Barley and oats are two different kinds of cereals grown worldwide. These are not only consumed by human beings but animals as well. They are rich fibrous foods and provide sufficient nutrition to the body. Here, we will discuss the difference between oats and barley.
Oats:
Oats, scientifically known as Avena Sativa, are breakfast for around 90% of people nowadays because of its nutritional and healthy cholesterol-lowering properties. They are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. It is also one of the components of muesli and the most popular health food.
Barley:
It is among the earliest grown grains which belong to the grass family. This grain is presently found among all regions of the world and is popular for providing high nutritional values. Barley is also used widely in making distilled beverages and beer.
It is available in the form of flour which is used as a thickener for soups and stews. Barley flour is also mixed with wheat flour to make some combination dishes.
Nutrition Comparison of Oats and Barley:
| Components | Oats | Barley |
| Total Fat | 10.8 g | 0.7 g |
| Protein | 26.4 g | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 16.5 g | 6.0 g |
| Carbs | 103 g | 44.3 g |
| Calcium | 8 % | 2 % |
| Saturated fat | 1.9 g | 0.1 g |
| Calories | 193 | 607 |
Macronutrients:
The macronutrients present in barley are protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, monosaccharides, disaccharides, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, thiamin, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin B6, etc.
On the other hand, the macronutrients present in oats are total fat, total carbohydrate, saturated fat, proteins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, etc
Benefits of Oats and Barley
Oats Benefits
- They are very nutritious and a good source of carbs and fiber
- Oats are rich in antioxidants including avenanthramides
- Avenanthramides helps in lowering the blood pressure levels
- Oats help in improving blood sugar levels
- It also helps in weight loss
- It is also used to make facial scrubs
- Consuming oats in breakfast also helps in curing asthma
- It also helps in providing relief from constipation and irritable bowel movements
- They also contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants like thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iron
- It contains fiber (soluble and insoluble) that helps in lowering cholesterol and maintains blood glucose levels
Barley Benefits
- Barley helps in weight loss
- It helps in lowering the cholesterol levels
- Barley supports the cardiovascular system, therefore patien1ts suffering from heart diseases must consume barley once daily
- Barley contains phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, etc which helps in taking care of bone health
- It treats constipation and promotes healthy gut health
Side effects of eating Oats and Barley
Cons of Oats
- You should not consume oats if you feel difficulty in swallowing or chewing
- Poorly chewed oats can result in blockage of the intestine
- Regular consumption of oats can create problems related to disorders of the digestive tracts including esophagus, stomach and intestines
Cons of Barley
- People who are intolerance to wheat and suffering from celiac disease should not consume barley
- Barley contains fructans (a type of carbohydrate) which may cause bloating, gas in people suffering from irritable bowel diseases
- If you are a patient suffering from diabetes, then you must avoid consuming barley
Homemade Oats and Barley Recipes
You can make many delicious recipes by adding oats and barley and can eat at any time of the day. Here we have provides some easy-to-make mouth-watering recipes that you must try in your breakfast.
- Oat Barley Adai
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown/white rice
- ½ cup split moong dal
- ½ cup barley
- ½ cup oats
- 5-6 chillies
- 4 red chillies
- 7-8 curry leaves
- 1 piece ginger
- Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups of water
- A little amount of sesame oil
Method:
- Mix the first four items in the bowl. Wash and drain the items
- Soak these grains for 3 hours in 2 cups of water
- Grind curry leaves, green chillies, red chillies with a little amount of water
- Add hing and salt to taste
- Heat a pan on medium heat and pour the batter on it
- Spread quickly and evenly to create a thin circle
- Pour a few drops of sesame oil on the sides of the pan
- When the lower side of the batter turns light brown in color, flip it and cook the other side for some time
- As soon as the other side cooks, you can remove it
- Serve hot by sprinkling some chat masalas or yogurt
- Oats and Barley Porridge
Ingredients
- 1 cup of oats
- 1 cup of barley
- 1 spoon sugar
- 2 cups of water
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup of cold milk
- Chopped coriander leaves
Method:
- Add oats and all ingredients (except milk) into a pan
- Cook for 10 minutes
- Remember to stir continuously
- As soon as the oats are cooked, remove from the gas and pour milk
- Serve the delicious porridge by garnishing it with coriander leaves
Conclusion: Both oats and barley are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. You are advised to consume any of the cereals in your breakfast daily to get the complete amount of nutrients required in your body.
FAQs
Conclusion: Both oats and barley are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. You are advised to consume any of the cereals in your breakfast daily to get the complete amount of nutrients required in your body.
