Barley sprouts, like other cereals, are used as a vitamin supplement to the diet. They are especially useful in winter, when there are not enough vitamins. Let's consider the composition and nutritional value of sprouted barley, the benefits and harms of the product, how to choose and germinate seeds. What can be prepared from barley sprouts, how else is the product used, besides cooking, contraindications for use.
- Chemical composition and nutritional value of sprouted barley
- Beneficial properties and harm
- How to germinate
- Bean selection
- Optimal conditions
- Germination rules
- Terms and conditions of storage
- What can be prepared from barley sprouts?
- Where else can you use sprouted barley?
- In medicine
- In cosmetology
- Contraindications
Chemical composition and nutritional value of sprouted barley
The composition of barley sprouts differs from the composition of the grain. Green sprouts contain per 100 g of product: 11 g of protein, 3.2 g of fat, 69.9 g of carbohydrates, many useful vitamins and minerals. The calorie content of the product is 352 kcal.
The nutritional value of sprouted barley lies in the fact that it supplies the body, first of all, with vitamins, mineral components, a lot of vegetable protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Beneficial properties and harm
Barley sprouts strengthen the body's immune forces and prevent the incidence of seasonal infectious diseases. If you regularly consume them in moderate portions, good physical condition and rapid recovery after exercise are ensured. The vitamin product regulates the normal growth of the body, strengthens cartilage and bone tissue, and ensures the prevention of cancer.
How to germinate
To get a good quality product, you need to germinate the grains correctly. Not all raw materials are suitable for this. You also need to take into account the conditions that are necessary for germination and know how to germinate.
Bean selection
Barley seeds should be fresh, preferably from the latest harvest, as these germinate best. They must be solid, of a characteristic color, without damage, disease, or mold.Low-quality grain will not germinate well, just like old grain that has been in storage for several years. In barley, the admixture of other types of grain is undesirable; there should be no dust or debris. Before storing for germination, the grain must be washed under cold running water to remove any dirt.
Optimal conditions
Barley is sprouted in a clean, shallow container made of ceramic, glass or enamel. You cannot use metal ones. The grain should germinate at a temperature of 20 to 25 ºС and moderate humidity. Bright light is not needed for germination; barley should be placed where there is no direct sunlight. At the same time, the place where the grain container will be placed should not be too dark.
Germination rules
Pour the washed barley into a jar, add cold water and soak for 2 days. Three times a day you need to change the water to fresh water, otherwise bacteria will begin to multiply in it and an unpleasant odor will appear.
When the sprouts reach the size of grains in length, germination can be considered complete. This usually happens 2-3 days from its onset. Before use, barley should be placed in a colander and rinsed with water.
Terms and conditions of storage
The shelf life of sprouted barley is short - even in the refrigerator it can be stored for no more than 2 days. The sooner the grain is used, the better. You cannot store sprouts at room temperature; they spoil quickly. In the refrigerator, sprouts should be stored in a sealed container. You should not put the product in the freezer.
What can be prepared from barley sprouts?
You can eat sprouted barley fresh and prepare salads from it. It is enough to eat 1-2 tbsp at a time. l. Honey, nuts, fruits and berries are added to salads. At home, infusions are prepared from grain to treat diseases and recover from them.
Sprouts must be consumed fresh; they cannot be thermally processed; with this method of preparation, vitamins are lost, which are the main advantage of consuming sprouted grains.
Where else can you use sprouted barley?
Sprouted grain gives the body energy and restores strength, which is why the product is considered a good way to support during illness. With the help of barley, you can regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract; the grain speeds up digestion and at the same time cleanses the tissues of toxins.
In medicine
It is recommended to eat sprouts for kidney diseases, urolithiasis, inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, and chronic diseases of the genitourinary organs.
In cosmetology
Due to the huge amount of amino acids and vitamins produced in sprouts, they are great for making skin products. After regular use of simple products with barley, the appearance and condition of the skin improves.
Mask recipe: for 1 tbsp. l. grains take 1 tbsp. l. sour cream, mix and leave for 15 minutes. Then apply to the face and after 15 minutes. wash off. Barley oil is prepared as follows: 20 g of crushed grains are poured into 1 tbsp. olive oil and leave in a sealed container for 1 month. The oil is applied to the body for 15 minutes, then removed with a napkin.
Contraindications
Sprouted grains can be harmful to healthy people only if consumed in excess. Contraindications: flatulence, intestinal and stomach ulcers, exacerbation of cholelithiasis, individual intolerance. People over 65 years of age should use sprouts with caution; they can cause flatulence and colic.
Sprouting barley grains will allow you to obtain a product on an ongoing basis, the benefits of which can hardly be overestimated. It is a source of a complex of natural vitamins, mineral elements, and active biological substances that are formed only in germinating grains. Repeated use of the product will strengthen the body, replenish vital energy, restore after illness or support during it.
