According to American Heart Association, at least 13 million Americans are diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Each year, nearly half a million lost their lives across the United States because of coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a global killer that can restrict blood flow and lead to chest pain and heart attacks. High total cholesterol levels and high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are often identified as the main causes that will increase one's risk for heart disease. People are, therefore, advised to keep these cholesterol levels as low as possible.
In a study published in 2003, scientists at the Agricultural Research Service revealed that a diet high in soluble fiber had the greatest effect on reducing LDL levels. Levels of HDL (good cholesterol) either increased or did not change, resulting in an improved total LDL/HDL ratio.
Fiber is not absorbed by the small intestine. But, when it passes through to the large intestine, soluble fiber, such as beta-glucan from oats and barley, is fermented. It is understood that this will help slow blood glucose absorption and have a prebiotic effect (stimulate probiotic bacteria in the gut).
Cereals, breads, and other products containing whole or milled barley grain can reduce the risk of heart disease. However, whole grain barley and barley-containing products must provide at least 0.75g of soluble fiber per serving to have such beneficial effect. This is the announcement made by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2006.
Barley is a great ingredient. It can be used for a wide range of products. Barley is a cereal grain grown mostly in the western United States as well as in Australia, Canada, and other countries. While much of the crop is used for animal feed and beer, people can actually cook pearl barley as a rice-like dish. Barley flour and grains are also used in baking and in cereal.
Like other grains, barley contains fiber that can help reduce risk factors associated with excess weight and Type 2 diabetes that can lead to coronary heart disease. Scientific evidence indicates that including barley in a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering LDL and total cholesterol levels. New data showed that 3g of barley can lower cholesterol by about 5 percent, similar to what oatmeal does.
Just think about this; a package of the quick-cooking barley can be ready in less than 20 minutes, and each half-cup of cooked barley counts as one ounce toward your daily goal of 3 ounces of whole grain foods each day.
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