Health Benefits of Barley for Barley Month

By Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP | February 2, 2017 | Comments Off on Health Benefits of Barley for Barley Month
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Elderly Care in Essex County NJ

As a family caregiver you know how important it is for your elderly loved one to eat a well-balanced and healthy diet as they age in place. February is Barley Month. This is the ideal opportunity for you to learn more about this healthy grain and the benefits that it can give your senior.Elderly-Care-in-Essex-County-NJ

While it is not one of the most popular grains, barley is extremely versatile, delicious, and can offer a wide variety of health benefits, including:

 

  • High dietary fiber to assist with healthy digestion, a feeling of satiety that can help your loved one control their appetite, and blood cholesterol support
  • Antioxidants to support cardiovascular health, cellular health, and reduce the risk of developing a variety of cancers
  • Vitamins and minerals that give their body what it needs to support ongoing function and health
  • Lower in fat and calories than other forms of ancient grains
  • Help reduce the risk of diabetes and help your loved one to manage their diabetes if they have already developed this disease

 

Try some of these delicious ways to use barley:

  • Add to your favorite vegetable soup recipe to make the meal more satisfying and fulfilling, add fiber, and provide healthy fat to aid in vitamin absorption
  • Eat as a hot cereal in the morning rather than your usual bowl of oatmeal. This is a heartier, nuttier grain that can stand up to stronger flavors
  • Combine with beans, vegetables, and spices for a side dish that will complement your entrée
  • Bake barley to puff it and create a crispy, tasty, and healthy breakfast cereal that is perfect for enjoying with fresh fruit

 

It is important to keep in mind that barley does contain gluten. This means that if your parent is gluten intolerant, has Celiac disease, or has been advised to limit the amount of gluten in their diet, barley might not be a good choice for them. Talk to their doctor about their diet and what items they should and should not include.

 

Starting elderly care for your aging parent is one of the best decisions that you can make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your senior loved one on a customized schedule that is tailored to their specific needs, challenges, and limitations in a way that is right for them. This means that they can enjoy a lifestyle that is fulfilling, active, and engaged, but that is also safe, comfortable, and healthy. A care provider can create a highly personalized course of care, support, assistance, and encouragement designed to address their personality, goals, and beliefs so that they are able to live the lifestyle that they desire and deserve throughout their later years. When it comes to helping them eat a healthier diet, this care provider can research recipes with your parent, provide them with safe and reliable transportation to the grocery store, and then get into the kitchen with them to help them prepare meals and snacks that are delicious and satisfying, but that also address their specific dietary needs.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elderly care in Essex County, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

 

 

Source:  https://draxe.com/barley-nutrition/

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP
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