Properties of barley for diabetics

============================= Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, and blood sugar control is one of the most important challenges for people suffering from it. Choosing the right food and healthy grains plays a decisive role in managing diabetes and can prevent serious heart, digestive and weight complications. In the meantime, barley has found a special place as a complete and nutritious grain. Barley is rich in soluble fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals and due to its low glycemic index, it causes a gradual increase in blood sugar after consumption. This feature, along with its positive effects on heart health, weight control, and improved digestive function, make oats an ideal meal choice for diabetics. Effect of barley on blood sugar control One of the most important concerns of diabetics is controlling the blood sugar level and preventing its extreme fluctuations. Barley barley plays a very effective role in this field due to its special nutritional composition and can be a suitable choice for the daily meals of diabetics. ### 1- Low glycemic index of Barley Barley: Glycemic index (GI) is a measure that shows the speed of blood sugar increase after consuming a food. Foods with a low glycemic index cause a gradual and controlled increase in blood sugar and prevent sudden spikes in blood glucose. Barley barley has a low glycemic index due to its high fiber content and complex starch structure. This feature makes blood sugar rise slowly after consuming barley and insulin hormone has enough time to respond. As a result, blood sugar control is improved and the risk of hyperglycemia is reduced. ### 2- Reducing blood sugar fluctuations: Fluctuations in blood sugar are one of the main causes of diabetes complications, including damage to blood vessels and the heart. Barley barley helps reduce blood sugar fluctuations by slowly releasing glucose into the bloodstream. Regular consumption of barley makes the level of glucose remain stable after a meal and prevents its sharp drop or increase. This blood sugar stabilizing effect is especially important for people who are insulin sensitive or take oral diabetes medications. Also, reducing blood sugar fluctuations can help improve daily energy and reduce feelings of fatigue and hunger. ### 3- The role of soluble fiber in reducing glucose absorption: One of the most important features of barley is its soluble fiber. Soluble fiber becomes gel-like in contact with water and slows down the absorption of glucose in the intestine. This mechanism makes the sugar in the food gradually enter the blood stream and the insulin response takes place optimally. In addition, soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol levels and improve heart health, which is especially important for diabetics who are at risk for heart disease. Research has shown that regular consumption of rolled oats and other sources of soluble fiber can significantly lower fasting and postprandial blood sugar and make type 2 diabetes easier to manage. Benefits of barley for heart and blood vessels in diabetics People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, because high blood sugar and its fluctuations can gradually damage the walls of the arteries, causing inflammation and fat deposits. In this situation, it is very important to choose the right foods that help heart health. Barley barley is an ideal choice for maintaining cardiovascular health in diabetics due to its special ingredients. ### Reduction of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides: One of the most important features of barley is soluble fiber beta-glucan, which plays an effective role in reducing the level of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. By binding to bile acids in the intestine, beta-glucan fiber causes them to be expelled from the body, and as a result, the liver has to burn more cholesterol to produce bile. This natural mechanism helps reduce LDL and triglyceride levels and reduces the risk of fat accumulation in the walls of arteries. Several studies have shown that regular consumption of oat flakes can reduce LDL cholesterol by 10-15%, which is very important for diabetics, who are more prone to heart disease. ### Increasing cardiovascular health: In addition to reducing harmful fats, barley contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which help strengthen the heart and blood vessels. Magnesium plays an important role in regulating heart rate and blood pressure, and potassium helps maintain flexibility of blood vessels. Consuming barley on a regular basis can reduce vascular inflammation and improve blood flow and keep blood pressure at a healthy level. These properties, combined with the positive effect of barley on blood sugar control, create a strong protector for heart health in diabetics. ### Prevention of heart diseases that are more common in diabetics: Diabetics are more prone to heart diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. Due to the reduction of LDL cholesterol, stabilization of blood sugar and reduction of vascular inflammation, consumption of barley can help prevent the occurrence of these diseases. Studies have shown that people who regularly consume oats and other whole grains reduce their risk of heart disease by 20-30%. This is doubly important for diabetics, who are at higher risk, and suggests that barley can be part of a smart, heart-protective diet. Oatmeal consumption methods for diabetics Correct consumption of barley can play a significant role in controlling blood sugar and improving the general health of diabetics. Because rolled oats are rich in soluble fiber and nutrients, a variety of ways to consume them help people reap the benefits of this whole grain while avoiding blood sugar spikes. ### Consumption as breakfast and mild One of the most common and useful ways of consuming barley is to use it in breakfast and Halim. Halim Jo Perak is a complete and nutritious meal that, in addition to providing the