Barley vs Wheat for Weight Loss

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L), (Yava Sanskrit)

Barley and wheat have different properties and actions, up to the opposite. For example, with obesity, wheat is prohibited, but barley is indicated.

The Siddhamantra (a text that is a verified list of substances (dravyas) classified by their effect on doshas) lists barley (yava) as one “ that reduces Pitta and Kapha and increases Vata”.

Barley is astringent, sweet, cold, heavy, emollient, and promotes weight loss. Like sesame, it is used to heal wounds and ulcers. It is dry, strengthens the mind and digestive fire, and has a pungent vipaka (post digestive effet).

Unlike wheat, barley does not cause obstruction of the bodily channels. This grain is good for the voice. Barley causes gas and increases the volume of feces. This grain is viscous and improves skin color, gives stability and endurance.

Barley treats diseases of the throat and skin, and reduces adipose tissue. It helps with sinusitis and runny nose, asthma, cough, stiff hips, blood diseases and pathological thirst.

Along with buckwheat barley is the best diet for diabetic patients.

Yava was extensively used in religious ceremonies and rituals as well as in medicinal preparations.

Due to its properties, barley can be used instead of wheat to promote weight loss and avoid obstruction of the bodily channels.

Here are some non-wheat recipes to reduce Kapha and aid in weight loss:

BARLEY CHAPATI (yavarōṭikā)

For 10 cakes you will need:

2 cups (≈260 g) barley flour

1/2 cup (≈100 ml) hot water

2/3 tsp salt

mustard or sesame oil

1. In a bowl, mix flour with salt

2. Gradually add water and mix well

3. Knead the dough, if necessary, add more flour or water to achieve the desired consistency

4. Wrap the dough in cling film and leave for a couple of hours (you can put it in the refrigerator

5. Take out the dough and form small balls out of it (see photo)

6. Put a pan (without oil) on medium heat, and roll a thin cake from the ball

7. Gently transfer the chapati to the pan and fry until the cake dries around the edges, then turn over

8. When the chapati begins to puff up, use tongs to transfer it to an open fire and quickly turn it over so that the cake does not burn

9. Grease the cake with oil and cover to keep warm

10. Repeat steps 6-9 for the remaining dough

BARLEY KITCHARI:

Organic barley-½ cup

Chopped vegetables (carrots, beans, cauliflower)- ½ cup

Chopped tomatoes- 1 small sized

Oil- 2 tsp

Cumin seed- 1 tsp

Chopped ginger- 1 small piece

Salt- to taste

1. Pressure cook Organic Barley along with 2 cups of water for 2 whistles

2. Heat the oil and add cumin seeds

3. Once the cumin crackles, add ginger

4. Add the tomatoes and fry until it starts releasing oil

5. Add in the chopped vegetables, salt and mix for 2-3 minutes

6. Mix in the cooked barley, and let the mixture boil for 5-10 minute

7. Top it with a spoon of ghee, garnish with some fresh coriander leaves and serve

Although barley is the opposite of wheat in quality, it as well as wheat contains gluten. There are only three grains that have gluten in them: wheat, rye and barley.

Grains, starches or flours that can be part of a gluten-free diet include:

Amaranth

Arrowroot

Buckwheat

Corn — cornmeal, grits and polenta labeled gluten-free

Flax

Hominy (corn)

Millet

Oats

Quinoa

Rice

TODAY’S TIP: Mustard (as well as sesame) oil also helps to reduce the volume of adipose tissue and fat deposits in the bodily channels.