BARLEY COFFEE: WHAT IT IS, PROPERTIES, BENEFITS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

Barley coffee is often consumed as a healthy alternative to traditional coffee. It is one of the most loved drinks by those who do not want to take too much caffeine during the day.

With a pleasantly aromatic taste, barley coffee is ideal for accompanying breakfast or for taking a break.

Already in the past barley was widely used for its beneficial properties; in ancient Greece it was used to stimulate physical exercise and thought . Hippocrates , considered the father of modern medicine, used it to increase concentration during his intense study days.

But, not only energizing characteristics , this cereal has various properties that make barley coffee a drink suitable for everyone.

What is barley coffee?

Barley coffee is a drink that originates in Italy , during the Second World War, when the price of coffee was very high due to the embargo after the Ethiopian war.

It was above all the farmers who used it, the production was simple and very cheap, and within everyone’s reach.

This drink is made with an infusion of roasted and ground barley and, although the name might suggest otherwise, there is no trace of caffeine.

It is prepared starting from toasted and very finely ground barley grains, until obtaining a grain with the right consistency to be infused. Barley coffee can be prepared with a traditional moka or with espresso machines.

Properties and benefits of barley coffee

Barley coffee has an intense , pleasantly bitter malt aftertaste, a much healthier alternative to coffee.

One of its main characteristics is the total absence of caffeine , but there are many advantages that this drink brings to our body.

First of all, barley coffee is rich in calcium, iron, fiber , mineral salts and zinc, as well as a small amount of vitamins B3 and PP.

Taking it allows you to have an immediate energy recharge, especially useful when the rhythms of the day are particularly frenetic.

It is a food suitable for everyone, even for those on a diet, because it promotes weight loss . Furthermore, barley slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, lowers the glycemic index and regulates intestinal activity, also proving to be a valid natural remedy against constipation.

Among the other beneficial effects of barley is that of regulating blood cholesterol levels, purifying the body and restoring iron levels.

Barley coffee is also indicated during pregnancy, as it has no side effects and does not affect the development of the fetus. Through this drink, the incited woman can stock up on an extra dose of energy without any fear.

Contraindications: is barley coffee bad for you?

Is barley coffee bad for you? It is a question that those who have never tried this drink ask themselves very frequently. There are no contraindications when consumed in the right quantities.

In fact, any side effects are only linked to drinking an excessive amount compared to the norm and to a very prolonged intake time.

While completely harmless, barley can have health effects due to acrylamide, a metabolite that forms in the starch in the grain. This substance, if ingested in excessive doses, can cause damage to the nervous system.

Furthermore, barley coffee is not suitable for coeliacs, due to the gluten contained in the cereal. Taking it could lead to allergic reactions and various disorders related to the disease.

In all other cases, barley coffee has no contraindications, it doesn’t hurt and remains the best alternative for those people who can’t take caffeine, but who don’t want to give up the pleasure of a little break during the day.

Barley coffee in capsules

In addition to the “classic” preparation method, nowadays it is also possible to prepare an excellent barley coffee with a coffee machine , for example with the DolceVita line of capsules 

Compatible with the main systems ( Espresso Point® , A Modo Mio® , Nespresso® , Dolce Gusto® , Uno System® ), the DolceVita capsules allow you to prepare a tasty and unsweetened soluble barley drink in a practical and fast way, ideal for those intolerant to caffeine and are looking for a valid alternative to coffee.