Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, a GP and health food expert, is advocating for the inclusion of an ‘underrated’ grain in the daily meals of Brits. The wife of the late Dr Michael Mosley, she is promoting pearl barley, a grain that is often overlooked despite its numerous health benefits. Pearl barley is essentially barley with all husks removed and polished (pearled), resulting in a product that resembles large grains of rice, making it quicker to cook and more palatable than regular barley.
Despite its advantages, pearl barley is not commonly used in British cooking, with a significant portion of the world’s pearl barley being utilised for animal feed. Dr Bailey Mosley took to her Instagram to encourage people to try pearl barley, sharing a recipe for pearl barley and eggs. She highlighted that this slow-releasing starch provides a steady energy source and offers more fibre to nourish one’s biome compared to more processed grains.
The health benefits of pearl barley are substantial. According to FoodtoLive, it is an excellent option for diabetics as it aids in controlling blood sugar levels, with one study even suggesting that it can improve insulin sensitivity by up to 30 per cent. Considered a superfood, barley has been praised for its various health benefits, such as lowering the glycaemic index, stabilising insulin response, and serving as a cholesterol controller, which contributes to heart health by reducing blood pressure and lessening the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Pearl barley’s high fibre content contributes to feeling satiated for longer periods, making it advantageous for those aiming to manage their weight, as it contains roughly triple the fibre per serving compared to oats. While barley may not be classified as a whole grain due to the removal of its husk and bran during processing, the health-boosting beta-glucans remain in the kernel’s core, maintaining its status as a wholesome choice.
In addition to its fibre content, barley is rich in vitamins and minerals and can be used as a substitute for rice or incorporated into soups, stews, and salads. Social media users have expressed their fondness for barley, with some declaring it as ‘lovely’ and ‘underrated,’ particularly praising its addition to vegetable soups. Dr Clare Bailey Mosley’s recommendation to incorporate pearl barley into daily meals underscores the potential benefits this grain can offer in promoting overall health and well-being.