Barley water ranks high in the category of healthy beverages because it is loaded with essential nutrients. Since barley is a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre, vitamins, essential minerals calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc and copper, anti-oxidants and phytochemicals which are believed to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, barley water too draws out these benefits to make itself a health booster.
Regular usage of barley water helps flush out toxins from the body and the intestines through the urinary tract. This process is primarily triggered by a group of sugars called beta-glucans which are present in the cell walls of barley. It therefore helps in cleansing the internal system of the body.
Since barley water acts as a diuretic, in many households in India, it is considered to be a natural remedy for urinary tract infections, and children or adults are often recommended a few glasses of barley water on a daily basis till the infection subsides. It is also said to be a good remedy for kidney stones or cysts.
