Barley flour is one of those wonderful ingredients that has a wide range of
applications and is enjoyed in many different ways. Not only can it be used to
replace traditional flour but it can also be added to a meal to for some extra
flavour. In this article, we take a look at some of the health benefits and
some of our favourite ways it can be enjoyed.
Unique taste
One
of the most obvious uses that barley flour has is in the baking of bread.
Barley flour offers a great alternative to regular flour not only for the
difference in taste, but also in its rich levels of fibre, containing almost
four times the amount of fibre found in regular flour. Barley flour can be used
to replace up to a quarter of regular flour to provide your home baked bread
with greater nutritional value.
Being
wheat free, barley flour contains fewer calories to regular flour and makes for
a very unique taste when used to make bread. With its nutty taste, the bread
made from a barley flour recipe is an ideal accompaniment to any homemade soups
to give your meal a rustic flavour. When sliced thinly, barley flour bread
makes for tasty entrees with the addition of a creamy cheese and pepper
topping, and is also great with smoked salmon!
High nutritional value
Like
many natural base ingredients, barley flour provides numerous nutritional
benefits. Its high fibre content can benefit your digestive system and aids the
body’s ability to remove unwanted toxins.
The
dietary fibre found in barley flour is what’s called a ‘beta glucan’ which means
that it helps to bind bile acids in the stomach and greater digestive system,
which in turn helps to lower overall cholesterol in the body. When eaten with
cholesterol free butters and margarines, barely flour can have a positive
effect on your cholesterol levels, and even reverse high levels over time.
When
used as part of a whole grain meal, such as a whole grain breakfast containing
cereals and breads, the additional health benefits can include lowering your
risk of heart disease. Many doctors and nutritionists are lauding the benefits
of starting your day with a healthy whole grain breakfast, and you can
certainly reap the rewards of starting your day with this great healthier
option.
From
classic bread loafs and buns to breakfast cereals, fajita wraps and more,
barely flour can be used to make a range of savoury products. And with its many
health benefits and wide range of applications, it is becoming an increasingly
popular alternative to more traditional varieties of flour.