Sprouted barley is a dietary supplement to your daily diet. The product can not only have a strengthening effect on the body, but also help in the treatment of many diseases. A variety of cosmetic preparations can also be prepared from it, which will help preserve the beauty and youth of the skin. Next, you will learn how to germinate barley at home and what benefits can be derived from it.

The chemical composition of germinated barley

Germinated barley has a low calorie content. The energy value of 100 g of the product is 160 kcal. More than half the mass is water, which contains about 52 g per 100 g, followed by carbohydrates - 31 g, proteins - 5.7 g, fats - 1.3 g, there are also dietary fiber (8.3 g) and ash (1 , 3 g). Of particular value to the human body are digestible carbohydrates contained in the product, which satisfy energy needs, ensure the functioning of the heart, brain, metabolic processes.

The following substances are also included in the chemical composition:

• vitamins B1 and B6 - provide the body with energy, strengthen the immune system, participate in the processes of functioning of the nervous system, contribute to the normal formation of red blood cells;
• choline (vitamin B4) - an important substance for the functioning of the nervous system, helps to improve memory, regulates the level of insulin in the blood;
• sterols - organic compounds that reduce the concentration of cholesterol;
• essential amino acids - improve mental abilities, increase the body's resistance to diseases, participate in the normalization of the liver and kidneys;
• essential amino acids - contribute to the regeneration of cells, are the building material of all organs and systems;
• biotin (Vitamin B7) - normalizes blood sugar, improves skin quality, normalizes metabolism;
• lysine - necessary for calcium and carbohydrate metabolism, affects the formation of red blood cells;
• niacin - able to prevent cardiovascular disease, lowers blood cholesterol;
• vitamin PP - beneficially affects the digestive processes, regulates the activity of the higher nervous system, prevents the development of thrombosis;
• cellulose - collects toxic deposits from the intestinal walls;
• silicon - improves the structure of bones, flexible joints, teeth, hair, ensures the smooth functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• selenium - powerful antioxidant;
• aluminum - stimulates the growth and development of bone and connective tissue, promotes regeneration processes, has a positive effect on the activity of digestive glands;
• manganese - promotes the absorption of calcium, ensures the correct functioning of the thyroid gland;
• phosphorus - participates in all metabolic processes, normalizes the work of the heart muscle.

Beneficial features

Sprouted grains of barley have a number of useful properties. People who eat them will always be in good physical shape, easily coping with daily activities. A full-fledged complex of vitamins contributes to the normal growth of the body, improving the condition of cartilage and bone tissue, plays a significant role in strengthening the immune system.

Did you know? Barley — one of the oldest cultivated cereal crops. This fact was confirmed by archaeological research, during which grains were found that existed 5 thousand years BC. e.

Eating sprouted grain is of great benefit in the prevention of cancer and infectious diseases. The product increases the content of antibacterial and antiviral substances in the human body. Dietary fiber helps to cleanse harmful elements, reduce blood sugar. Germinated grains are used for the preparation of cosmetics that allow skin to be properly treated. Also, the product is useful in many specific diseases, therefore, doctors prescribing treatment often include it in the patient’s diet.

Means prepared on the basis of sprouted barley grains are useful for people suffering from diabetes, since the volume of fiber prevents the increase in blood sugar. In addition, the presence of macro- and microelements regulates the synthesis of insulin by the pancreas.

How to germinate barley

Sprouted grain is sold in many health food stores today, but you can also sprout it at home yourself. Those who prepare the product in large portions use special devices for this - automatic grain germinators. For an individual appointment, you should not buy such equipment, since a small amount can be sprouted using the dishes available in each house.

Grain selection

You need to choose only high-quality grain, without signs of mold. It should be homogeneous, without impurities of other crops and garbage. If you buy grain in packaging, the shelf life should not exceed 1 year. It is best to use barley harvested no later than 2 months ago, since all useful qualities are fully preserved in it. Grains must be unpeeled in the shell.

