Have you met……..Barley?

By Kim Mendel, RD CDN

Want a low sugar, no cholesterol, fiber filled easy way to add flavor and health to your foods? Look no further than your local grain aisle and your new friend barley.

Barley is a cereal grain that boasts numerous health benefits: filled with vitamins and mineral such as iron, selenium and niacin. Barley is fiber rich with beta glucan, which has been proven to help lower cholesterol and keeps you full longer to help aid in weight loss and maintenance.

There are different forms of barley and for the greatest health benefits listed above, look for whole grain barley. There is also dehulled or hulled barley which has part of the outer most shell intact and pearl barley which is stripped of its outer hull yet still more nutrient packed than rice.

Barley can be used in soups, stews, salads, stir-frys and in baked goods, like muffins and breads. Think of barley as a replacement for your rice and pasta.

Barley is a great grain that can be enjoyed in hundreds of recipes all while becoming your new best friend in fight against high cholesterol, blood glucose control and weight management.

So say “hello” and  introduce yourself to barley today!

Kim Mendel is a Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at km432@cornell.edu