People looking to lower their cholesterol levels have probably heard the advice about the importance of increasing fiber intake in their diet. But one expert has singled out an often-overlooked grain that can provide a good dose of fiber for breakfast: barley.

Sarah Fancourt, lead nutritionist at Gousto, explained why people should include barley in their breakfast. “Barley is an excellent source of beta-glucan, a fiber that can help lower LDL cholesterol and contribute to heart health. It’s naturally high in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer,” she said.

Although barley is often paired with soups and stews, it also works great for breakfast, similar to oatmeal. Gousto’s lead recipe writer, Sophie Nahmad, adds: “Rolled barley has a naturally creamy texture and a mild nutty flavor.”

“It’s very easy to make and works really well for breakfast with toppings like fruit, yogurt and nuts,” Nahmad noted.

Barley can be used as a breakfast cereal or porridge. It can easily be incorporated into regular overnight oats recipes, but it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

Fancourt explains how barley works. “Barley is one of the richest natural sources of beta glucan, the same cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber found in oats. This type of fiber forms a gel-like substance in the gut that helps reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the blood,” she said.

“It’s a simple food that can make a big difference if you include it regularly in your diet,” she concluded.

Beta glucan is a type of fiber that slows digestion and helps your body properly process the nutrients you eat. This can help stabilize blood sugar and lower cholesterol by slowing the amount and rate of its absorption. Most doctors and nutritionists recommend consuming about three grams of beta glucan per day. In addition to barley, it is also found in oats, mushrooms and some types of seaweed.

Sarah Fancourt recommended daily consumption of soluble fiber for anyone trying to lower cholesterol levels. “Including more soluble fiber in meals is a great start,” she explained.

“If you eat more fiber, you should also drink more water. Foods like barley, oats, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels,” says the nutritionist, Index.hr reports, Klankosova.tv reports.

“Combining these foods with lots of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado, can also contribute to overall heart health,” Fancourt concluded.

We use cookies to improve the experience and display ads (Google AdSense).
By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the use of cookies according to
Privacy Policy
and
Cookies Policy.
You can reject non-necessary cookies by clicking “Reject”.

Source: prizrenpost