required energy, causes long-term satiety and prevents overeating during the day. Oatmeal breakfast can be combined with low-fat milk or yogurt and some fresh fruit to provide a balanced meal of protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates. This method of consumption causes blood sugar to rise slowly after breakfast and sharp fluctuations are reduced, which is very useful for diabetics. ### use in salad, soup and various dishes Flaky oats can be easily added to salads, soups, vegetable dishes and even cutlets. This method of consumption increases the volume and nutritional value of meals without increasing calories or sugar. For example, adding cooked rolled oats to a vegetable and legume salad will provide you with more soluble fiber and protein while keeping you feeling full longer. In soups, rolled oats can replace some of the rice or potatoes and lower the glycemic index of the food. This variety of consumption helps to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and avoid monotony, which is one of the challenges of a diabetic diet. ### Important tips to maintain nutritional value and sugar control To get the most out of the benefits of barley, it is necessary to observe some important points: - **Cooking with mild heat and for a short time:** High heat can reduce some vitamins and minerals in barley. - **Combination with protein and healthy fat:** Consuming rolled oats with nuts, seeds or low-fat dairy products reduces the glycemic index of the meal. - **Avoidance of sugar and sweet additives:** Adding sugar or artificial sweeteners can reduce the blood sugar control effect of barley. - **Regular consumption and portion size control:** Usually, consuming about 40-50 grams of barley per meal is sufficient and can maximize its positive effects on blood sugar and satiety. All in all, using barley flakes in various ways and following the correct cooking and composition tips is a powerful tool to control blood sugar and maintain the health of diabetics. These methods not only take advantage of barley's nutritional properties, but also help create a balanced and enjoyable diet and make diabetes management easier. Precautionary tips and daily consumption of barley flakes Consuming barley has many benefits for diabetics, but it is very important to follow the dosage and precautions to maximize its positive effects on blood sugar control and avoid possible side effects. ### Adequate consumption amount for sugar control To take advantage of the properties of barley, regular and controlled consumption is very important. For adults with diabetes, about 40 to 50 grams of dry rolled oats per meal is usually the right amount. This amount can be consumed in the form of a meek bowl, oatmeal breakfast with low-fat milk, or added to soups and salads. Excessive consumption of oatmeal may cause increased calories and even digestive effects such as bloating and gas, while consuming the right amount can keep the glycemic index of the meal low and reduce blood sugar fluctuations. ### People who should limit their consumption of barley Despite the many benefits, it is better for some people to limit the consumption of barley or under the supervision of a doctor: - **People with special digestive problems:** such as irritable bowel syndrome or severe bloating, because the soluble fiber of barley may aggravate their digestive symptoms. - **People with sensitivity or allergy to barley or wheat:** Although barley is gluten-free, it may cause allergic reactions in some people. - **People who need strict control of carbohydrate intake:** should coordinate the amount of barley with a doctor or nutritionist to control its effect on medications and insulin. ### possible interactions with diabetes medications Oatmeal may interact with **some diabetes medications** due to its effect on lowering blood sugar: - The simultaneous use of barley with blood sugar-lowering drugs (such as metformin or insulin) can cause an excessive drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if the amount of the drug or meal is not adjusted. - For people who use cholesterol-lowering drugs, the beta-glucan fiber in barley may enhance the effect of the drugs, so it is better to have periodic monitoring of cholesterol and blood sugar levels by a doctor. - In general, it is very important to coordinate the consumption of barley with the medication schedule and the size of the meals in order to obtain its positive effects without side effects. All in all, compliance with the appropriate amount of consumption, recognition of groups with restrictions and coordination with diabetes medications make Barley Bark a very useful and safe food supplement for diabetics. This action not only improves blood sugar control, but also strengthens heart health, weight and digestive system and is part of a healthy lifestyle in diabetes management. ### Joe Perak; Cereals for smart blood sugar control Oatmeal is not only a rich source of soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals, but also plays an effective role in controlling blood sugar fluctuations due to its low glycemic index. Regular consumption of oats can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, protect cardiovascular health, improve digestive function, and control weight, all of which are important for people with diabetes. The various ways of consuming barley, including breakfast, halim, soup and salad, provide the possibility of easy and enjoyable use of this cereal, and by observing the appropriate amount of consumption and precautions, its positive effects on health and diabetes control are maximized. Finally, adding rolled oats to your diet can be a smart and practical strategy for managing type 2 diabetes. This whole grain not only helps to control blood sugar, but also by promoting heart health, weight loss and improving digestive system function, it is considered a reliable companion for a healthy and active life in diabetics. **To receive a visit (online or in person) with Dr. Yazdan Panah, fill out the form below**