Which is better for weight loss oatmeal or barley? ›
If protein is your target, then barley is the clear choice. The excellent combination of fiber, protein and carbohydrates make barley a great post-workout snack as well. The caloric content is the one place where oatmeal wins out, if you are a calorie counter.
Which is better for diabetics oats or barley? ›
May Benefit Blood Sugar Control
In one study in 10 overweight women who ate barley or oats plus glucose, both oats and barley decreased blood sugar and insulin levels. However, barley was far more effective, reducing levels by 59–65%, compared to 29–36% with oats ( 9 ).
How can you tell the difference between oats and barley? ›
Auricle. The auricles are located at the lower end of the leaf-blade, where it meets the leaf-sheath. They may be extended as a pair of claw-like projections. Auricles are most obvious on barley and are absent in oats.
What is the difference between plant oats and barley? ›
In order to tell what crop is in the field farmers and agronomists look for the crop's “auricles”. Barley has a BIG auricle, Oats have no auricle and wheat has a hairy auricle.
Can I replace barley with oats? ›
Oats. Old fashioned oats can be used as a substitute for barley in some recipes like soups, cold dishes like tabbouleh, breakfast porridge, or baked goods. Oats are typically softer and have a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to barley.
Can barley water reduce belly fat? ›
High in Fibre
Satiety prevents you from overeating or eating junk food. When you are hungry, you tend to eat whatever is available. When your stomach is full, you are less likely to snack on unhealthy foods or eat mindlessly. So if combined with a healthy diet, barley water can help you lose weight.
Does barley lower A1C? ›
Some studies have shown that barley reduces the rise in blood glucose from other carbohydrate foods. And, one study documented that participants with type 2 diabetes who ate a healthy diet which included 18 grams of soluble fiber from barley each day showed a reduction in A1C of 30%.
Which is better for reducing cholesterol oats or barley? ›
In fact, barley contains about three times as much fiber per serving as oats. Barley is particularly rich in a type of soluble fiber known as beta glucan, which is recognized for its cholesterol-lowering abilities. Barley is also a good or excellent source of several vitamins and minerals.
Which grain has the lowest sugar? ›
Several whole grains have low GIs, barley, buckwheat, oats, etc are some of them. These grains can help maintain a healthy level of blood sugars and can control any long-term damage due to unhealthy food.
Whole-grain barley undergoes minimal processing, removing the inedible hull and leaving the germ and bran intact. It's the chewiest and healthiest variety but takes longer to cook. Pearled barley. This more refined grain is polished to remove some or all of the bran.
What is the Hindi name for oats and barley? ›
So, Oats would be called in Hindi जई का दलिया (Jaee Ka Daliya) or simply दलिया (Daliya). Oats is jaee. Barley is jau.
What grain is healthier than oats? ›
Millet. Naturally gluten-free and rich in vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, and folate, millet may be the most nutritious substitute for oatmeal ( 2 ).
Which is the healthiest form of oats? ›
Oat Bran
Oat bran is lower in calories and carbs than other oat products, making it a good choice for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. Since it's low in calories and a good source of fiber, it's popular amongst those looking to boost weight loss.
What is the healthiest oat variety? ›
Steel-Cut Oats
Dietitians Say: These are your best bet if you're seeking the healthiest option. Steel-cut oats are processed the least of the three oat varieties, which means they're the most beneficial for blood sugar control.
Are jau and oats the same? ›
No, they are different plants. Oats is Jai (जई) in Hindi Jou ( जौ) is different though both are from wheat family.
Is barley good or bad for weight loss? ›
Encourages weight loss. Barley prompts the body to release hormones that regulate appetite by making the person feel fuller for longer. These hormones may also boost the metabolism, which can contribute to weight loss.
What is better than oats for weight loss? ›
Chia seeds
Low in carbs but packed with protein and heart-healthy fats, chia seeds are a great alternative to oatmeal when you're following a low carb or ketogenic diet ( 13 ).
What is the best alternative for oats in weight loss? ›
Here are some of the LiveWell team's favourites:
- Chia seeds. These tiny seeds have a mild nutty flavour and a gel-like texture when soaked in liquid. ...
- Quinoa. Quinoa is a whole grain with a nutty flavour and fluffy texture when cooked. ...
- Brown rice. ...
- Buckwheat. ...
- Barley.
If you want to lose weight sustainably, try making oatmeal with steel-cut or rolled oats, Nikolakopoulos says. "Steel-cut oats can absorb more water than instant oats, and they're also superior to instant oatmeal because they are less processed and have a better nutrient profile,” she says.
