Barley is a cereal grain that is used for a variety of purposes. Here are some of the most common uses of barley:
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Food: Barley is often used as a food grain and can be found in breads, soups, stews, and porridge. It is also used as a natural sweetener. Barley is high in carbohydrates, with moderate quantities of protein, calcium, and phosphorus and small amounts of the B vitamins. As a whole grain, barley provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which may enhance heart health, help prevent cancer, and reduce inflammation.
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Beverages: Barley is a key ingredient in beer and whisky production. Nearly one-third of the barley crops worldwide is used for malted beverages such as whiskey or beer. Two-row barley is traditionally used in German and English beers, while six-row barley was traditionally used in US beers.
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Animal feed: Globally, 70% of barley production is used as animal fodder. Half of the United States barley production is used as livestock feed.
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Medicine: Barley is used in traditional medicine for heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and cancer prevention, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Barley can also be used as a component of various foods and as bedding for livestock. It is important to note that barley contains gluten, so it is not suitable for people with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or a nonceliac gluten sensitivity.
