Many ancient civilizations have used barley water in their daily diet as a supporter of good health. According to Ayurveda, it is an excellent diuretic, which cures urinary tract infections (UTI), purifies blood and also helps the body to keep cool during the summers. Kykeon, one of the favourite beverages in ancient Greece, was made with barley water and was considered to be a cure for various ailments. Barley water has long been used in China as a restorative and blood-purifying tonic.

Barley is a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre, vitamins (B, C and E), essential minerals (calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc and copper), anti-oxidants and phytochemicals which are believed to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, barley water too has these benefits in an easy drinkable form.

Some prominent benefits are:

1. Helps in Maintaining Good Digestion: Barley the best grain for balancing Kapha dosha, but is also beneficial for Pitta-types as well. In Ayurveda, barley water is considered as a digestive tonic which helps in facilitating the process of digestion. It contains essential minerals which restore the electrolyte balance and aids in various processes of the body. Since it is a light beverage, it is easy on the stomach, and can be served to sick people too.

2. Home Remedy for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Barley water acts as a diuretic, it is considered to be a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. It is also said to be a good remedy for kidney stones or cysts. Beta-glucans sugars present in cell wall of barley helps in cleansing urinary tract. Regular usuage of barley water helps to flush out toxins from the body and maintain electrolytic balance.

3. Promotes Weight Loss: Since barley is an excellent source of fiber, barley water too retains this characteristic in some measure. It therefore proves to be a great option for those seeking to lose weight as it tends to fill you up for a longer time, thus cutting down on your food intake. Moreover, as it is good for digestion, it also stimulates the metabolism of fats.

4. Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Sugar: Being a good source of fiber and beta-glucans, barley water also works towards keeping a check on blood cholesterol (by inhibiting the absorption of LDL and triglycerides from food) and blood sugar (by improving insulin resistance). Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties which not only help in cooling the body but in protecting the heart as well.

5. Controls Fever: Barley water can be used to help reduce fevers and has long been used as a tonic to calm the nerves.

Barley contains only 5-8% gluten.