Germination conditions

For germination, you will need clean dishes (bowl, container, jar, etc.) made of glass, ceramic or having an enameled surface. The main conditions for successful germination are sufficient humidity and an air temperature of at least + 20 ° C. The container with raw materials should not dry out. Before preparing the grains, you need to thoroughly rinse with cold water, then place in a jar, pour and remove all the pop-up fragments, since they will not germinate anyway.

Important! Do not use hot water during washing, as heat treatment reduces the beneficial properties of the product.

Step-by-step instruction

The process of germinating grains is quite simple. Subject to all the rules, sprouts will begin to appear on 2-3 days.

You need to act in this sequence:

1. Put the prepared grains in a jar, fill with cool water and leave for 48 hours to soak. Every 7-8 hours, it is recommended to change the water.
2. At the bottom of the bowl, put a layer of gauze, pour the grain with a layer of up to 2 cm, also cover with a gauze cut from above. If the layer is thicker, there is a risk that the grain will simply become acidic.
3. Pour the entire contents with water at room temperature so that it covers the top layer of gauze.
4. Put the dishes with the grain in a warm, dark place. Make sure the top layer of the fabric is wet. Irrigate it if necessary.

Sprouted grains need to be placed in a colander and rinsed with boiled water, after which they can be used to prepare medicines or cosmetics. If barley germinates on malt, you need to wait until the length of the sprouts is 2 times the size of the grains. Then it will need to be dried and aged in a linen bag for at least a month.

Important! Grains with a sprout length of 1 have the greatest value and energy.–2 mm.

Sprouts application

Sprouted barley is actively used in different directions. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from it, which help in the treatment of severe ailments, as well as in the process of recovering from an illness. Thanks to a large complex of vitamins, amino acids and other biologically active components, barley serves as the basis for the preparation of cosmetics. He also found application in cooking: tasty and healthy dishes are prepared from the product.

In medicine

Earlier it was said that the sprouted grain has the ability to give the body vital energy, give strength, so it is recommended to use it during and after illness. Various infusions and decoctions are prepared from grains, which provide tangible help in the treatment of serious ailments. For example, with the help of such means it is possible to establish the work of the gastrointestinal tract, since sprouted cereal stimulates the digestion process, while simultaneously cleansing the body of toxins and toxins.

With kidney disease

In kidney diseases, barley malt prepared on the basis of seedlings shows a good result. It is used in the treatment of urolithiasis, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. An infusion of grains is also recommended as a prophylactic for chronic diseases of the genitourinary system.

In the treatment of respiratory organs

In the treatment of respiratory diseases, decoctions and infusions from barley are used, which have excellent bactericidal and antiviral properties, relieve sore throat and soften cough. Water infusions of malt are effective for tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. With their help, the treatment of tuberculosis is much more effective.

To strengthen bones

The balanced microelement composition of the product is able to maintain the necessary level of calcium in bone tissues, thereby strengthening the musculoskeletal system. The considered cereal is indispensable for the elderly and children, as well as pregnant women. For joint diseases, barley decoction is prepared, which they drink or use as lotions.

To stabilize the endocrine system

The human endocrine system suffers significantly with a lack of nutrients in barley, and responds positively to their entry into the body. For example, proteins ensure the normal functioning of the endocrine glands, the vitamin-mineral complex will ensure reliable operation of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and also organs with endocrine cells.

Did you know? Data from historical sources indicate that the ear with barley grits was one of Ivan the Terrible's favorite dishes.

Recipes for medicinal use

Barley decoction helps well with severe cough, colitis, gastrointestinal diseases. To cook it, you need:

1. Take 100 g of germinated grain, pour 1 liter of boiled water at room temperature, cover the container with a lid and let it brew for 5 hours.
2. Put the mass on a small fire and boil for about 15 minutes, remove from heat and leave for half an hour.
3. Strain the contents.

Drink the liquid 3 times a day before meals, 100 ml each.

From barley malt, you can prepare an infusion that brings relief with elevated blood sugar, hemorrhoids, bronchitis, tonsillitis.

For this:

• 2 tbsp. l barley malt pour 250 ml of boiling water;
• the container is covered with a lid and left for 4 hours.

Important! After cooling, the infusion is drunk in 0.5 cups 4-5 times a day. In case of loss of strength, anemia or vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to add a little honey to the product.

