect on the body

Oats and barley are considered he althy foods. However, their effect on the body is somewhat different.

Benefit

Eating oatmeal helps to achieve the following effects:

• lower cholesterol;
• to cope with itching and inflammation;
• improve heart function;
• get a feeling of satiety.

If you include barley in your diet, you can reduce the likelihood of diabetes, excess weight and heart disease. The systematic use of this cereal helps to get the following results:

• reduce weight;
• reduce blood pressure parameters;
• improve blood lipid profile and reduce cholesterol levels;
• normalize digestive functions;
• reduce the likelihood of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.

Harm

Grains are harmless to most people. However, they include gluten. This substance can cause allergies. Therefore, when identifying a reaction to gluten, it is important to abandon all cereals, except for oats. It does not contain this protein.

At the same time, the body is able to absorb a limited amount of fiber. If its volume exceeds 10 grams, there is a risk of problems. In young children, oats can provoke flatulence. Therefore, this product must be administered very carefully.

Experts do not advise eating cereal if you have problems with chewing food. Insufficiently crushed cereals can provoke blockage of the intestines. Another limitation is the presence of problems in the work of the digestive organs.

At the same time, barley should not be eaten in the following cases:

• celiac disease;
• diabetes;
• upcoming surgeries.

Medical applications

Oats help to strengthen the immune system and help eliminate viral infections. The product helps reduce fever and has diaphoretic properties.But the most useful property of cereal is the treatment of the liver. Oatmeal decoctions help remove cholesterol and toxic substances. Also, the cereal successfully copes with mild forms of pancreatitis.

Oats are of great benefit in diseases of the digestive system. It helps coat the intestinal walls with mucus and cleanses the body of toxins. Oatmeal reduces blood sugar and strengthens blood vessels.

Eating barley has a beneficial effect on digestive functions and normalizes the growth of beneficial bacteria. This cereal is useful for people who want to get rid of excess weight. It should also be used for bronchitis, tonsillitis, constipation. Barley is useful for liver cirrhosis, colitis, ulcers, herpes.

Barley and oats are he althy foods that have a number of differences. The difference lies in the appearance, chemical composition and effects on the human body.

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