Benefits Of Barley

Barley is the fourth important cereal crop in the world and sixth in India. Barley resembles wheat in composition although it is less palatable. The barley grain, is also called 'Pearl Barley', is prepared by removal of outer husk. 

Food Value of Barley 

Barley is very nutritious and rich source of protein and B complex vitamins.

• Most of the world's barley crop is converted into malt. It is most important grain used in the brewing of beer. 
• Barley cannot be used for leavened bread because of low gluten content. 
• It is much used in soups. 
• Earlier barley was widely used as feed for live stock. 

Nutritional Values

Barley, Pearled, Cooked

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 97

Fat: 1 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g 

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Carbohydrate: 22 g 

Protein: 2 g

Dietary Fiber: 3 g

Sodium: 2 mg
Niacin: 2 mg 
Iron: 1 mg 
Manganese: 1 mg

Natural Benefits of Barley

• Barley has many medicinal benefits. Pearled barley, which is the form of the grain is largely eaten and consumed as a food. 
• The malt prepared from barley is used in the preparation of malt extract for the incorporation in the diet of the infants.
• The partially germinated and dried grain is the source of malt extract which is more nutritious than the unmalted barley. 
• The pearled barley has always been used by orient traditional physician for the healing and rejuvenation of the digestive system. 
• Barley has the weight loss benefits of this low in fat food and low in cholesterol. 
• Barley is rich in insoluble fiber. As insoluble fiber absorbs water, it add bulks and speeds intestinal content through the body.
• As barley cooks, the starch in it swells and absorbs water, making it soft and bulky. This makes it the perfect thickener for soups, stews, and traditional Scotch broth soup. Barley can be successfully substituted for rice in almost any recipe. It has more flavor than white rice though it isn't as strong as brown rice -- the perfect compromise.

Cure for dark circles

Dark eye reflect tiredness and lack of sleep. Here are some times to get rid of dark circles

• Dip a cotton pad in cool water and keep it on eyes for 20 minutes.
• Dip a cotton pad in cucumber juice and then keep it on eyes for some time.
• Keep a cool used green tea bag on your eyes. 
• Wear sunglasses while going out in sun.
• Almond oil is a best cure for discoloration. Massage eye with 1 drop of almond oil before going to sleep.
• Keep crushed mint leaves for 20 min on the under eye area.
• Keep diet rich in Vitamin C and Iron.
• Apply a paste of turmeric and pineapple juice on the eye. 

6 great autumn vegetables

Eating vegetables is beneficial to your health, because they contain a lot of nutrients that are essential to the proper functioning of the body. Most people consume vegetables on a daily basis during summer, because eating vegetables can help them beat the heat. In autumn, consumption of vegetables will be reduced, mainly because markets offer a limited selection of vegetables. However, there are several types of autumn vegetables that can be used to make delicious meals, and they provide great nutrition as well. It is advisable that you consume vegetables daily throughout the year, because they can make you healthier and less susceptible to illnesses.

Here are 6 great autumn vegetables:

1. Leeks

Leeks belong to the same family of vegetables as onions and garlic. They contain important nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, manganese and folate, and they can reduce bad cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels and fight cancer. Leeks are sweeter and milder than onions, and they are usually used as ingredients for soups and sauces, served as a side dish or sautéed with meat and vegetables.

2. Brussels Sprouts 

Brussels sprouts are very nutritional vegetables because they contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and K, as well as fiber, folate, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, protein, calcium, copper and omega-3 fatty acids. These substances can combat cancer, prevent birth defects, strengthen the immune system, promote healthy skin, improve the health of the colon and fight rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Green Beans

Green beans are usually used in soups, stews, side dishes and salads, and they can also be consumed fresh. They are a great source of vitamin K, which can improve the health of bones, as well as a number of anti-inflammatory substances that can fight osteoarthritis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also known that the nutrients in green beans can contribute to a healthy heart, reduce the risk of colon cancer and enhance memory, immune system and skin.

4. Broccoli

Other than possessing cancer-fighting qualities, broccoli can also help to prevent heart illnesses and cataracts, strengthen bones, promote the immune system and reduce the risks of ulcers and birth defects. It is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, ranging from soups to casseroles.

5. Eggplant (Brinjal)

Eggplant is rich in fiber, manganese, potassium, folate and vitamin Bs, and it can benefit the body in many ways. It is effective in countering cancer, viral activities, heart illnesses and the development of bad cholesterol. The skin of eggplant has a nutrient called nasunin, which is a powerful antioxidant that provides protection for cell membranes. Eggplant can be consumed with or without skin, and it is usually steamed, roasted or baked.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Instead of using regular potatoes in your cooking, you should try to use sweet potatoes, because they provide better nutrition. They can be mashed, baked or served cold, and they are also great ingredients for desserts. Sweet potatoes contain high levels anti-inflammatory nutrients as well as antioxidants, and they are also known for their potent anti-diabetic qualities. The vitamin A that is found in sweet potatoes offers protection against emphysema.