Barley: Ancient grain with science-backed benefits for a healthy pregnancy

By oliviacook // 2024-10-28

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Barley is a grain that has been a key part of the human diet since ancient civilizations. It has been cherished for thousands of years not just because it is a hearty staple food, but because it is packed with nutrients that could benefit mothers-to-be. Barley is loaded with important nutrients like: Antioxidants: These compounds help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage, which is important for overall health, especially during pregnancy. Fiber: Barley is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber and contains a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which plays a significant role in maintaining heart health and controlling blood sugar levels. Vitamins and minerals: Barley contains nearly all the B vitamins (important for energy), iron (crucial for carrying oxygen in the blood), magnesium (needed for muscle and nerve function) and selenium (an antioxidant that protects cells from damage). Protein: While barley is not as protein-rich as beans or lentils, it does contain a decent amount – making it a good source of plant-based protein.

How barley helps pregnant women

Today, researchers are discovering more about how this humble grain can support the health of pregnant women. From aiding digestion to helping control blood sugar levels, barley is stepping into the spotlight as a nourishing, natural option for moms and their babies.

Promotes health digestion

Uncomfortable bloating and constipation can accompany your pregnancy journey and this is where barley's nutrient fiber – beta-glucan – comes into play. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone slow down digestion and as the baby grows, there's added pressure on the intestines. This often leads to constipation, which is not only uncomfortable but can also cause other issues like hemorrhoids. Barley's high fiber content helps keep things moving smoothly through the digestive system. Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines – making stools easier to pass. Incorporating barley into a pregnant woman's diet could significantly relieve constipation – keeping the gut healthy and reducing discomfort.

Balances blood sugar levels

Pregnancy can bring about sudden shifts in the way your body processes sugar – leading to a condition called "gestational diabetes." This condition happens when the body struggles to produce enough insulin – causing blood sugar levels to rise. High blood sugar during pregnancy can lead to complications, including high birth weight for the baby, which can make delivery more challenging. The beta-glucan fiber found in barley is especially helpful for managing blood sugar. It slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes and keeping levels stable. Studies have shown that barley eaten regularly can improve insulin sensitivity, which means the body can process sugar more efficiently. Barley also provides a steady supply of energy, helping pregnant women avoid that post-meal slump. With its natural ability to keep blood sugar in check, barley could be a quiet hero for expectant mothers.

Boosts heart health

During pregnancy, a woman's heart is working harder than ever. It has to pump more blood to support both the mother and the developing baby, which puts extra strain on the cardiovascular system. This makes heart health an even bigger priority during these months. The fiber and antioxidants in barley offer significant benefits for heart health. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the digestive system and carrying them out of the body. This forces the liver to use more cholesterol to make new bile acids – reducing the overall levels in the blood. Lower cholesterol is directly linked to a reduced risk of heart disease – a concern during pregnancy when blood pressure and cholesterol levels fluctuate. Additionally, the antioxidants in barley, such as selenium and vitamins C and E, help protect the heart by reducing inflammation and preventing damage to blood vessels. Barley's ability to keep blood sugar in check also indirectly benefits the heart, as high blood sugar can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Supports a healthy weight

Weight gain is a natural and necessary part of pregnancy, but gaining too much weight too quickly can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and complications during delivery. Barley, being high in fiber and protein, helps promote a feeling of fullness, which can prevent overeating. When added to meals, barley can make you feel satisfied longer, which might help reduce those pregnancy cravings for sugary snacks. Since it's a whole grain, barley is digested more slowly, which means it provides sustained energy without causing the rapid rise and fall of blood sugar levels that come from eating refined carbohydrates like white bread or sugary treats.

Builds strong bones

During pregnancy, the baby needs a lot of calcium to build strong bones and teeth. If a mother's diet does not provide enough calcium, the body will take it from her bones to give to the baby, which could weaken her bone health in the long run. While barley is not packed with calcium, it does contain magnesium, manganese and phosphorus – three minerals that play a crucial role in bone health. Magnesium helps with calcium absorption while manganese and phosphorus are important for bone formation. Read more stories like this at Herbs.news. Learn about barley grass powder benefits and uses by watching the following video. This video is from the Natural Cures channel on Brighteon.com.

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