In the United States over 24 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes. One of the key ingredients in helping manage diabetes is eating a high fiber diet. Diabetes is one of the greatest growing risks to people today.
Clinical trials have shown that people who have eaten food containing barley had lower levels of glucose and better insulin response than those that ate similar products containing whole wheat or corn. A different study published in the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Journal showed a 30 percent decrease in HbA1c, a blood glucose level test that gives an average for the past 3 months, in people with Type 2 diabetes. On average they ate 18 grams of soluble fiber daily made up of pearl barley.
These new findings has spurred companies to breed new types of the grain that shows the great health benefits of barley beta-glucan. Foods are currently available that contain the new varieties immediately to consumers. Products such as Heart Balance cereal is a 100 percent whole grain barley blend made from a proprietary high beta-glucan barley. Such cereals contain 50 percent more total dietary fiber and half the fat of oatmeal.
Barley can be found in whole grain and peraled forms from kernels, flour, grits and flakes. Any form of high soluble fiber diet is good for diabetics. It helps regulate the intestinal areas and help for better absorbtion of sugars, medications and nutrients. A healthy bowel system helps lower blood sugar levels and better regulation.
You can find many excellent dishes that use barley for better health. Barley Antipasto Salad, Teriyaki Barley Salad, Angel Barley Pilaf, Toasted Barley Risotto, and Barley Pesto Parmesan are just a few of the delicious dishes that can be made with barley and not have to choke down the concept of eating a high fiber meal.
Barley also contains essential vitamins and minerals besides being high in fiber. It also helps in those with high cholestrol, high blood pressure, weight control issues, and may help prevent pre-diabetes.
Check out barley and make it part of your diet today.