At the end of winter, many people have an acute shortage of vitamins, so taking barley water is the best way.

Preparing it is very simple:

• 300 g of sprouted barley grains need to pour 1 liter of water;
• boil;
• insist another half hour.

Filter the tool and drink 1 glass daily.

Compresses are also prepared from grains to help relieve muscle tension, to draw pus from the wound. For this:

• sprouted seeds need to be crushed and mixed with hot water to make a homogeneous gruel;
• it is wrapped in tissue and applied to the painful area;
• when applied in boils, crushed onions can be added to the mixture.

In cosmetology

Collagen, keratin and elastin have an excellent anti-aging effect on the skin. Its upper frame gains firmness and elasticity, the moisture level is normalized, and regeneration processes are accelerated.

Important! The sprouted grains of barley contain many amino acids that form protein structures.

From the sprouted grains of barley, various cosmetic preparations are prepared. For example, to make a simple wrinkle mask, you should:

• mix 1 tbsp. seedlings with 1 tbsp. sour cream or kefir;
• let the tool stand for a quarter of an hour;
• apply the mask to the skin of the face, neck, and after 15 minutes wash off.

As a moisturizer, barley oil can be prepared. For this, 20 g of dried ground grains are poured with a glass of olive (almond) oil, tightly closed, insisted in a dark place for about 1 month. Filter the product is not necessary. It is applied to the body for 10-15 minutes and then removed with a napkin.

In cooking

Barley grains are used for baking bread at home. They are ground into flour and added to the dough. It should be noted that such baking brings much more benefits than regular wheat bread, since the dough is nutritious, preserves vitamins, minerals, proteins and other useful components.

Did you know? Grains of barley 2 thousand more. used to make malt used in brewing and distilling.

Muesli can be prepared from sprouted grains by adding fresh berries and fruits. In this case, wheat, nuts, honey, etc. are also added to barley. Also, grain serves as an ingredient for the preparation of diet salads, often included in the diet of vegetarians.

And from the sprouted grains, malt is prepared, which is later used for making drinks, not only alcoholic, but also completely harmless, even, on the contrary, wholesome and tasty. So, for example, the raw materials are twisted, poured with 2 glasses of water, then they are thrown back onto a sieve and frayed. After that, the mixture is filtered through cheesecloth and diluted with water. On the basis of such a base, delicious cocktails with fruits or berries are obtained.

How to use germinated barley

From germinated barley, flour is prepared - talcan. It retains all the nutritional properties of grains. The product is added to the first and second courses, and they are also made on the basis of its decoction. Talkan is brewed and mucous gruel taken with sparing diets. At the same time, the body is rapidly saturated, which reduces the amount of food taken by 2 times, and there is no feeling of hunger for a long time.

During the adoption of talcan, the body is freed from extra pounds, metabolic processes improve, which invariably leads to weight loss. In addition, the product is useful for children for better growth, as well as athletes experiencing systematic stress, people suffering from obesity of the liver and prolonged depression.

Contraindications and harm

First of all, you need to consider that any product benefits with moderate use. The chemical composition of sprouted barley contains many active components, which in too large quantities can harm the body. Doctors also recommend caution in taking cereals for people over 65 years of age. This is due to the fact that barley contains a lot of fiber, which can provoke colic in the intestines and flatulence.

• It is completely contraindicated to use it for the following ailments:
• flatulence;
• constipation;
• exacerbated gallstone disease;
• an ulcer of the stomach and intestines;
• pancreatitis

Sprouted barley can be dangerous for people with individual intolerance to the product, who have an allergic reaction to it.

Terms and rules for storage of germinated barley

Grain needs to be germinated in small quantities, since it cannot be stored for a long time. It is best to store it in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. In this case, the barley is folded into a glass jar and tightly closed with a lid. You should not freeze a product, as it will lose all its useful qualities.

Germination of barley at home will allow you to get a healthy product that will become a source of a large complex of vitamins, minerals and other biologically useful additives. Regular use of the product will strengthen the body, give it vitality and help in the fight against serious illnesses.