How Barley Flour Can Help You Lose Weight?
Because they are rich in carbohydrates, many people would think that whole grains such as barley flour should be avoided when you’re trying to lose weight. However this is just not the case. There are good carbs and bad carbs when it comes to weight loss and it seems that some of the bad carbs – for instance those found in pasta and most breads – have given the good carbs a bad name.
The benefits of whole grain are less of a secret now than they were say 5-10 years ago. Generally being high fiber, low GI and low in calories, whole grains can be used as the basis for many different foods. But how beneficial are they for people looking to lose weight? According to many nutritionists, the answer is ‘very much so’. Let’s take a look at the advantages of one of our favorite whole grains – barley flour. It can be used as an ingredient for a wide range of foods and is worth looking into for those on a diet. Many of its primary characteristics apply to other whole grains too!
Effect on Blood Sugar Levels
Barley flour for instance is said to actually keep hunger levels down for longer after being consumed, in part because it raises your blood sugar levels more slowly. Depending on how much you actually consume, studies suggest that it can help to regulate blood sugar levels for around 10 hours. This makes it a fantastic breakfast food as it can reduce your need for sugar during the day.
Less Calories
While barley is a great source of energy, it contains very few calories that contribute to your weight. A cup of barley, which is about the amount found it, contains only 19 fat calories and can be burned off quite quickly. In addition a cup of barley only contains 2 grams of sugar and 20 grams of protein which is a healthy amount for dieting.Fiber Content
Barley contains beta-glucan which is a soluble fiber. This type of fiber helps keep you feeling full for longer (as discussed) and improve cholesterol levels. One cup of barley flour contains 32 grams of dietary fiber, which is far higher than the minimum daily required amount of 3-6 grams.Low Sugar Levels
Sugar is obviously a big contributor in gaining weight and the average Australian consumes 25 spoons of sugar per day – which is part of the reason nearly 22% of people are overweight down under. However, barely flour food has low sugar levels and can be eaten to control weight.Eating whole grain snacks is not going to cause you to lose weight on its own, but it will certainly help and is a great addition to any healthy diet. Not to mention it tastes terrific and is quite versatile too!
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