Germinated barley: benefits and harms, how to make at home and use

Barley sprouts, like other cereals, are used as a vitamin supplement to the diet. They are especially useful in winter, when vitamins are not enough. Consider the composition and nutritional value of germinated barley, the benefits and harms of the product, how to choose and germinate seeds. What can be prepared from barley sprouts, how else is the product used, except for cooking, contraindications for use.

Chemical composition and nutritional value of germinated barley

The composition of barley sprouts differs from that of grain. Green sprouts contain per 100 g of product: 11 g of protein, 3.2 g of fat, 69.9 g of carbohydrates, many useful vitamins and minerals. The calorie content of the product is 352 kcal.

The nutritional value of germinated barley lies in the fact that it supplies the body primarily with vitamins, minerals, a lot of vegetable protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Useful properties and harm

Barley sprouts strengthen the body's immune forces, prevent the incidence of seasonal infectious diseases. If you regularly consume them in moderate portions, a good physical condition is ensured, a quick recovery after exercise. The vitamin product regulates the normal growth of the body, makes cartilage and bone tissue stronger, and ensures the prevention of cancer.

Sprouted fiber cleanses the body of toxins, lowers blood sugar levels and regulates the production of insulin by the pancreas. Dishes based on germinated barley are recommended for people with diabetes. Sprouted grains are included in homemade cosmetics for skin care.

How to germinate

To get a good quality product, you need to germinate the grains correctly. Not all raw materials are suitable for this. You also need to consider the conditions that are necessary for germination, and know how to germinate.

Select beans

Barley seeds should be fresh, preferably from the last harvest, they germinate best. They must be solid, characteristic color, without damage, disease, mold. Poor-quality grain will germinate poorly, just like the old one that has been in storage for several years. In barley, the admixture of grains of other types is undesirable; there should be no dust or debris. Before laying for germination, the grain must be washed under cold running water, wash off the dirt.

Optimal conditions

Barley is germinated in a clean, shallow bowl made of ceramic, glass or enameled. Metal cannot be used. The grain should germinate at a temperature of 20 to 25 ºС and moderate humidity. Bright light is not needed for germination, barley should be placed where the direct rays of the sun do not fall. At the same time, the place where the grain container will stand should not be too dark.

Germination rules

Pour the washed barley into a jar, cover with cold water and soak for 2 days. Three times a day, you need to change the water to fresh, otherwise bacteria will multiply in it, an unpleasant smell will appear.

When the soaking is finished, you need to prepare a flat bowl or plate, put gauze on the bottom. Pour grain on it with a layer of 2 cm, cover again with gauze. It is impossible to exceed the thickness of the layer, otherwise it will turn sour.Pour warm water over the barley so that it can cover the gauze, but not higher. Place the plate in a shaded, warm place. While germination is in progress, the gauze should not dry out. To do this, add a little water when it evaporates.

When the sprouts in length reach the size of the grains, germination can be considered complete. This usually happens 2-3 days after it starts. Before eating, put the barley in a colander and rinse with water.

Terms and conditions of storage

The shelf life of germinated barley is small - even in the refrigerator it is stored for no more than 2 days. The sooner the grain is used, the better. You can not store sprouts at room temperature, they quickly deteriorate. In the refrigerator, sprouts should be stored in a sealed container. Do not put the product in the freezer.

What can you make with barley sprouts?

You can use germinated barley fresh, prepare salads from it. At a time, it is enough to eat 1-2 tbsp. l. Honey, nuts, fruits and berries are added to salads. At home, grains are used to prepare infusions for the treatment of diseases and recovery from them.

Sprouted sprouts should be consumed fresh, they cannot be thermally processed, with this cooking method, vitamins are lost, which are the main advantage of eating sprouted cereals.

Where else can germinated barley be used

Sprouted grain gives the body energy, restores strength, because of this, the product is considered a good way to maintain during illness. With the help of barley, you can regulate the work of the gastrointestinal tract, cereal speeds up digestion, and at the same time cleanses tissues of toxins.

In medicine

Sprouts are recommended for kidney disease, urolithiasis, inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, chronic diseases of the genitourinary organs.

Infusions on sprouts are effective for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory organs, with tonsillitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, remove inflammation and sore throat, soften cough. Barley is also used to strengthen bones, to restore calcium levels in bone tissue. Sprouts will be useful for the elderly and children, pregnant women. You can use them at any time of the year, but especially from autumn to spring, when vitamin products are not enough in the diet.

In cosmetology

Due to the huge amount of amino acids and vitamins produced in sprouts, they are great for making skin products. Regular use of simple barley products improves the appearance and condition of the skin.

Mask recipe: 1 tbsp. l. grains take 1 tbsp. l. sour cream, mix and leave for 15 minutes. Then apply on the face and after 15 minutes. wash off. Barley oil is prepared as follows: 20 g of crushed grains are poured into 1 tbsp.olive oil and insist in a sealed container for 1 month. The oil is applied to the body for 15 minutes, then removed with a napkin.

Contraindications

Sprouted grains can be harmful to he althy people only if consumed excessively. Contraindications: flatulence, intestinal ulcer, stomach, exacerbation of cholelithiasis, individual intolerance. Use sprouts with caution for people over 65 years of age, they can cause flatulence and colic.

The germination of barley grains will allow you to receive a product on an ongoing basis, the benefits of which can hardly be overestimated. It is a source of a complex of natural vitamins, mineral elements, active biological substances, which are formed only in germinating grain. Repeated use of the product will strengthen the body, replenish vital energy, restore after illness or support during it.

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